Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Formula 270 Bowrider 2009 vs Formula 280 Sun Sport 2008: Same Brand, Different Boat
The Formula 270 Bowrider 2009 is a modified-V design and the Formula 280 Sun Sport 2008 is a deep-V design, so you're likely deciding between two noticeably 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 270 Bowrider 2009 at 27,0 ft versus Formula 280 Sun Sport 2008 at 29,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Formula 280 Sun Sport 2008 tips the scales at 8 200 lbs - 2 000 lbs less than the Formula 270 Bowrider 2009 at 6 200 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 270 Bowrider 2009 and Formula 280 Sun Sport 2008 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
Model270 Bowrider
Model280 Sun Sport
Model Year2009
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam9 ft. 2 in. (2.79 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.79
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches110
Bridge clearance - Detail5 ft. 0 in. (2.52 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 - Meters1.52
Bridge clearance - Meters2.59
Bridge clearance - Inches60
Bridge clearance - Inches102
Deadrise22℃
Deadrise21℃
Draft [max] - Detail40 in. (1.02 m)
Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (0.91 m)
Draft [max] - Meters1.02
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Inches40
Draft [max] - Inches36
Weight - Detail6,200 lbs. (2,812 kg)
Weight - Detail8,200 lbs. (3,311 kg)
Weight - kg2812.27
Weight - kg3719.45
Weight - lbs.6200
Weight - lbs.8200
Length - Meters8.23
Length - Meters8.99
Length - Feet27
Length - Feet29
Length overall - Detail27 ft. 0 in. (8.23 m)
Length overall - Detail29 ft. 6 in. (8.99 m)
Length overall - Meters8.23
Length overall - Meters8.99
Length overall - Inches324
Length overall - Inches354
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches6
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeDeep Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Max no of engines1
Max no of enginesnot available
Engine/s standardVolvo Penta 5.7 Gi DP
Engine/s standardMerCruiser? Twin 5.0 MPI Bravo Three
Fuel tank capacity - Detail100 gal. (379 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail120 gal. (454 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters378.54
Fuel tank capacity - Liters454.25
Fuel tank capacity - Gal100
Fuel tank capacity - Gal120
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeInboard
Operational Info
Headroomnot available
Headroom5 ft. 2 in. (1.57 m)
Water capacitynot available
Water capacity20 gal. (76 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available
Holding tank capacity - Detail26 gal. (98 l)
Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available
Holding tank capacity - Liters98.42
Holding tank capacity - Galnot available
Holding tank capacity - Gal26