Caravelle 280 Center Console 2008 vs Caravelle Sea Hawk 280 Center Console 2003 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Caravelle 280 Center Console 2008 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 56 lbs for the Caravelle 280 Center Console 2008. 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: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Caravelle 280 Center Console 2008 is rated to a maximum of 250 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.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Caravelle 280 Center Console 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Caravelle Sea Hawk 280 Center Console 2003 is certified for 8. 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: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Caravelle 280 Center Console 2008 and Caravelle Sea Hawk 280 Center Console 2003 share an 105 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.

Q: How do the fuel tanks compare on the Caravelle 280 Center Console 2008 and Caravelle Sea Hawk 280 Center Console 2003?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 195 gallons and 195 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Q: Are the Caravelle 280 Center Console 2008 and Caravelle Sea Hawk 280 Center Console 2003 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Caravelle 280 Center Console 2008 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.

Boat Comparison

Caravelle 280 Center Console 2008 vs Caravelle Sea Hawk 280 Center Console 2003

Caravelle

Caravelle 280 Center Console 2008

2008

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Caravelle

Caravelle Sea Hawk 280 Center Console 2003

2003

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Caravelle 280 Center Console 2008 vs Caravelle Sea Hawk 280 Center Console 2003 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Caravelle 280 Center Console 2008 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 250 hp, the Caravelle 280 Center Console 2008 has a 245-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. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 195 gal and 195 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

Both boats are rated for 8 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: Performance buyers should lean toward the Caravelle 280 Center Console 2008 and its 250-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

Model280 Center Console

ModelSea Hawk 280 Center Console

Model Year2008

Model Year2003

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam105 in

Beam - Meters2.67

Beam - Inches105

Deadrise24℃

Deadrise24 degrees

Draft [drive up] - Detail27 in

Draft [drive up] meters0.69

Draft [drive up] inches27

Draft [max] - Detail41 in

Draft [max] - Meters1.04

Draft [max] - Inches41

Weight - Detail5,600 lbs

Weight - Detail4500 lbs

Weight - kg2540.12

Weight - kg2041.16

Weight - lbs.56

Weight - lbs.45

Length - Feet28

Length - Feetnot available

Length overall - Detail28 ft. 0 in

Length overall - Meters8.53

Length overall - Inches336

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull materialnot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typenot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standardYamaha Twin Z200TX - 400 hp

Engine/s standardnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail195 gal

Fuel tank capacity - Detail195 gallons

Fuel tank capacity - Liters738.15

Fuel tank capacity - Gal195

Fuel typeGas

Fuel typenot available

Drive typeOutboard

Drive typenot available

Engine maxTwin 250 hp (500 hp)

Engine max5

Caravelle 280 Center Console 2008 vs Caravelle Sea Hawk 280 Center Console 2003 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Caravelle 280 Center Console 2008 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 56 lbs for the Caravelle 280 Center Console 2008. 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 280 Center Console 2008 is rated to a maximum of 250 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 people can each boat hold?

The Caravelle 280 Center Console 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Caravelle Sea Hawk 280 Center Console 2003 is certified for 8. 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 280 Center Console 2008 and Caravelle Sea Hawk 280 Center Console 2003 share an 105 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 280 Center Console 2008 and Caravelle Sea Hawk 280 Center Console 2003?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 195 gallons and 195 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 280 Center Console 2008 and Caravelle Sea Hawk 280 Center Console 2003 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Caravelle 280 Center Console 2008 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.

← Caravelle 280 Center Console 2008 full specs ← Caravelle Sea Hawk 280 Center Console 2003 full specs