Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Formula 270 Bowrider 2009 vs Formula 400 FX8 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat
Matching a modified vee Formula 270 Bowrider 2009 against a deep vee Formula 400 FX8 2011 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Formula 400 FX8 2011 measures 41,5 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 14,5 additional feet of deck space compared to the Formula 270 Bowrider 2009 at 27,0 feet (2009). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Formula 400 FX8 2011 tips the scales at 171 lbs — 109 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.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Formula 400 FX8 2011 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Formula 270 Bowrider 2009 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Formula 400 FX8 2011 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Formula 400 FX8 2011 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 12 passengers and at 41,5 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Formula 270 Bowrider 2009 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 8 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
Model270 Bowrider
Model400 FX8
Model Year2009
Model Year2011
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam11 ft. (3.35 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters3.35
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches132
Bridge clearance - Detail5 ft. 0 in. (2.52 m)
Bridge clearance - Detail10 ft. 6 in. (3.2 m) With Mast Light: 11 ft. 6 in. (3.51 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters1.52
Bridge clearance - Meters3.51
Bridge clearance - Inches6
Bridge clearance - Inches138
Deadrise22℃
Deadrise22℃
Draft [max] - Detail40 in. (1.02 m)
Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (0.91 m)
Draft [max] - Meters1.02
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Inches4
Draft [max] - Inches36
Weight - Detail6,200 lbs. (2,812 kg)
Weight - DetailGas: 16,100 lbs. (7,303 kg) Diesel: 17,100 lbs. (7,756 kg)
Weight - kg2812.27
Weight - kg7756.42
Weight - lbs.62
Weight - lbs.171
Length - Meters8.23
Length - Meters12.65
Length - Feet27
Length - Feet41.5
Length overall - Detail27 ft. 0 in. (8.23 m)
Length overall - Detail41 ft. 6 in. (12.65 m)
Length overall - Meters8.23
Length overall - Meters12.65
Length overall - Inches324
Length overall - Inches498
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 standardnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail100 gal. (379 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail250 gal. (946 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters378.54
Fuel tank capacity - Liters946.35
Fuel tank capacity - Gal1
Fuel tank capacity - Gal25
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeInboard
Operational Info
Headroomnot available
Headroom6 ft. 2 in. (1.88 m)
Water capacitynot available
Water capacity50 gal. (189 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available
Holding tank capacity - Detail50 gal. (189 l)
Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available
Holding tank capacity - Liters189.27
Holding tank capacity - Galnot available
Holding tank capacity - Gal5