Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Formula 260 Bowrider 2005 vs Formula 310 FX5 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Formula 260 Bowrider 2005 vs Formula 310 FX5 2012 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 310 FX5 2012 measures 31,0 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 5,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Formula 260 Bowrider 2005 at 26,0 feet (2005). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Formula 310 FX5 2012 tips the scales at 975 lbs — 917 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 310 FX5 2012 is rated for 9 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 310 FX5 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Formula 310 FX5 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 9 passengers and at 31,0 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
Model310 FX5
Model Year2005
Model Year2012
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam9 ft. 6 in. (2.9 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.9
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches114
Bridge clearance - DetailLight Load: 5 ft. 0 in. (1.52 m) Light Load w/Arch: 8 ft. 3 in. (2.51 m)
Bridge clearance - Detail6 ft. (1.83 m) With Arch: 8 ft. 8 in. (2.64 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters2.51
Bridge clearance - Meters2.64
Bridge clearance - Inches99
Bridge clearance - Inches104
Deadrise22℃
Deadrise22³
Draft [max] - Detail32 in. (.81 m)
Draft [max] - Detail37 in. (0.94 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.81
Draft [max] - Meters0.94
Draft [max] - Inches32
Draft [max] - Inches37
Weight - Detail5,800 lbs. (2,631 kg)
Weight - Detail9,750 lbs. (4,423 kg)
Weight - kg2630.83
Weight - kg4422.52
Weight - lbs.58
Weight - lbs.975
Length - Meters7.92
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Feet26
Length - Feet31
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 - Detail31 ft. 0 in. (9.45 m)
Length overall - Meters7.92
Length overall - Meters9.45
Length overall - Inches312
Length overall - Inches372
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardVolvo Penta Single 5.7 Gi DP
Engine/s standardnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail92 gal. (348 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail130 gal. (492 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters348.26
Fuel tank capacity - Liters492.1
Fuel tank capacity - Gal92
Fuel tank capacity - Gal13
Drive typeInboard
Drive typenot available
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Operational Info
Water capacity14 gal. (53 l)
Water capacity29 gal. (110 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail18 gal. (68 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail36 gal. (136 l)
Holding tank capacity - Liters68.14
Holding tank capacity - Liters136.27
Holding tank capacity - Gal18
Holding tank capacity - Gal36
Headroomnot available
Headroom5 ft. 4 in. (1.63 m)
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialAluminum
Hull typenot available
Hull typeDeep Vee