Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Formula 270 Bowrider 2012 vs Formula 40 Cruiser 2011: Same Brand, Different Boat
The Formula 270 Bowrider 2012 is a modified-V design and the Formula 40 Cruiser 2011 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Formula 40 Cruiser 2011 measures 40,8 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 13,8 additional feet of deck space compared to the Formula 270 Bowrider 2012 at 27,0 feet (2012). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Formula 40 Cruiser 2011 tips the scales at 22 750 lbs - 16 550 lbs less than the Formula 270 Bowrider 2012 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.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Formula 40 Cruiser 2011 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Formula 270 Bowrider 2012 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Formula 40 Cruiser 2011 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Formula 40 Cruiser 2011 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 12 passengers and at 40,8 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Formula 270 Bowrider 2012 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
Model40 Cruiser
Model Year2012
Model Year2011
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam12 ft. 8 in. (3.86 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters3.86
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches152
Bridge clearance - Detail5 ft. (2.52 m) With Sport Arch: 7 ft. 9 in. (2.36 m)
Bridge clearance - Detail11 ft. 10 in. (3.61 m) With IPS: 12 ft. 1 in. (3.68 m) With Radar & IPS: 13 ft. 3 in. (4.03 m) With Mast Light: 12 ft. 4 in. (3.76 m) With Mast Light & IPS: 14 ft. 6 in. (4.42 m) With Radar & Mast Light: 14 ft. 6 in. (4.42 m) With Hardtop & Mast Light: 14 ft. 11 in. (4.55 m) With Hardtop, Satellite TV & Mast Light: 16 ft. 8 in. (5.07 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters2.36
Bridge clearance - Meters5.08
Bridge clearance - Inches93
Bridge clearance - Inches200
Deadrise22℃
Deadrise18℃
Draft [max] - Detail40 in. (1.02 m)
Draft [max] - Detail40 in. (1.02 m) With Volvo IPS: 44 in. (1.12 m)
Draft [max] - Meters1.02
Draft [max] - Meters1.12
Draft [max] - Inches40
Draft [max] - Inches44
Weight - Detail6,200 lbs. (2,812 kg)
Weight - DetailGas: 20,950 lbs. (9,502 kg) Diesel: 22,150 lbs. (10,047 kg) With Hardtop - Gas: 21,550 lbs. (9,774 kg) With Hardtop - Diesel: 22,750 lbs. (10,319 kg)
Weight - kg2812.27
Weight - kg10319.22
Weight - lbs.6200
Weight - lbs.22750
Length - Meters8.23
Length - Meters12.45
Length - Feet27
Length - Feet40.83
Length overall - Detail27 ft. (8.23 m)
Length overall - Detail40 ft. 10 in. (12.45 m)
Length overall - Meters8.23
Length overall - Meters12.45
Length overall - Inches324
Length overall - Inches490
Length [over all with swim platform]not available
Length [over all with swim platform]42 ft. 7 in. (12.98 m)
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeDeep Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Max no of engines1
Max no of engines2
Engine/s standardMerCruiser® Single 350 MAG EC Bravo Three
Engine/s standardVolvo Penta Twin IPS 550 Gas 400HP with Joystick
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 - Gal100
Fuel tank capacity - Gal250
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeInboard
Operational Info
Headroomnot available
Headroom6 ft. 9 in. (2.06 m)
Water capacitynot available
Water capacity55 gal. (208 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available
Holding tank capacity - Detail57 gal. (216 l)
Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available
Holding tank capacity - Liters215.77
Holding tank capacity - Galnot available
Holding tank capacity - Gal57