Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Formula 27 Cruiser 2010 vs Formula 290 Bowrider 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat
Matching a deep vee Formula 27 Cruiser 2010 against a modified vee Formula 290 Bowrider 2012 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Formula 27 Cruiser 2010 at 28,2 ft versus Formula 290 Bowrider 2012 at 29,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Formula 290 Bowrider 2012 tips the scales at 895 lbs — 800 lbs less than the Formula 27 Cruiser 2010 at 95 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 2010 and Formula 290 Bowrider 2012 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
Model290 Bowrider
Model Year201
Model Year2012
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam9 ft. 7 in. (2.92 m)
Beam9 ft. (2.74 m)
Beam - Meters2.92
Beam - Meters2.74
Beam - Inches115
Beam - Inches108
Bridge clearance - Detail10 ft. 4 in. (3.15 m)
Bridge clearance - Detail5 ft. 10 in. (1.77 m) With Arch: 8 ft. 2 in. (2.49 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters3.15
Bridge clearance - Meters2.49
Bridge clearance - Inches124
Bridge clearance - Inches98
Deadrise18℃
Deadrise22°
Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (0.91 m)
Draft [max] - Detail40 in. (1.02 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Meters1.02
Draft [max] - Inches36
Draft [max] - Inches4
Weight - Detail9,500 lbs. (4,309 kg)
Weight - Detail8,950 lbs. (4,060 kg)
Weight - kg4309.12
Weight - kg4059.65
Weight - lbs.95
Weight - lbs.895
Length - Meters8.59
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Feet28.17
Length - Feet29
Length [over all with swim platform]29 ft. 5 in. (8.97 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]not available
Length overall - Detail28.17 ft. (8.59 m)
Length overall - Detail29 ft. (8.84 m)
Length overall - Meters8.59
Length overall - Meters8.84
Length overall - Inches338.04
Length overall - Inches348
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeDeep Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Max no of engines2
Max no of enginesnot available
Engine/s standardMerCruiser? Twin 350 MAG EC Bravo Three
Engine/s standardMerCruiser® Single 8.2 MAG EC Bravo Three X
Fuel tank capacity - Detail107 gal. (405 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail122 gal. (461 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters405.04
Fuel tank capacity - Liters461.82
Fuel tank capacity - Gal107
Fuel tank capacity - Gal122
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeInboard - Twin
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 - Detail22.5 gal. (85 l)
Holding tank capacity - Liters113.56
Holding tank capacity - Liters87.06
Holding tank capacity - Gal3
Holding tank capacity - Gal22.5