Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
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
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