Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Formula 260 Bowrider 2008 vs Formula 31 Cruiser 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat
Matching a modified vee Formula 260 Bowrider 2008 against a deep vee Formula 31 Cruiser 2011 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Formula 31 Cruiser 2011 measures 31,7 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 3,7 additional feet of deck space compared to the Formula 260 Bowrider 2008 at 28,0 feet (2008). At 63 lbs and 141 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 31 Cruiser 2011 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Formula 260 Bowrider 2008 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Formula 31 Cruiser 2011 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Formula 31 Cruiser 2011 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 9 passengers and at 31,7 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Formula 260 Bowrider 2008 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 8 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
Model260 Bowrider
Model31 Cruiser
Model Year2008
Model Year2011
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. (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. (0.81 m)
Draft [max] - Detail34 in. (0.86 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.81
Draft [max] - Meters0.86
Draft [max] - Inches32
Draft [max] - Inches34
Weight - Detail6,300 lbs. (2,858 kg)
Weight - Detail14,100 lbs. (6,396 kg)
Weight - kg2857.63
Weight - kg6395.65
Weight - lbs.63
Weight - lbs.141
Length - Meters8.53
Length - Meters9.65
Length - Feet28
Length - Feet31.67
Length overall - Detail28 ft. 0 in. (8.53 m)
Length overall - Detail31 ft. 8 in. (9.65 m)
Length overall - Meters8.53
Length overall - Meters9.65
Length overall - Inches336
Length overall - Inches38
Length [over all with swim platform]not available
Length [over all with swim platform]33 ft. 1 in. (10.08 m)
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeDeep Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardVolvo Penta Single 5.7 Gi DP
Engine/s standardVolvo Penta Twin 5.7 GXiC DP
Fuel tank capacity - Detail92 gal. (348 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail180 gal. (681 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters348.26
Fuel tank capacity - Liters681.37
Fuel tank capacity - Gal92
Fuel tank capacity - Gal18
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeInboard
Max no of enginesnot available
Max no of engines2
Operational Info
Water capacity14 gal. (53 l)
Water capacity50 gal. (189 l)
Headroomnot available
Headroom6 ft. 4 in. (1.93 m)
Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available
Holding tank capacity - Detail40 gal. (151 l)
Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available
Holding tank capacity - Liters151.42
Holding tank capacity - Galnot available
Holding tank capacity - Gal4