Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Formula 280 Bowrider 2005 vs Formula 350 Crossover Bowrider 2013 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Formula 280 Bowrider 2005 vs Formula 350 Crossover Bowrider 2013 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Formula 350 Crossover Bowrider 2013 measures 35,0 feet overall (2013), giving it roughly 7,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Formula 280 Bowrider 2005 at 28,0 feet (2005). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Formula 350 Crossover Bowrider 2013 tips the scales at 1 347 lbs — 1 274 lbs less than the Formula 280 Bowrider 2005 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.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Formula 350 Crossover Bowrider 2013 is rated for 10 passengers, while the Formula 280 Bowrider 2005 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Formula 350 Crossover Bowrider 2013 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Formula 350 Crossover Bowrider 2013 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 10 passengers and at 35,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Formula 280 Bowrider 2005 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
Model280 Bowrider
Model350 Crossover Bowrider
Model Year2005
Model Year2013
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam9 ft. 2 in. (2.79 m)
Beam10 ft. 9 in. (3.28 m)
Beam - Meters2.79
Beam - Meters3.28
Beam - Inches11
Beam - Inches129
Bridge clearance - DetailLight Load: 5 ft. 8 in. (1.72 m) Light Load w/Arch: 8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Bridge clearance - Detail6 ft. 10 in. (2.08 m) With Arch: 9 ft. 5 in. (2.87 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters2.59
Bridge clearance - Meters2.87
Bridge clearance - Inches102
Bridge clearance - Inches113
Deadrise21℃
Deadrise21℃
Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (.91 m)
Draft [max] - Detail39 in. (0.99 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Meters0.99
Draft [max] - Inches36
Draft [max] - Inches39
Weight - DetailSingle: 6,100 lbs. (2,767 kg) Twin: 7,300 lbs. (3,311 kg)
Weight - Detail13,470 lbs. (6,109 kg)
Weight - kg3311.22
Weight - kg6109.88
Weight - lbs.73
Weight - lbs.1347
Length - Meters8.53
Length - Meters10.67
Length - Feet28
Length - Feet35
Length [over all with swim platform]30 ft. 0 in. (9.14 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]not available
Length overall - Detail28 ft. 0 in. (8.53 m)
Length overall - Detail35 ft. (10.67 m)
Length overall - Meters8.53
Length overall - Meters10.67
Length overall - Inches336
Length overall - Inches42
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardVolvo Penta Single 8.1 Gi DP w/CWC
Engine/s standardnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail120 gal. (454 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail172 gal. (651 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters454.25
Fuel tank capacity - Liters651.09
Fuel tank capacity - Gal12
Fuel tank capacity - Gal172
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeInboard
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Operational Info
Water capacity20 gal. (76 l)
Water capacity29 gal. (100 l)
Holding tank capacity - DetailSingle: 26 gal. (98 l) Twin: 2.6 gal. (9.8 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail37 gal. (140 l)
Holding tank capacity - Liters98.42
Holding tank capacity - Liters140.06
Holding tank capacity - Gal26
Holding tank capacity - Gal37
Headroomnot available
Headroom6 ft. 2 in. (1.88 m)
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee