Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Formula 260 Bowrider 2008 vs Formula 310 FX5 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat
Matching a modified vee Formula 260 Bowrider 2008 against a deep vee Formula 310 FX5 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Formula 260 Bowrider 2008 at 28,0 ft versus Formula 310 FX5 2011 at 31,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Formula 310 FX5 2011 tips the scales at 975 lbs — 912 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.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Formula 310 FX5 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 310 FX5 2011 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Formula 310 FX5 2011 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 9 passengers and at 31,0 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
Model310 FX5
Model Year2008
Model Year2011
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam9 ft. 6 in. (2.90 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 - Detail6 ft. (1.83 m) With Arch: 8 ft. 8 in. (2.64 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters2.51
Bridge clearance - Meters2.64
Bridge clearance - Inches99
Bridge clearance - Inches104
Deadrise22℃
Deadrise22℃
Draft [max] - Detail32 in. (0.81 m)
Draft [max] - Detail37 in. (0.94 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.81
Draft [max] - Meters0.94
Draft [max] - Inches32
Draft [max] - Inches37
Weight - Detail6,300 lbs. (2,858 kg)
Weight - Detail9,750 lbs. (4,423 kg)
Weight - kg2857.63
Weight - kg4422.52
Weight - lbs.63
Weight - lbs.975
Length - Meters8.53
Length - Meters9.45
Length - Feet28
Length - Feet31
Length overall - Detail28 ft. 0 in. (8.53 m)
Length overall - Detail31 ft. (9.45 m)
Length overall - Meters8.53
Length overall - Meters9.45
Length overall - Inches336
Length overall - Inches372
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 standardMerCruiser® Twin 8.2 MAG EC Bravo Three X
Fuel tank capacity - Detail92 gal. (348 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail130 gal. (492 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters348.26
Fuel tank capacity - Liters492.1
Fuel tank capacity - Gal92
Fuel tank capacity - Gal13
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeInboard
Max no of enginesnot available
Max no of engines2
Operational Info
Water capacity14 gal. (53 l)
Water capacity29 gal. (110 l)
Headroomnot available
Headroom5 ft. 4 in. (1.63 m)