Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Formula 240 Bowrider 2005 vs Formula 31 Cruiser 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Formula 240 Bowrider 2005 vs Formula 31 Cruiser 2005 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 31 Cruiser 2005 measures 33,0 feet overall (2005), giving it roughly 9,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Formula 240 Bowrider 2005 at 24,0 feet (2005). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Formula 31 Cruiser 2005 tips the scales at 141 lbs — 136 lbs less than the Formula 240 Bowrider 2005 at 5 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Formula 31 Cruiser 2005 is rated for 10 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 31 Cruiser 2005 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Formula 31 Cruiser 2005 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 10 passengers and at 33,0 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
Model31 Cruiser
Model Year2005
Model Year2005
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam11 ft. 0 in. (3.35 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters3.35
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches132
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: 10 ft. 4 in. (3.15 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters2.26
Bridge clearance - Meters3.15
Bridge clearance - Inches89
Bridge clearance - Inches124
Deadrise20℃
Deadrise18℃
Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (.91 m)
Draft [max] - Detail34 in. (.86 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Meters0.86
Draft [max] - Inches36
Draft [max] - Inches34
Weight - Detail5,000 lbs. (2,268 kg)
Weight - Detail14,100 lbs. (6,396 kg)
Weight - kg2267.96
Weight - kg6395.65
Weight - lbs.5
Weight - lbs.141
Length - Meters7.32
Length - Meters10.08
Length - Feet24
Length - Feet33
Length overall - Detail24 ft. 0 in. (7.32 m)
Length overall - Detail33 ft. 1 in. (10.08 m) Less Bow Platform: 31 ft. 8 in. (9.65 m)
Length overall - Meters7.32
Length overall - Meters10.08
Length overall - Inches288
Length overall - Inches397
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches1
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardVolvo Penta Single 5.0 GXi DP
Engine/s standardVolvo Penta Twin 5.7 GXi DP
Fuel tank capacity - Detail60 gal. (227 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail180 gal. (681 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters227.12
Fuel tank capacity - Liters681.37
Fuel tank capacity - Gal6
Fuel tank capacity - Gal18
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeInboard
Operational Info
Water capacity10 gal. (38 l)
Water capacity50 gal. (189 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail10 gal. (38 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail40 gal. (151 l)
Holding tank capacity - Liters37.85
Holding tank capacity - Liters151.42
Holding tank capacity - Gal1
Holding tank capacity - Gal4
Headroomnot available
Headroom6 ft. 4 in. (1.93 m)