Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Formula 260 Bowrider 2006 vs Formula 27 Cruiser 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Formula 260 Bowrider 2006 vs Formula 27 Cruiser 2009 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 2006 at 26,0 ft versus Formula 27 Cruiser 2009 at 28,0 ft. At 58 lbs and 95 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 27 Cruiser 2009 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Formula 260 Bowrider 2006 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Formula 27 Cruiser 2009 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Formula 27 Cruiser 2009 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 2006 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
Model27 Cruiser
Model Year2006
Model Year2009
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam9 ft. 7 in. (2.92 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.92
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches115
Bridge clearance - DetailLight Load: 5 ft. 0 in. (1.52 m) Light Load w/ Arch: 8 ft. 3 in. (2.51 m)
Bridge clearance - Detail10 ft. 4 in. (3.15 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters2.51
Bridge clearance - Meters3.15
Bridge clearance - Inches99
Bridge clearance - Inches124
Deadrise22℃
Deadrise18℃
Draft [max] - Detail32 in. (.81 m)
Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (0.91 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.81
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Inches32
Draft [max] - Inches36
Weight - Detail5,800 lbs. (2,631 kg)
Weight - Detail9,500 lbs. (4,309 kg)
Weight - kg2630.83
Weight - kg4309.12
Weight - lbs.58
Weight - lbs.95
Length - Meters7.92
Length - Meters8.59
Length - Feet26
Length - Feet28
Length [over all with swim platform]27 ft. 11 in. (8.51 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]29 ft. 5 in. (8.97 m)
Length overall - Detail26 ft. 0 in. (7.92 m)
Length overall - Detail28 ft. 2 in. (8.59 m)
Length overall - Meters7.92
Length overall - Meters8.59
Length overall - Inches312
Length overall - Inches338
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches2
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardVolvo Penta Single 5.7 Gi DP
Engine/s standardMerCruiser? twin 350 MAG Bravo 3
Fuel tank capacity - Detail92 gal. (348 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail107 gal. (405 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters348.26
Fuel tank capacity - Liters405.04
Fuel tank capacity - Gal92
Fuel tank capacity - Gal107
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeInboard
Max no of enginesnot available
Max no of engines2
Operational Info
Water capacity14 gal. (53 l)
Water capacity26.5 gal. (100 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail18 gal. (68 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail30 gal. (114 l)
Holding tank capacity - Liters68.14
Holding tank capacity - Liters113.56
Holding tank capacity - Gal18
Holding tank capacity - Gal3
Headroomnot available
Headroom6 ft. 4 in. (1.93 m)
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeDeep Vee