Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Formula 240 Bowrider 2008 vs Formula 280 Bowrider 2007 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Formula 240 Bowrider 2008 vs Formula 280 Bowrider 2007 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 Bowrider 2007 measures 29,0 feet overall (2007), giving it roughly 5,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Formula 240 Bowrider 2008 at 24,0 feet (2008). 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 Bowrider 2007 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Formula 240 Bowrider 2008 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 Bowrider 2007 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Formula 280 Bowrider 2007 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 2008 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 Bowrider
Model Year2008
Model Year2007
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. (0.91 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 - DetailSingle: 7,300 lbs. (3,311 kg) Twin: 8,200 lbs. (3,719 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
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardVolvo Penta Single 5.0 GXi DP
Engine/s standardMerCruiser? Single 496 MAG 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
Operational Info
Water capacity10 gal. (38 l)
Water capacity20 gal. (76 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available
Holding tank capacity - DetailSingle: 26 gal. (98 l) Twin: 2.6 gal. (9.8 l)
Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available
Holding tank capacity - Liters98.42
Holding tank capacity - Galnot available
Holding tank capacity - Gal26