Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Formula 271 FAS³Tech 2005 vs Formula 280 Bowrider 2006 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Formula 271 FAS³Tech 2005 vs Formula 280 Bowrider 2006 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Formula 271 FAS³Tech 2005 at 27,0 ft versus Formula 280 Bowrider 2006 at 28,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Formula 271 FAS³Tech 2005 tips the scales at 5 685 lbs — 5 612 lbs more than the Formula 280 Bowrider 2006 at 73 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 271 FAS³Tech 2005 and Formula 280 Bowrider 2006 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
Model271 FAS³Tech
Model280 Bowrider
Model Year2005
Model Year2006
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 3 in. (2.51 m)
Beam9 ft. 2 in. (2.79 m)
Beam - Meters2.51
Beam - Meters2.79
Beam - Inches99
Beam - Inches11
Bridge clearance - DetailLight Load: 4 ft. 11 in. (1.5 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 - Meters1.5
Bridge clearance - Meters2.59
Bridge clearance - Inches59
Bridge clearance - Inches102
Deadrise24°
Deadrise21℃
Draft [max] - Detail34 in. (.86 m)
Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (.91 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.86
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Inches34
Draft [max] - Inches36
Weight - Detail5,685 lbs. (2,579 kg)
Weight - DetailSingle: 6,100 lbs. (2,767 kg) Twin: 7,300 lbs. (3,311 kg)
Weight - kg2578.67
Weight - kg3311.22
Weight - lbs.5685
Weight - lbs.73
Length - Meters8.25
Length - Meters8.53
Length - Feet27
Length - Feet28
Length - Inches1
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail27 ft. 1 in. (8.25 m)
Length overall - Detail28 ft. 0 in. (8.53 m)
Length overall - Meters8.26
Length overall - Meters8.53
Length overall - Inches325
Length overall - Inches336
Length [over all with swim platform]not available
Length [over all with swim platform]30 ft. 0 in. (9.14 m)
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardMerCruiser® Single 496 MAG Bravo One
Engine/s standardVolvo Penta Single 8.1 Gi DP w/CWC
Fuel tank capacity - Detail105 gal. (397 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail120 gal. (454 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters397.47
Fuel tank capacity - Liters454.25
Fuel tank capacity - Gal105
Fuel tank capacity - Gal12
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeInboard
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Operational Info
Headroom4 ft. 5 in. (1.35 m)
Headroomnot available
Water capacity19 gal. (72 l)
Water capacity20 gal. (76 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail2.6 gal. (9.8 l)
Holding tank capacity - DetailSingle: 26 gal. (98 l) Twin: 2.6 gal. (9.8 l)
Holding tank capacity - Liters11.36
Holding tank capacity - Liters98.42
Holding tank capacity - Gal2.6
Holding tank capacity - Gal26