Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Formula 27 Cruiser 2005 vs Formula 280 Sun Sport 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Formula 27 Cruiser 2005 vs Formula 280 Sun Sport 2008 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 27 Cruiser 2005 at 29,0 ft versus Formula 280 Sun Sport 2008 at 29,0 ft. At 95 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 27 Cruiser 2005 and Formula 280 Sun Sport 2008 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
Model27 Cruiser
Model280 Sun Sport
Model Year2005
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam9 ft. 7 in. (2.92 m)
Beam9 ft. 2 in. (2.79 m)
Beam - Meters2.92
Beam - Meters2.79
Beam - Inches115
Beam - Inches11
Bridge clearance - DetailLight Load: 10 ft. 4 in. (3.15 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 - Meters3.15
Bridge clearance - Meters2.59
Bridge clearance - Inches124
Bridge clearance - Inches102
Deadrise18℃
Deadrise21℃
Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (.91 m)
Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (0.91 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Inches36
Draft [max] - Inches36
Weight - Detail9,500 lbs. (4,309 kg)
Weight - Detail8,200 lbs. (3,311 kg)
Weight - kg4309.12
Weight - kg3719.45
Weight - lbs.95
Weight - lbs.82
Length - Meters8.97
Length - Meters8.99
Length - Feet29
Length - Feet29
Length - Inches5
Length - Inches6
Length [over all with swim platform]29 ft. 5 in. (8.97 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]not available
Length overall - Detail29 ft. 5 in. (8.97 m) Less Bow Platform: 28 ft. 2 in. (8.59 m)
Length overall - Detail29 ft. 6 in. (8.99 m)
Length overall - Meters8.97
Length overall - Meters8.99
Length overall - Inches353
Length overall - Inches354
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardVolvo Penta Twin 5.0 GXi DP
Engine/s standardMerCruiser? Twin 5.0 MPI Bravo Three
Fuel tank capacity - Detail107 gal. (405 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail120 gal. (454 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters405.04
Fuel tank capacity - Liters454.25
Fuel tank capacity - Gal107
Fuel tank capacity - Gal12
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeInboard
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Operational Info
Headroom6 ft. 4 in. (1.93 m)
Headroom5 ft. 2 in. (1.57 m)
Water capacity26.5 gal. (100 l)
Water capacity20 gal. (76 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail30 gal. (114 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail26 gal. (98 l)
Holding tank capacity - Liters113.56
Holding tank capacity - Liters98.42
Holding tank capacity - Gal3
Holding tank capacity - Gal26
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeDeep Vee