Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Formula 260 Sun Sport 2005 vs Formula 310 Bowrider 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Formula 260 Sun Sport 2005 vs Formula 310 Bowrider 2011 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Formula 310 Bowrider 2011 measures 31,0 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 5,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Formula 260 Sun Sport 2005 at 26,0 feet (2005). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Formula 310 Bowrider 2011 tips the scales at 9 875 lbs — 9 330 lbs less than the Formula 260 Sun Sport 2005 at 545 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 Bowrider 2011 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Formula 260 Sun Sport 2005 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Formula 310 Bowrider 2011 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Formula 310 Bowrider 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 Sun Sport 2005 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 7 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
Model260 Sun Sport
Model310 Bowrider
Model Year2005
Model Year2011
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. 0 in. (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. (.81 m)
Draft [max] - Detail37 in. (0.94 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.81
Draft [max] - Meters0.94
Draft [max] - Inches32
Draft [max] - Inches37
Weight - Detail5,450 lbs. (2,472 kg)
Weight - Detail9,875 lbs. (4,479 kg)
Weight - kg2472.08
Weight - kg4479.22
Weight - lbs.545
Weight - lbs.9875
Length - Meters7.92
Length - Meters9.45
Length - Feet26
Length - Feet31
Length [over all with swim platform]27 ft. 11 in. (8.51 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]not available
Length overall - Detail26 ft. 0 in. (7.92 m)
Length overall - Detail31 ft. (9.45 m)
Length overall - Meters7.92
Length overall - Meters9.45
Length overall - Inches312
Length overall - Inches372
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardVolvo Penta Single 5.7 Gi DP
Engine/s standardMerCruiser® Twin 350 MAG EC Bravo Three
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
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Operational Info
Headroom4 ft. 5 in. (1.35 m)
Headroomnot available
Water capacity15 gal. (57 l)
Water capacity29 gal. (110 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail18 gal. (68 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available
Holding tank capacity - Liters68.14
Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available
Holding tank capacity - Gal18
Holding tank capacity - Galnot available
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee