Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Formula 27 Cruiser 2006 vs Formula 280 Bowrider 2006 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Formula 27 Cruiser 2006 vs Formula 280 Bowrider 2006 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 2006 at 29,0 ft versus Formula 280 Bowrider 2006 at 28,0 ft. At 95 lbs and 73 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 2006 and Formula 280 Bowrider 2006 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 Bowrider
Model Year2006
Model Year2006
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. (.91 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Inches36
Draft [max] - Inches36
Weight - Detail9,500 lbs. (4,309 kg)
Weight - DetailSingle: 6,100 lbs. (2,767 kg) Twin: 7,300 lbs. (3,311 kg)
Weight - kg4309.12
Weight - kg3311.22
Weight - lbs.95
Weight - lbs.73
Length - Meters8.97
Length - Meters8.53
Length - Feet29
Length - Feet28
Length - Inches5
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail29 ft. 5 in. (8.97 m) Less Bow Platform: 28 ft. 2 in. (8.59 m)
Length overall - Detail28 ft. 0 in. (8.53 m)
Length overall - Meters8.97
Length overall - Meters8.53
Length overall - Inches353
Length overall - Inches336
Length [over all with swim platform]not available
Length [over all with swim platform]30 ft. 0 in. (9.14 m)
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardVolvo Penta Twin 5.0 GXi DP
Engine/s standardVolvo Penta Single 8.1 Gi DP w/CWC
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
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeInboard
Operational Info
Headroom6 ft. 4 in. (1.93 m)
Headroomnot available
Water capacity26.5 gal. (100 l)
Water capacity20 gal. (76 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail30 gal. (114 l)
Holding tank capacity - DetailSingle: 26 gal. (98 l) Twin: 2.6 gal. (9.8 l)
Holding tank capacity - Liters113.56
Holding tank capacity - Liters98.42
Holding tank capacity - Gal3
Holding tank capacity - Gal26