Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Formula 240 Bowrider 2005 vs Formula 280 Sun Sport 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Formula 240 Bowrider 2005 vs Formula 280 Sun Sport 2008 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Formula 280 Sun Sport 2008 measures 29,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 5,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Formula 240 Bowrider 2005 at 24,0 feet (2005). At 5 lbs and 82 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Formula 280 Sun Sport 2008 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Formula 240 Bowrider 2005 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Formula 280 Sun Sport 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Formula 280 Sun Sport 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 8 passengers and at 29,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Formula 240 Bowrider 2005 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 7 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
Model240 Bowrider
Model280 Sun Sport
Model Year2005
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam9 ft. 2 in. (2.79 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.79
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches11
Bridge clearance - DetailLight Load: 4 ft. 8 in. (1.42 m) Light Load w/Arch: 7 ft. 5 in. (2.26 m)
Bridge clearance - DetailLight Load: 5 ft. 8 in. (1.72 m) Light Load w/ Arch: 8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters2.26
Bridge clearance - Meters2.59
Bridge clearance - Inches89
Bridge clearance - Inches102
Deadrise20℃
Deadrise21℃
Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (.91 m)
Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (0.91 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Inches36
Draft [max] - Inches36
Weight - Detail5,000 lbs. (2,268 kg)
Weight - Detail8,200 lbs. (3,311 kg)
Weight - kg2267.96
Weight - kg3719.45
Weight - lbs.5
Weight - lbs.82
Length - Meters7.32
Length - Meters8.99
Length - Feet24
Length - Feet29
Length overall - Detail24 ft. 0 in. (7.32 m)
Length overall - Detail29 ft. 6 in. (8.99 m)
Length overall - Meters7.32
Length overall - Meters8.99
Length overall - Inches288
Length overall - Inches354
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches6
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardVolvo Penta Single 5.0 GXi DP
Engine/s standardMerCruiser? Twin 5.0 MPI Bravo Three
Fuel tank capacity - Detail60 gal. (227 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail120 gal. (454 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters227.12
Fuel tank capacity - Liters454.25
Fuel tank capacity - Gal6
Fuel tank capacity - Gal12
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeInboard
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Operational Info
Water capacity10 gal. (38 l)
Water capacity20 gal. (76 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail10 gal. (38 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail26 gal. (98 l)
Holding tank capacity - Liters37.85
Holding tank capacity - Liters98.42
Holding tank capacity - Gal1
Holding tank capacity - Gal26
Headroomnot available
Headroom5 ft. 2 in. (1.57 m)
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeDeep Vee