Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Formula 260 Bowrider 2008 vs Formula 290 FX4 BR 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat
Matching a modified vee Formula 260 Bowrider 2008 against a deep vee Formula 290 FX4 BR 2012 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Formula 260 Bowrider 2008 at 28,0 ft versus Formula 290 FX4 BR 2012 at 29,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Formula 290 FX4 BR 2012 tips the scales at 895 lbs — 832 lbs less than the Formula 260 Bowrider 2008 at 63 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.
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 290 FX4 BR 2012 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
Model290 FX4 BR
Model Year2008
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. (1.52 m) Light Load w/ Arch: 8 ft. 3 in. (2.51 m)
Bridge clearance - Detail5 ft. 10 in. (1.77 m) With Arch: 8 ft. 2 in. (2.49 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters2.51
Bridge clearance - Meters2.49
Bridge clearance - Inches99
Bridge clearance - Inches98
Deadrise22℃
Deadrise22³
Draft [max] - Detail32 in. (0.81 m)
Draft [max] - Detail40 in. (1.02 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.81
Draft [max] - Meters1.02
Draft [max] - Inches32
Draft [max] - Inches4
Weight - Detail6,300 lbs. (2,858 kg)
Weight - Detail8,950 lbs. (4,060 kg)
Weight - kg2857.63
Weight - kg4059.65
Weight - lbs.63
Weight - lbs.895
Length - Meters8.53
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Feet28
Length - Feet29
Length overall - Detail28 ft. 0 in. (8.53 m)
Length overall - Detail29 ft. 0 in. (8.84 m)
Length overall - Meters8.53
Length overall - Meters8.84
Length overall - Inches336
Length overall - Inches348
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialAluminum
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeDeep Vee
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 - Detail122 gal. (462 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters348.26
Fuel tank capacity - Liters461.82
Fuel tank capacity - Gal92
Fuel tank capacity - Gal122
Drive typeInboard
Drive typenot available
Operational Info
Water capacity14 gal. (53 l)
Water capacity21 gal. (79 l)
Headroomnot available
Headroom5 ft. 1 in. (1.54 m)
Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available
Holding tank capacity - Detail22.5 gal. (85 l)
Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available
Holding tank capacity - Liters87.06
Holding tank capacity - Galnot available
Holding tank capacity - Gal22.5