Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Formula 260 Bowrider 2005 vs Formula 280 Bowrider 2006 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Formula 260 Bowrider 2005 vs Formula 280 Bowrider 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Formula 260 Bowrider 2005 at 26,0 ft versus Formula 280 Bowrider 2006 at 28,0 ft. At 58 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 Bowrider 2006 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Formula 260 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 Bowrider 2006 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Formula 280 Bowrider 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 260 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
Model260 Bowrider
Model280 Bowrider
Model Year2005
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 - DetailLight Load: 5 ft. 0 in. (1.52 m) Light Load w/Arch: 8 ft. 3 in. (2.51 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 - Meters2.51
Bridge clearance - Meters2.59
Bridge clearance - Inches99
Bridge clearance - Inches102
Deadrise22℃
Deadrise21℃
Draft [max] - Detail32 in. (.81 m)
Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (.91 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.81
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Inches32
Draft [max] - Inches36
Weight - Detail5,800 lbs. (2,631 kg)
Weight - DetailSingle: 6,100 lbs. (2,767 kg) Twin: 7,300 lbs. (3,311 kg)
Weight - kg2630.83
Weight - kg3311.22
Weight - lbs.58
Weight - lbs.73
Length - Meters7.92
Length - Meters8.53
Length - Feet26
Length - Feet28
Length [over all with swim platform]27 ft. 11 in. (8.51 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]30 ft. 0 in. (9.14 m)
Length overall - Detail26 ft. 0 in. (7.92 m)
Length overall - Detail28 ft. 0 in. (8.53 m)
Length overall - Meters7.92
Length overall - Meters8.53
Length overall - Inches312
Length overall - Inches336
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardVolvo Penta Single 5.7 Gi DP
Engine/s standardVolvo Penta Single 8.1 Gi DP w/CWC
Fuel tank capacity - Detail92 gal. (348 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail120 gal. (454 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters348.26
Fuel tank capacity - Liters454.25
Fuel tank capacity - Gal92
Fuel tank capacity - Gal12
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeInboard
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Operational Info
Water capacity14 gal. (53 l)
Water capacity20 gal. (76 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail18 gal. (68 l)
Holding tank capacity - DetailSingle: 26 gal. (98 l) Twin: 2.6 gal. (9.8 l)
Holding tank capacity - Liters68.14
Holding tank capacity - Liters98.42
Holding tank capacity - Gal18
Holding tank capacity - Gal26