Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Formula 260 Bowrider 2005 vs Formula 400 Super Sport 2013 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Formula 260 Bowrider 2005 vs Formula 400 Super Sport 2013 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 400 Super Sport 2013 measures 41,5 feet overall (2013), giving it roughly 15,5 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 400 Super Sport 2013 tips the scales at 181 lbs — 123 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 400 Super Sport 2013 is rated for 12 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 400 Super Sport 2013 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Formula 400 Super Sport 2013 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 12 passengers and at 41,5 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
Model400 Super Sport
Model Year2005
Model Year2013
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam11 ft. (3.35 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters3.35
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches132
Bridge clearance - DetailLight Load: 5 ft. 0 in. (1.52 m) Light Load w/Arch: 8 ft. 3 in. (2.51 m)
Bridge clearance - DetailWith Mast Light: 11 ft. 6 in. (3.51 m) With Hardtop, Satellite TV & Mast Light: 12 ft. 6 in. (3.81 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters2.51
Bridge clearance - Meters3.81
Bridge clearance - Inches99
Bridge clearance - Inches15
Deadrise22℃
Deadrise22℃
Draft [max] - Detail32 in. (.81 m)
Draft [max] - DetailGas: 39 in. (0.99 mm) Diesel: 40 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 - DetailGas: 16,100 lbs. (7,303 kg) Diesel: 17,100 lbs. (7,756 kg) With Hardtop - Gas: 17,100 lbs. (7,756 kg) With Hardtop - Diesel: 18,100 lbs. (8,210 kg)
Weight - kg2630.83
Weight - kg8210.02
Weight - lbs.58
Weight - lbs.181
Length - Meters7.92
Length - Meters12.65
Length - Feet26
Length - Feet41.5
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 - Detail41 ft. 6 in. (12.65 m)
Length overall - Meters7.92
Length overall - Meters12.65
Length overall - Inches312
Length overall - Inches498
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 - Detail250 gal. (946 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters348.26
Fuel tank capacity - Liters946.35
Fuel tank capacity - Gal92
Fuel tank capacity - Gal25
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeInboard
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Operational Info
Water capacity14 gal. (53 l)
Water capacity50 gal. (189 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail18 gal. (68 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail50 gal. (189 l)
Holding tank capacity - Liters68.14
Holding tank capacity - Liters189.27
Holding tank capacity - Gal18
Holding tank capacity - Gal5
Headroomnot available
Headroom6 ft. 2 in. (1.88 m)
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee