Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009 vs Caravelle 280 Center Console 2001 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer - the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009 or the Caravelle 280 Center Console 2001?

For trailering, the Caravelle 280 Center Console 2001 has the edge at 4 500 lbs dry weight versus 4 500 lbs for the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009. 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 242LS Bowrider 2009 has a documented max rating of 375 hp. Engine specifications for the Caravelle 280 Center Console 2001 were not available in our database - check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.

Q: How many passengers can the Caravelle 280 Center Console 2001 carry?

The Caravelle 280 Center Console 2001 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.

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

The Caravelle 280 Center Console 2001 measures 105" wide, compared to 102" for the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009. 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 242LS Bowrider 2009 or the Caravelle 280 Center Console 2001?

The Caravelle 280 Center Console 2001 has the bigger tank at 195 gallons, versus 57 gallons on the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009. That 138-gallon difference translates to roughly 414–690 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009 and Caravelle 280 Center Console 2001 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009 and the Caravelle 280 Center Console 2001 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 242LS Bowrider 2009 vs Caravelle 280 Center Console 2001

Caravelle

Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009

2009

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Caravelle

Caravelle 280 Center Console 2001

2001

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009 vs Caravelle 280 Center Console 2001: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009 vs Caravelle 280 Center Console 2001 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 242LS Bowrider 2009 carries a rated maximum of 375 hp. Engine data for the Caravelle 280 Center Console 2001 wasn't available in our records - check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Caravelle 280 Center Console 2001 carries 195 gallons versus 57 gallons in the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Bottom line: The Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009 and Caravelle 280 Center Console 2001 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

Model242LS Bowrider

Model280 Center Console

Model Year2009

Model Year2001

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in.

Beam105"

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] - 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 - Detail4,500 lbs.

Weight - Detail4500 lbs

Weight - kg2041.16

Weight - lbs.4500

Length - Feet25.92

Length - Feetnot available

Length [over all with swim platform]25.92 ft.

Length [over all with swim platform]not available

Length overall - Detailnot available

Length overall - Detail28' 0"

Length overall - Metersnot available

Length overall - Meters8.53

Length overall - Inchesnot available

Length overall - Inches336

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typenot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standardVolvo 5.7Gi - 300 hp

Engine/s standard250 Max. single, 500 Max twin

Fuel tank capacity - Detail57 gal.

Fuel tank capacity - Detail195 gal.

Fuel tank capacity - Liters215.77

Fuel tank capacity - Liters738.15

Fuel tank capacity - Gal57

Fuel tank capacity - Gal195

Fuel typeGas

Fuel typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Drive typenot available

Engine max375 hp

Engine maxnot available

Trailer Info

Trailer - Detailnot available

Trailer - DetailOptional

Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009 vs Caravelle 280 Center Console 2001 - Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer - the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009 or the Caravelle 280 Center Console 2001?

For trailering, the Caravelle 280 Center Console 2001 has the edge at 4 500 lbs dry weight versus 4 500 lbs for the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009. 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 242LS Bowrider 2009 has a documented max rating of 375 hp. Engine specifications for the Caravelle 280 Center Console 2001 were not available in our database - check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.

How many passengers can the Caravelle 280 Center Console 2001 carry?

The Caravelle 280 Center Console 2001 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 280 Center Console 2001 measures 105" wide, compared to 102" for the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009. 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 2009 or the Caravelle 280 Center Console 2001?

The Caravelle 280 Center Console 2001 has the bigger tank at 195 gallons, versus 57 gallons on the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009. That 138-gallon difference translates to roughly 414–690 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009 and Caravelle 280 Center Console 2001 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Caravelle 242LS Bowrider 2009 and the Caravelle 280 Center Console 2001 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 242LS Bowrider 2009 full specs ← Caravelle 280 Center Console 2001 full specs