Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Formula 240 Sun Sport 2011 vs Formula 280 Sun Sport 2006 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Formula 240 Sun Sport 2011 vs Formula 280 Sun Sport 2006 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 2006 measures 28,0 feet overall (2006), giving it roughly 4,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Formula 240 Sun Sport 2011 at 24,0 feet (2011). At 5 lbs and 73 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 2006 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Formula 240 Sun Sport 2011 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 2006 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Formula 280 Sun Sport 2006 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 8 passengers and at 28,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Formula 240 Sun Sport 2011 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 Sun Sport
Model280 Sun Sport
Model Year2011
Model Year2006
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 - Detail4 ft. 8 in. (1.42 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 - Meters1.42
Bridge clearance - Meters2.59
Bridge clearance - Inches56
Bridge clearance - Inches102
Deadrise20℃
Deadrise21℃
Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (0.91 m)
Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (.91 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Inches36
Draft [max] - Inches36
Weight - Detail5,000 lbs. (2,268 kg)
Weight - Detail7,300 lbs. (3,311 kg)
Weight - kg2267.96
Weight - kg3311.22
Weight - lbs.5
Weight - lbs.73
Length - Meters7.32
Length - Meters8.53
Length - Feet24
Length - Feet28
Length overall - Detail24 ft. (7.32 m)
Length overall - Detail28 ft. 0 in. (8.53 m)
Length overall - Meters7.32
Length overall - Meters8.53
Length overall - Inches288
Length overall - Inches336
Length [over all with swim platform]not available
Length [over all with swim platform]30 ft. 0 in. (9.14 m)
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialnot available
Hull typeDeep Vee
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Max no of engines1
Max no of enginesnot available
Engine/s standardMerCruiser? Single 5.0 MPI EC Bravo Three
Engine/s standardVolvo Penta Twin 5.0 GXi DP
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
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeInboard
Operational Info
Water capacity10 gal. (38 l)
Water capacity20 gal. (76 l)
Headroomnot available
Headroom5 ft. 2 in. (1.57 m)
Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available
Holding tank capacity - Detail26 gal. (98 l)
Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available
Holding tank capacity - Liters98.42
Holding tank capacity - Galnot available
Holding tank capacity - Gal26