Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003 vs Caravelle 260 2000 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer - the Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003 or the Caravelle 260 2000?

For trailering, the Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003 has the edge at 4 050 lbs dry weight versus 4 300 lbs for the Caravelle 260 2000. 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.

Q: What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?

The Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003 has a documented max rating of 425 hp. Engine specifications for the Caravelle 260 2000 were not available in our database - check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003 is Coast Guard rated for 10 passengers, while the Caravelle 260 2000 is certified for 10. 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.

Q: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003 measures 102" wide, compared to 96" for the Caravelle 260 2000. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states - anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank - the Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003 or the Caravelle 260 2000?

The Caravelle 260 2000 has the bigger tank at 82 gallons, versus 60 gallons on the Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003. That 22-gallon difference translates to roughly 66–110 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003 and Caravelle 260 2000 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003 and the Caravelle 260 2000 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.

Boat Comparison

Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003 vs Caravelle 260 2000

Caravelle

Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003

2003

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Caravelle

Caravelle 260 2000

2000

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003 vs Caravelle 260 2000: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003 vs Caravelle 260 2000 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.

The Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003 carries a rated maximum of 425 hp. Engine data for the Caravelle 260 2000 wasn't available in our records - check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Caravelle 260 2000 carries 82 gallons versus 60 gallons in the Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 10 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 260 2000 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

Model242 Bowrider

Model260

Model Year2003

Model Year2000

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in.

Beam8' 0"

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Meters2.44

Beam - Inches102

Beam - Inches96

Deadrise21 degrees

Deadrise24 degree

Draft [drive up] - DetailMercury 22 in. - Volvo 23 in.

Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available

Draft [drive up] meters0.58

Draft [drive up] metersnot available

Draft [drive up] inches23

Draft [drive up] inchesnot available

Draft [max] - DetailMercury 38 in. - Volvo 39 in.

Draft [max] - Detailnot available

Draft [max] - Meters0.99

Draft [max] - Metersnot available

Draft [max] - Inches39

Draft [max] - Inchesnot available

Weight - Detail4050 lbs.

Weight - Detail4300 lbs

Weight - kg1837.05

Weight - kg1950.45

Weight - lbs.4050

Weight - lbs.4300

Length overall - Detail23 ft. 7 in.

Length overall - Detail25' 7"

Length overall - Meters7.19

Length overall - Meters7.62

Length overall - Inches283

Length overall - Inches300

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail60 gal.

Fuel tank capacity - Detail82 gal.

Fuel tank capacity - Liters227.12

Fuel tank capacity - Liters310.4

Fuel tank capacity - Gal60

Fuel tank capacity - Gal82

Engine max425

Engine maxnot available

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine/s standard470 Max.

Operational Info

Maximum people10

Maximum people10 persons

Body / Hull

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

Trailer Info

Trailer - Detailnot available

Trailer - DetailOptional

Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003 vs Caravelle 260 2000 - Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer - the Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003 or the Caravelle 260 2000?

For trailering, the Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003 has the edge at 4 050 lbs dry weight versus 4 300 lbs for the Caravelle 260 2000. 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.

What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?

The Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003 has a documented max rating of 425 hp. Engine specifications for the Caravelle 260 2000 were not available in our database - check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003 is Coast Guard rated for 10 passengers, while the Caravelle 260 2000 is certified for 10. 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.

Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003 measures 102" wide, compared to 96" for the Caravelle 260 2000. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states - anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank - the Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003 or the Caravelle 260 2000?

The Caravelle 260 2000 has the bigger tank at 82 gallons, versus 60 gallons on the Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003. That 22-gallon difference translates to roughly 66–110 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003 and Caravelle 260 2000 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003 and the Caravelle 260 2000 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.

← Caravelle 242 Bowrider 2003 full specs ← Caravelle 260 2000 full specs