Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Formula 271 FASTech 2008 vs Formula 280 Sun Sport 2006 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Formula 271 FASTech 2008 vs Formula 280 Sun Sport 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 FASTech 2008 at 27,0 ft versus Formula 280 Sun Sport 2006 at 28,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Formula 271 FASTech 2008 tips the scales at 5 685 lbs — 5 612 lbs more than the Formula 280 Sun Sport 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 FASTech 2008 and Formula 280 Sun Sport 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 FAS?Tech
Model280 Sun Sport
Model Year2008
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. (0.86 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 - Detail7,300 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)
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialnot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardMerCruiser? Single 496 MAG Bravo One
Engine/s standardVolvo Penta Twin 5.0 GXi DP
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
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeInboard
Operational Info
Headroom4 ft. 5 in. (1.35 m)
Headroom5 ft. 2 in. (1.57 m)
Water capacity19 gal. (72 l)
Water capacity20 gal. (76 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail2.6 gal. (9.8 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail26 gal. (98 l)
Holding tank capacity - Liters11.36
Holding tank capacity - Liters98.42
Holding tank capacity - Gal2.6
Holding tank capacity - Gal26