Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Formula 260 Sun Sport 2010 vs Formula 280 Bowrider 2007: Same Brand, Different Boat
The Formula 260 Sun Sport 2010 vs Formula 280 Bowrider 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 2010 at 28,0 ft versus Formula 280 Bowrider 2007 at 29,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Formula 280 Bowrider 2007 tips the scales at 8 200 lbs - 1 900 lbs less than the Formula 260 Sun Sport 2010 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 Sun Sport 2010 and Formula 280 Bowrider 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
Model260 Sun Sport
Model280 Bowrider
Model Year2010
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 - Inches110
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 - DetailSingle: 7,300 lbs. (3,311 kg) Twin: 8,200 lbs. (3,719 kg)
Weight - kg2857.63
Weight - kg3719.45
Weight - lbs.6300
Weight - lbs.8200
Length - Meters8.53
Length - Meters8.99
Length - Feet28
Length - Feet29
Length overall - Detail28.0 ft. (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 Single 5.7 GiC DPBase
Engine/s standardMerCruiser? Single 496 MAG 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 - Gal120
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeInboard
Operational Info
Headroom4 ft. 5 in. (1.35 m)
Headroomnot available
Water capacity15 gal. (57 l)
Water capacity20 gal. (76 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available
Holding tank capacity - DetailSingle: 26 gal. (98 l) Twin: 2.6 gal. (9.8 l)
Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available
Holding tank capacity - Liters98.42
Holding tank capacity - Galnot available
Holding tank capacity - Gal26