Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Formula 260 Bowrider 2005 vs Formula 290 Bowrider 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Formula 260 Bowrider 2005 vs Formula 290 Bowrider 2011 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 290 Bowrider 2011 at 29,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Formula 290 Bowrider 2011 tips the scales at 895 lbs — 837 lbs less than the Formula 260 Bowrider 2005 at 58 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 290 Bowrider 2011 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 290 Bowrider 2011 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Formula 290 Bowrider 2011 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 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
Model290 Bowrider
Model Year2005
Model Year2011
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam9 ft. (2.74 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.74
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches108
Bridge clearance - DetailLight Load: 5 ft. 0 in. (1.52 m) Light Load w/Arch: 8 ft. 3 in. (2.51 m)
Bridge clearance - Detail5 ft. 10 in. (1.77 m) With Arch: 8 ft. 2 in. (2.49 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters2.51
Bridge clearance - Meters2.49
Bridge clearance - Inches99
Bridge clearance - Inches98
Deadrise22℃
Deadrise22°
Draft [max] - Detail32 in. (.81 m)
Draft [max] - Detail40 in. (1.02 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.81
Draft [max] - Meters1.02
Draft [max] - Inches32
Draft [max] - Inches4
Weight - Detail5,800 lbs. (2,631 kg)
Weight - Detail8,950 lbs. (4,060 kg)
Weight - kg2630.83
Weight - kg4059.65
Weight - lbs.58
Weight - lbs.895
Length - Meters7.92
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Feet26
Length - Feet29
Length [over all with swim platform]27 ft. 11 in. (8.51 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]not available
Length overall - Detail26 ft. 0 in. (7.92 m)
Length overall - Detail29 ft. (8.84 m)
Length overall - Meters7.92
Length overall - Meters8.84
Length overall - Inches312
Length overall - Inches348
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardVolvo Penta Single 5.7 Gi DP
Engine/s standardMerCruiser® Single 8.2 MAG EC Bravo Three X
Fuel tank capacity - Detail92 gal. (348 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail122 gal. (461 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters348.26
Fuel tank capacity - Liters461.82
Fuel tank capacity - Gal92
Fuel tank capacity - Gal122
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeInboard - Twin
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Operational Info
Water capacity14 gal. (53 l)
Water capacity20 gal. (76 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail18 gal. (68 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail22.5 gal. (85 l)
Holding tank capacity - Liters68.14
Holding tank capacity - Liters87.06
Holding tank capacity - Gal18
Holding tank capacity - Gal22.5
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee