Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Formula 260 Bowrider 2008 vs Formula 280 Sun Sport 2006 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Formula 260 Bowrider 2008 vs Formula 280 Sun Sport 2006 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 2008 at 28,0 ft versus Formula 280 Sun Sport 2006 at 28,0 ft. At 63 lbs and 73 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.
Both boats are rated for 8 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.
Bottom line: The Formula 260 Bowrider 2008 and Formula 280 Sun Sport 2006 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.
General Boat Info
Model260 Bowrider
Model280 Sun Sport
Model Year2008
Model Year2006
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam9 ft. 2 in. (2.79 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.79
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches11
Bridge clearance - DetailLight Load: 5 ft. (1.52 m) Light Load w/ Arch: 8 ft. 3 in. (2.51 m)
Bridge clearance - DetailLight Load: 5 ft. 8 in. (1.72 m) Light Load w/ Arch: 8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters2.51
Bridge clearance - Meters2.59
Bridge clearance - Inches99
Bridge clearance - Inches102
Deadrise22℃
Deadrise21℃
Draft [max] - Detail32 in. (0.81 m)
Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (.91 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.81
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Inches32
Draft [max] - Inches36
Weight - Detail6,300 lbs. (2,858 kg)
Weight - Detail7,300 lbs. (3,311 kg)
Weight - kg2857.63
Weight - kg3311.22
Weight - lbs.63
Weight - lbs.73
Length - Meters8.53
Length - Meters8.53
Length - Feet28
Length - Feet28
Length overall - Detail28 ft. 0 in. (8.53 m)
Length overall - Detail28 ft. 0 in. (8.53 m)
Length overall - Meters8.53
Length overall - Meters8.53
Length overall - Inches336
Length overall - Inches336
Length [over all with swim platform]not available
Length [over all with swim platform]30 ft. 0 in. (9.14 m)
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialnot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardVolvo Penta Single 5.7 Gi DP
Engine/s standardVolvo Penta Twin 5.0 GXi DP
Fuel tank capacity - Detail92 gal. (348 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail120 gal. (454 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters348.26
Fuel tank capacity - Liters454.25
Fuel tank capacity - Gal92
Fuel tank capacity - Gal12
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeInboard
Operational Info
Water capacity14 gal. (53 l)
Water capacity20 gal. (76 l)
Headroomnot available
Headroom5 ft. 2 in. (1.57 m)
Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available
Holding tank capacity - Detail26 gal. (98 l)
Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available
Holding tank capacity - Liters98.42
Holding tank capacity - Galnot available
Holding tank capacity - Gal26