Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2007 boat specs
Caravelle
Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2007
2007
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VS
Caravelle Sea Hawk 280 Center Console 2003 boat specs
Caravelle
Caravelle Sea Hawk 280 Center Console 2003
2003
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Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2007 vs Caravelle Sea Hawk 280 Center Console 2003 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2007 vs Caravelle Sea Hawk 280 Center Console 2003 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 power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 375 hp, the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2007 has a 370-hp advantage over the Caravelle Sea Hawk 280 Center Console 2003's 5-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Caravelle Sea Hawk 280 Center Console 2003 carries 195 gallons versus 6 gallons in the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2007. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2007 and its 375-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Caravelle Sea Hawk 280 Center Console 2003 with its 5-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakeCaravelle
MakeCaravelle
Model242LS Bowrider
ModelSea Hawk 280 Center Console
Model Year2007
Model Year2003
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in
Beam105 in
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.67
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches105
Deadrise21℃
Deadrise24 degrees
Draft [drive up] - DetailMercury: 22 in. Volvo: 23 in
Draft [drive up] - Detail27 in
Draft [drive up] meters0.58
Draft [drive up] meters0.69
Draft [drive up] inches23
Draft [drive up] inches27
Draft [max] - DetailMercury: 38 in. Volvo: 39 in
Draft [max] - Detail41 in
Draft [max] - Meters0.99
Draft [max] - Meters1.04
Draft [max] - Inches39
Draft [max] - Inches41
Weight - Detail4,500 lbs
Weight - Detail4500 lbs
Weight - kg2041.16
Weight - kg2041.16
Weight - lbs.45
Weight - lbs.45
Length - Feet25
Length - Feetnot available
Length - Inches11
Length - Inchesnot available
Length [over all with swim platform]25 ft. 11 in
Length [over all with swim platform]not available
Length overall - Detailnot available
Length overall - Detail28 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Metersnot available
Length overall - Meters8.53
Length overall - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Inches336
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialnot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardVolvo 5.7 Gi - 280 hp
Engine/s standardnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail60 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail195 gallons
Fuel tank capacity - Liters227.12
Fuel tank capacity - Liters738.15
Fuel tank capacity - Gal6
Fuel tank capacity - Gal195
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typenot available
Drive typeI/O
Drive typenot available
Engine max375 hp
Engine max5

Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2007 vs Caravelle Sea Hawk 280 Center Console 2003 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2007 or the Caravelle Sea Hawk 280 Center Console 2003?
For trailering, the Caravelle Sea Hawk 280 Center Console 2003 has the edge at 45 lbs dry weight versus 45 lbs for the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2007. 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.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2007 is rated to a maximum of 375 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Caravelle Sea Hawk 280 Center Console 2003 tops out at 5 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.
How many passengers can the Caravelle Sea Hawk 280 Center Console 2003 carry?
The Caravelle Sea Hawk 280 Center Console 2003 has an official capacity rating of 8 people. Capacity data wasn't available for the other model in this comparison — verify directly with the dealer.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Caravelle Sea Hawk 280 Center Console 2003 measures 105" wide, compared to 102" for the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2007. 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 242LS Bowrider 2007 or the Caravelle Sea Hawk 280 Center Console 2003?
The Caravelle Sea Hawk 280 Center Console 2003 has the bigger tank at 195 gallons, versus 6 gallons on the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2007. That 189-gallon difference translates to roughly 567–945 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2007 and Caravelle Sea Hawk 280 Center Console 2003 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2007 and the Caravelle Sea Hawk 280 Center Console 2003 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.