Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Formula 271 FAS³Tech 2005 vs Formula 290 Sun Sport 2011: Same Brand, Different Boat
The Formula 271 FAS³Tech 2005 vs Formula 290 Sun Sport 2011 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 290 Sun Sport 2011 at 29,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Formula 290 Sun Sport 2011 tips the scales at 8 950 lbs - 3 265 lbs less than the Formula 271 FAS³Tech 2005 at 5 685 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 290 Sun Sport 2011 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
Model290 Sun Sport
Model Year2005
Model Year2011
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 3 in. (2.51 m)
Beam9 ft. (2.74 m)
Beam - Meters2.51
Beam - Meters2.74
Beam - Inches99
Beam - Inches108
Bridge clearance - DetailLight Load: 4 ft. 11 in. (1.5 m)
Bridge clearance - Detail5 ft. 10 in. (1.77 m) With Arch: 8 ft. 2 in. (2.49 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters1.5
Bridge clearance - Meters2.49
Bridge clearance - Inches59
Bridge clearance - Inches98
Deadrise24°
Deadrise22℃
Draft [max] - Detail34 in. (.86 m)
Draft [max] - Detail40 in. (1.02 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.86
Draft [max] - Meters1.02
Draft [max] - Inches34
Draft [max] - Inches40
Weight - Detail5,685 lbs. (2,579 kg)
Weight - Detail8,950 lbs. (4,060 kg)
Weight - kg2578.67
Weight - kg4059.65
Weight - lbs.5685
Weight - lbs.8950
Length - Meters8.25
Length - Meters8.84
Length - Feet27
Length - Feet29
Length - Inches1
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail27 ft. 1 in. (8.25 m)
Length overall - Detail29 ft. (8.84 m)
Length overall - Meters8.26
Length overall - Meters8.84
Length overall - Inches325
Length overall - Inches348
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardMerCruiser® Single 496 MAG Bravo One
Engine/s standardMerCruiser® Single 8.2 MAG EC Bravo Three X
Fuel tank capacity - Detail105 gal. (397 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail122 gal. (462 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters397.47
Fuel tank capacity - Liters461.82
Fuel tank capacity - Gal105
Fuel tank capacity - Gal122
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeInboard
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Operational Info
Headroom4 ft. 5 in. (1.35 m)
Headroom5 ft. 1 in. (1.54 m)
Water capacity19 gal. (72 l)
Water capacity21 gal. (79 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail2.6 gal. (9.8 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail22.5 gal. (85 l)
Holding tank capacity - Liters11.36
Holding tank capacity - Liters87.06
Holding tank capacity - Gal2.6
Holding tank capacity - Gal22.5
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeDeep Vee