Formula 27 Performance Cruiser 2007 boat specs
Formula
Formula 27 Performance Cruiser 2007
2007
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VS
Formula 290 Bowrider 2012 boat specs
Formula
Formula 290 Bowrider 2012
2012
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Formula 27 Performance Cruiser 2007 vs Formula 290 Bowrider 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Formula 27 Performance Cruiser 2007 vs Formula 290 Bowrider 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Formula 27 Performance Cruiser 2007 at 28,0 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 Performance Cruiser 2007 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 Performance Cruiser 2007 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
MakeFormula
MakeFormula
Model27 Performance Cruiser
Model290 Bowrider
Model Year2007
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 - DetailLight Load: 10 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
Length - Feet29
Length - Inches2
Length - Inchesnot available
Length [over all with swim platform]29 ft. 5 in. (8.97 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]not available
Length overall - Detail28 ft. 2 in. (8.59 m)
Length overall - Detail29 ft. (8.84 m)
Length overall - Meters8.59
Length overall - Meters8.84
Length overall - Inches338
Length overall - Inches348
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardMerCruiser? Twin 5.0 MPI 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

Formula 27 Performance Cruiser 2007 vs Formula 290 Bowrider 2012 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Formula 27 Performance Cruiser 2007 or the Formula 290 Bowrider 2012?
The Formula 290 Bowrider 2012 is the longer of the two at 29,0 feet overall. The Formula 27 Performance Cruiser 2007 comes in at 28,0 feet, making it roughly 1,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Formula 27 Performance Cruiser 2007 or the Formula 290 Bowrider 2012?
For trailering, the Formula 27 Performance Cruiser 2007 has the edge at 95 lbs dry weight versus 895 lbs for the Formula 290 Bowrider 2012. 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 Performance Cruiser 2007 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Formula 290 Bowrider 2012 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 Performance Cruiser 2007 measures 115" wide, compared to 108" for the Formula 290 Bowrider 2012. 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 Performance Cruiser 2007 or the Formula 290 Bowrider 2012?
The Formula 290 Bowrider 2012 has the bigger tank at 122 gallons, versus 107 gallons on the Formula 27 Performance Cruiser 2007. That 15-gallon difference translates to roughly 45–75 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Formula 27 Performance Cruiser 2007 and Formula 290 Bowrider 2012 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Formula 27 Performance Cruiser 2007 and the Formula 290 Bowrider 2012 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.