Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Formula 270 Bowrider 2009 vs Formula 290 FX4 BR 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat
Matching a modified vee Formula 270 Bowrider 2009 against a deep vee Formula 290 FX4 BR 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 270 Bowrider 2009 at 27,0 ft versus Formula 290 FX4 BR 2012 at 29,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Formula 290 FX4 BR 2012 tips the scales at 895 lbs — 833 lbs less than the Formula 270 Bowrider 2009 at 62 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 290 FX4 BR 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
Model270 Bowrider
Model290 FX4 BR
Model Year2009
Model Year2012
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam9 ft. 6 in. (2.9 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.9
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches114
Bridge clearance - Detail5 ft. 0 in. (2.52 m)
Bridge clearance - Detail5 ft. 10 in. (1.77 m) With Arch: 8 ft. 2 in. (2.49 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters1.52
Bridge clearance - Meters2.49
Bridge clearance - Inches6
Bridge clearance - Inches98
Deadrise22℃
Deadrise22³
Draft [max] - Detail40 in. (1.02 m)
Draft [max] - Detail40 in. (1.02 m)
Draft [max] - Meters1.02
Draft [max] - Meters1.02
Draft [max] - Inches4
Draft [max] - Inches4
Weight - Detail6,200 lbs. (2,812 kg)
Weight - Detail8,950 lbs. (4,060 kg)
Weight - kg2812.27
Weight - kg4059.65
Weight - lbs.62
Weight - lbs.895
Length - Meters8.23
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Feet27
Length - Feet29
Length overall - Detail27 ft. 0 in. (8.23 m)
Length overall - Detail29 ft. 0 in. (8.84 m)
Length overall - Meters8.23
Length overall - Meters8.84
Length overall - Inches324
Length overall - Inches348
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialAluminum
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 standardnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail100 gal. (379 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail122 gal. (462 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters378.54
Fuel tank capacity - Liters461.82
Fuel tank capacity - Gal1
Fuel tank capacity - Gal122
Drive typeInboard
Drive typenot available
Operational Info
Headroomnot available
Headroom5 ft. 1 in. (1.54 m)
Water capacitynot available
Water capacity21 gal. (79 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available
Holding tank capacity - Detail22.5 gal. (85 l)
Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available
Holding tank capacity - Liters87.06
Holding tank capacity - Galnot available
Holding tank capacity - Gal22.5