Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Formula 27 Cruiser 2009 vs Formula 280 Sun Sport 2005: Same Brand, Different Boat
The Formula 27 Cruiser 2009 vs Formula 280 Sun Sport 2005 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 2009 at 28,0 ft versus Formula 280 Sun Sport 2005 at 28,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Formula 27 Cruiser 2009 tips the scales at 9 500 lbs - 2 200 lbs more than the Formula 280 Sun Sport 2005 at 7 300 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 27 Cruiser 2009 and Formula 280 Sun Sport 2005 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 Year2009
Model Year2005
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 - Inches110
Bridge clearance - Detail10 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. (0.91 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 - Detail7,300 lbs. (3,311 kg)
Weight - kg4309.12
Weight - kg3311.22
Weight - lbs.9500
Weight - lbs.7300
Length - Meters8.59
Length - Meters8.53
Length - Feet28
Length - Feet28
Length - Inches2
Length - Inchesnot available
Length [over all with swim platform]29 ft. 5 in. (8.97 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]30 ft. 0 in. (9.14 m)
Length overall - Detail28 ft. 2 in. (8.59 m)
Length overall - Detail28 ft. 0 in. (8.53 m)
Length overall - Meters8.59
Length overall - Meters8.53
Length overall - Inches338
Length overall - Inches336
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialnot available
Hull typeDeep Vee
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Max no of engines2
Max no of enginesnot available
Engine/s standardMerCruiser? twin 350 MAG Bravo 3
Engine/s standardVolvo Penta Twin 5.0 GXi DP
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 - Gal120
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Fuel typenot available
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeInboard
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 - Gal30
Holding tank capacity - Gal26