Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Formula 27 Cruiser 2006 vs Formula 400 FX8 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Formula 27 Cruiser 2006 vs Formula 400 FX8 2012 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 400 FX8 2012 measures 41,5 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 12,5 additional feet of deck space compared to the Formula 27 Cruiser 2006 at 29,0 feet (2006). At 95 lbs and 181 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.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Formula 400 FX8 2012 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Formula 27 Cruiser 2006 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Formula 400 FX8 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Formula 400 FX8 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 12 passengers and at 41,5 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Formula 27 Cruiser 2006 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 8 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
Model27 Cruiser
Model400 FX8
Model Year2006
Model Year2012
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam9 ft. 7 in. (2.92 m)
Beam11 ft. (3.35 m)
Beam - Meters2.92
Beam - Meters3.35
Beam - Inches115
Beam - Inches132
Bridge clearance - DetailLight Load: 10 ft. 4 in. (3.15 m)
Bridge clearance - Detail10 ft. 6 in. (3.2 m) With Mast Light: 11 ft. 6 in. (3.51 m) With Radar & Mast Light: 11 ft. 6 in. (3.51 m) With Hardtop, Sat. TV & Mast Light: 12 ft. 6 in. (3.81 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters3.15
Bridge clearance - Meters3.81
Bridge clearance - Inches124
Bridge clearance - Inches15
Deadrise18℃
Deadrise22³
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 - DetailGas: 16,100 lbs. (7,303 kg) Diesel: 17,100 lbs. (7,756 kg) Gas (with Hardtop): 17,100 lbs. Diesel (with Hardtop): 18,100 lbs. (8,210 kg)
Weight - kg4309.12
Weight - kg8210.02
Weight - lbs.95
Weight - lbs.181
Length - Meters8.97
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Feet29
Length - Feet41.5
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 - Detail41 ft. 6 in. (12.65 m)
Length overall - Meters8.97
Length overall - Meters12.65
Length overall - Inches353
Length overall - Inches498
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardVolvo Penta Twin 5.0 GXi DP
Engine/s standardnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail107 gal. (405 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail250 gal. (946 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters405.04
Fuel tank capacity - Liters946.35
Fuel tank capacity - Gal107
Fuel tank capacity - Gal25
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Drive typeInboard
Drive typenot available
Operational Info
Headroom6 ft. 4 in. (1.93 m)
Headroom6 ft. 2 in. (1.88 m)
Water capacity26.5 gal. (100 l)
Water capacity50 gal. (189 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail30 gal. (114 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail50 gal. (189 l)
Holding tank capacity - Liters113.56
Holding tank capacity - Liters189.27
Holding tank capacity - Gal3
Holding tank capacity - Gal5
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialAluminum
Hull typenot available
Hull typeDeep Vee