Formula 260 Bowrider 2009 boat specs
Formula
Formula 260 Bowrider 2009
2009
View full specs →
VS
Formula 27 Performance Cruiser 2007 boat specs
Formula
Formula 27 Performance Cruiser 2007
2007
View full specs →

Formula 260 Bowrider 2009 vs Formula 27 Performance Cruiser 2007: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Formula 260 Bowrider 2009 vs Formula 27 Performance Cruiser 2007 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 2009 at 28,0 ft versus Formula 27 Performance Cruiser 2007 at 28,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Formula 27 Performance Cruiser 2007 tips the scales at 9 500 lbs - 3 200 lbs less than the Formula 260 Bowrider 2009 at 6 300 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 2009 and Formula 27 Performance Cruiser 2007 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
MakeFormula
MakeFormula
Model260 Bowrider
Model27 Performance Cruiser
Model Year2009
Model Year2007
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 - Detail5 ft. 0 in. (1.52 m) With Sport Arch: 8 ft. 3 in. (2.51 m)
Bridge clearance - DetailLight Load: 10 ft. 4 in. (3.15 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters2.51
Bridge clearance - Meters3.15
Bridge clearance - Inches99
Bridge clearance - Inches124
Deadrise22℃
Deadrise18℃
Draft [max] - Detail34 in. (0.86 m)
Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (0.91 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.86
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Inches34
Draft [max] - Inches36
Weight - Detail6,300 lbs. (2,858 kg)
Weight - Detail9,500 lbs. (4,309 kg)
Weight - kg2857.63
Weight - kg4309.12
Weight - lbs.6300
Weight - lbs.9500
Length - Meters8.53
Length - Meters8.59
Length - Feet28
Length - Feet28
Length overall - Detail28 ft. 0 in. (8.53 m)
Length overall - Detail28 ft. 2 in. (8.59 m)
Length overall - Meters8.53
Length overall - Meters8.59
Length overall - Inches336
Length overall - Inches338
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches2
Length [over all with swim platform]not available
Length [over all with swim platform]29 ft. 5 in. (8.97 m)
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Max no of engines1
Max no of enginesnot available
Engine/s standardVolvo Penta 5.7 Gi DP
Engine/s standardMerCruiser? Twin 5.0 MPI Bravo Three
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
Operational Info
Water capacity14 gal. (53 l)
Water capacity26.5 gal. (100 l)
Headroomnot available
Headroom6 ft. 4 in. (1.93 m)
Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available
Holding tank capacity - Detail30 gal. (114 l)
Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available
Holding tank capacity - Liters113.56
Holding tank capacity - Galnot available
Holding tank capacity - Gal30

Formula 260 Bowrider 2009 vs Formula 27 Performance Cruiser 2007 - Common Questions

Which is the larger boat - the Formula 260 Bowrider 2009 or the Formula 27 Performance Cruiser 2007?
The Formula 27 Performance Cruiser 2007 is the longer of the two at 28,0 feet overall. The Formula 260 Bowrider 2009 comes in at 28,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer - the Formula 260 Bowrider 2009 or the Formula 27 Performance Cruiser 2007?
For trailering, the Formula 260 Bowrider 2009 has the edge at 6 300 lbs dry weight versus 9 500 lbs for the Formula 27 Performance Cruiser 2007. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Formula 260 Bowrider 2009 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Formula 27 Performance Cruiser 2007 is certified for 8. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing - on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Formula 27 Performance Cruiser 2007 measures 115" wide, compared to 102" for the Formula 260 Bowrider 2009. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states - anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
Which boat has the larger fuel tank - the Formula 260 Bowrider 2009 or the Formula 27 Performance Cruiser 2007?
The Formula 27 Performance Cruiser 2007 has the bigger tank at 107 gallons, versus 92 gallons on the Formula 260 Bowrider 2009. That 15-gallon difference translates to roughly 45–75 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Formula 260 Bowrider 2009 and Formula 27 Performance Cruiser 2007 from the same manufacturer?
Yes - both the Formula 260 Bowrider 2009 and the Formula 27 Performance Cruiser 2007 are built by Formula. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.