Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003 boat specs
Caravelle
Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003
2003
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VS
Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2005 boat specs
Caravelle
Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2005
2005
View full specs →

Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003 vs Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003 vs Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2005 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 425 hp for the Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003 and 425 hp for the Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2005. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 6 gal and 6 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

Both boats are rated for 1 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Bottom line: The Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003 and Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2005 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.
General Boat Info
MakeCaravelle
MakeCaravelle
Model242 Bowrider
Model242 Bowrider
Model Year2003
Model Year2005
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in
Beam8 ft. 6 in
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches102
Deadrise21 degrees
Deadrise21 degrees
Draft [drive up] - DetailMercury 22 in. - Volvo 23 in
Draft [drive up] - DetailMercury 22 in. - Volvo 23 in
Draft [drive up] meters0.58
Draft [drive up] meters0.58
Draft [drive up] inches23
Draft [drive up] inches23
Draft [max] - DetailMercury 38 in. - Volvo 39 in
Draft [max] - DetailMercury 38 in. - Volvo 39 in
Draft [max] - Meters0.99
Draft [max] - Meters0.99
Draft [max] - Inches39
Draft [max] - Inches39
Weight - Detail4050 lbs
Weight - Detail4050 lbs
Weight - kg1837.05
Weight - kg1837.05
Weight - lbs.405
Weight - lbs.405
Length overall - Detail23 ft. 7 in
Length overall - Detail23 ft. 7 in
Length overall - Meters7.19
Length overall - Meters7.19
Length overall - Inches283
Length overall - Inches283
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail60 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail60 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters227.12
Fuel tank capacity - Liters227.12
Fuel tank capacity - Gal6
Fuel tank capacity - Gal6
Engine max425
Engine max425
Operational Info
Maximum people1
Maximum people1

Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003 vs Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2005 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003 or the Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2005?
For trailering, the Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2005 has the edge at 405 lbs dry weight versus 405 lbs for the Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003 is Coast Guard rated for 1 passengers, while the Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2005 is certified for 1. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?
Both the Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003 and Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2005 share an 8 ft. 6 in beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.
How do the fuel tanks compare on the Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003 and Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2005?
Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 6 gallons and 6 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.
Are the Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003 and Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2005 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003 and the Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2005 are built by Caravelle. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.