Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Formula 260 Bowrider 2005 vs Formula 45 Yacht 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Formula 260 Bowrider 2005 vs Formula 45 Yacht 2008 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 45 Yacht 2008 measures 45,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 19,0 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 45 Yacht 2008 tips the scales at 335 lbs — 277 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 45 Yacht 2008 is rated for 13 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 45 Yacht 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Formula 45 Yacht 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 13 passengers and at 45,0 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
Model45 Yacht
Model Year2005
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam13 ft. 11 in. (4.24 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters4.24
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches167
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: 12 ft. 10 in. (3.91 m) Light Load w/ Mast Light: 15 ft. 5 in. (4.7 m) Light Load w/ Radar: 13 ft. 10 in. (4.22 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters2.51
Bridge clearance - Meters4.7
Bridge clearance - Inches99
Bridge clearance - Inches185
Deadrise22℃
Deadrise18℃
Draft [max] - Detail32 in. (.81 m)
Draft [max] - Detail41 in. (1.04 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.81
Draft [max] - Meters1.04
Draft [max] - Inches32
Draft [max] - Inches41
Weight - Detail5,800 lbs. (2,631 kg)
Weight - Detail33,500 lbs. (15,195 kg)
Weight - kg2630.83
Weight - kg15195.33
Weight - lbs.58
Weight - lbs.335
Length - Meters7.92
Length - Meters13.72
Length - Feet26
Length - Feet45
Length [over all with swim platform]27 ft. 11 in. (8.51 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]48 ft. 2 in. (14.68 m)
Length overall - Detail26 ft. 0 in. (7.92 m)
Length overall - Detail45 ft. 0 in. (13.72 m)
Length overall - Meters7.92
Length overall - Meters13.72
Length overall - Inches312
Length overall - Inches54
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardVolvo Penta Single 5.7 Gi DP
Engine/s standardVolvo Penta Twin IPS 600 HP435 with Joystick
Fuel tank capacity - Detail92 gal. (348 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail350 gal. (1,325 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters348.26
Fuel tank capacity - Liters1324.89
Fuel tank capacity - Gal92
Fuel tank capacity - Gal35
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeInboard
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeDiesel
Operational Info
Water capacity14 gal. (53 l)
Water capacity100 gal. (379 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail18 gal. (68 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail75 gal. (284 l)
Holding tank capacity - Liters68.14
Holding tank capacity - Liters283.91
Holding tank capacity - Gal18
Holding tank capacity - Gal75
Headroomnot available
Headroom6 ft. 11 in. (2.11 m) Guest Stateroom: 5 ft. 8 in. (1.73 m)
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee