Formula 27 Cruiser 2010 boat specs
Formula
Formula 27 Cruiser 2010
2010
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VS
Formula 280 Bowrider 2006 boat specs
Formula
Formula 280 Bowrider 2006
2006
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Formula 27 Cruiser 2010 vs Formula 280 Bowrider 2006 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Formula 27 Cruiser 2010 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 2010 at 28,2 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 2010 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
MakeFormula
MakeFormula
Model27 Cruiser
Model280 Bowrider
Model Year201
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 - 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 - 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 - Meters8.59
Length - Meters8.53
Length - Feet28.17
Length - Feet28
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 - Detail28.17 ft. (8.59 m)
Length overall - Detail28 ft. 0 in. (8.53 m)
Length overall - Meters8.59
Length overall - Meters8.53
Length overall - Inches338.04
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 EC Bravo Three
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

Formula 27 Cruiser 2010 vs Formula 280 Bowrider 2006 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Formula 27 Cruiser 2010 or the Formula 280 Bowrider 2006?
The Formula 27 Cruiser 2010 is the longer of the two at 28,2 feet overall. The Formula 280 Bowrider 2006 comes in at 28,0 feet, making it roughly 0,2 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Formula 27 Cruiser 2010 or the Formula 280 Bowrider 2006?
For trailering, the Formula 280 Bowrider 2006 has the edge at 73 lbs dry weight versus 95 lbs for the Formula 27 Cruiser 2010. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Formula 27 Cruiser 2010 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Formula 280 Bowrider 2006 is certified for 8. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Formula 27 Cruiser 2010 measures 115" wide, compared to 11" for the Formula 280 Bowrider 2006. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Formula 27 Cruiser 2010 or the Formula 280 Bowrider 2006?
The Formula 27 Cruiser 2010 has the bigger tank at 107 gallons, versus 12 gallons on the Formula 280 Bowrider 2006. That 95-gallon difference translates to roughly 285–475 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Formula 27 Cruiser 2010 and Formula 280 Bowrider 2006 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Formula 27 Cruiser 2010 and the Formula 280 Bowrider 2006 are built by Formula. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.