Formula 260 Sun Sport 2009 boat specs
Formula
Formula 260 Sun Sport 2009
2009
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VS
Formula 280 Sun Sport 2007 boat specs
Formula
Formula 280 Sun Sport 2007
2007
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Formula 260 Sun Sport 2009 vs Formula 280 Sun Sport 2007 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Formula 260 Sun Sport 2009 vs Formula 280 Sun Sport 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 Sun Sport 2009 at 28,0 ft versus Formula 280 Sun Sport 2007 at 29,0 ft. At 63 lbs and 82 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.

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 Sun Sport 2009 and Formula 280 Sun Sport 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 Sun Sport
Model280 Sun Sport
Model Year2009
Model Year2007
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam9 ft. 2 in. (2.79 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.79
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches11
Bridge clearance - DetailLight Load: 5 ft. 0 in. (1.52 m) Light Load with Sport Arch: 8 ft. 3 in. (2.51 m)
Bridge clearance - DetailLight Load: 5 ft. 8 in. (1.72 m) Light Load w/ Arch: 8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters2.51
Bridge clearance - Meters2.59
Bridge clearance - Inches99
Bridge clearance - Inches102
Deadrise22℃
Deadrise21℃
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 - Detail8,200 lbs. (3,311 kg)
Weight - kg2857.63
Weight - kg3719.45
Weight - lbs.63
Weight - lbs.82
Length - Meters8.53
Length - Meters8.99
Length - Feet28
Length - Feet29
Length overall - Detail28 ft. 0 in. (8.53 m)
Length overall - Detail29 ft. 6 in. (8.99 m)
Length overall - Meters8.53
Length overall - Meters8.99
Length overall - Inches336
Length overall - Inches354
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches6
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeDeep 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 - Detail120 gal. (454 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters348.26
Fuel tank capacity - Liters454.25
Fuel tank capacity - Gal92
Fuel tank capacity - Gal12
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeInboard
Operational Info
Headroom4 ft. 5 in. (1.35 m)
Headroom5 ft. 2 in. (1.57 m)
Water capacity15 gal. (57 l)
Water capacity20 gal. (76 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available
Holding tank capacity - Detail26 gal. (98 l)
Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available
Holding tank capacity - Liters98.42
Holding tank capacity - Galnot available
Holding tank capacity - Gal26

Formula 260 Sun Sport 2009 vs Formula 280 Sun Sport 2007 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Formula 260 Sun Sport 2009 or the Formula 280 Sun Sport 2007?
The Formula 280 Sun Sport 2007 is the longer of the two at 29,0 feet overall. The Formula 260 Sun Sport 2009 comes in at 28,0 feet, making it roughly 1,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Formula 260 Sun Sport 2009 or the Formula 280 Sun Sport 2007?
For trailering, the Formula 260 Sun Sport 2009 has the edge at 63 lbs dry weight versus 82 lbs for the Formula 280 Sun Sport 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 Sun Sport 2009 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Formula 280 Sun Sport 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 260 Sun Sport 2009 measures 102" wide, compared to 11" for the Formula 280 Sun Sport 2007. 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 Sun Sport 2009 or the Formula 280 Sun Sport 2007?
The Formula 260 Sun Sport 2009 has the bigger tank at 92 gallons, versus 12 gallons on the Formula 280 Sun Sport 2007. That 80-gallon difference translates to roughly 240–400 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Formula 260 Sun Sport 2009 and Formula 280 Sun Sport 2007 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Formula 260 Sun Sport 2009 and the Formula 280 Sun Sport 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.