Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Formula 260 Bowrider 2009 vs Formula 31 Cruiser 2009: Same Brand, Different Boat
The Formula 260 Bowrider 2009 is a modified-V design and the Formula 31 Cruiser 2009 is a deep-V design, so you're likely deciding between two noticeably 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 2009 at 28,0 ft versus Formula 31 Cruiser 2009 at 31,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Formula 31 Cruiser 2009 tips the scales at 14 100 lbs - 7 800 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.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Formula 31 Cruiser 2009 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Formula 260 Bowrider 2009 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 2009 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Formula 31 Cruiser 2009 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 2009 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 Year2009
Model Year2009
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam11 ft. 0 in. (3.35 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters3.35
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches132
Bridge clearance - Detail5 ft. 0 in. (1.52 m) With Sport 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] - Detail34 in. (0.86 m)
Draft [max] - Detail34 in. (0.86 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.86
Draft [max] - Meters0.86
Draft [max] - Inches34
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.6300
Weight - lbs.14100
Length - Meters8.53
Length - Meters9.65
Length - Feet28
Length - Feet31
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 - Inches380
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches8
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
Max no of engines1
Max no of engines2
Engine/s standardVolvo Penta 5.7 Gi DP
Engine/s standardVolvo Penta twin 5.7 GXi 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 - Gal180
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeInboard
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 - Gal40