Formula 270 Bowrider 2009 boat specs
Formula
Formula 270 Bowrider 2009
2009
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VS
Formula 290 FX4 2013 boat specs
Formula
Formula 290 FX4 2013
2013
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Formula 270 Bowrider 2009 vs Formula 290 FX4 2013 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a modified vee Formula 270 Bowrider 2009 against a deep vee Formula 290 FX4 2013 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 2013 at 29,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Formula 290 FX4 2013 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 2013 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
Model270 Bowrider
Model290 FX4
Model Year2009
Model Year2013
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam9 ft. (2.74 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.74
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches108
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℃
Deadrise22°
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 - Detail110 gal. (416 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters378.54
Fuel tank capacity - Liters416.4
Fuel tank capacity - Gal1
Fuel tank capacity - Gal11
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
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 - Detail23 gal. (87 l)
Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available
Holding tank capacity - Liters87.06
Holding tank capacity - Galnot available
Holding tank capacity - Gal23

Formula 270 Bowrider 2009 vs Formula 290 FX4 2013 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Formula 270 Bowrider 2009 or the Formula 290 FX4 2013?
The Formula 290 FX4 2013 is the longer of the two at 29,0 feet overall. The Formula 270 Bowrider 2009 comes in at 27,0 feet, making it roughly 2,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Formula 270 Bowrider 2009 or the Formula 290 FX4 2013?
For trailering, the Formula 270 Bowrider 2009 has the edge at 62 lbs dry weight versus 895 lbs for the Formula 290 FX4 2013. 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 270 Bowrider 2009 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Formula 290 FX4 2013 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 290 FX4 2013 measures 108" wide, compared to 102" for the Formula 270 Bowrider 2009. 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 270 Bowrider 2009 or the Formula 290 FX4 2013?
The Formula 290 FX4 2013 has the bigger tank at 11 gallons, versus 1 gallons on the Formula 270 Bowrider 2009. That 10-gallon difference translates to roughly 30–50 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Formula 270 Bowrider 2009 and Formula 290 FX4 2013 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Formula 270 Bowrider 2009 and the Formula 290 FX4 2013 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.