Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Formula 280 Bowrider 2006 vs Formula 280 Sun Sport 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Formula 280 Bowrider 2006 vs Formula 280 Sun Sport 2005 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 280 Bowrider 2006 at 28,0 ft versus Formula 280 Sun Sport 2005 at 28,0 ft. At 73 lbs and 73 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.
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 280 Bowrider 2006 and Formula 280 Sun Sport 2005 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
Model280 Bowrider
Model280 Sun Sport
Model Year2006
Model Year2005
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam9 ft. 2 in. (2.79 m)
Beam9 ft. 2 in. (2.79 m)
Beam - Meters2.79
Beam - Meters2.79
Beam - Inches11
Beam - Inches11
Bridge clearance - DetailLight Load: 5 ft. 8 in. (1.72 m) Light Load w/ Arch: 8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 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 - Meters2.59
Bridge clearance - Meters2.59
Bridge clearance - Inches102
Bridge clearance - Inches102
Deadrise21℃
Deadrise21℃
Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (.91 m)
Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (.91 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Inches36
Draft [max] - Inches36
Weight - DetailSingle: 6,100 lbs. (2,767 kg) Twin: 7,300 lbs. (3,311 kg)
Weight - Detail7,300 lbs. (3,311 kg)
Weight - kg3311.22
Weight - kg3311.22
Weight - lbs.73
Weight - lbs.73
Length - Meters8.53
Length - Meters8.53
Length - Feet28
Length - Feet28
Length [over all with swim platform]30 ft. 0 in. (9.14 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]30 ft. 0 in. (9.14 m)
Length overall - Detail28 ft. 0 in. (8.53 m)
Length overall - Detail28 ft. 0 in. (8.53 m)
Length overall - Meters8.53
Length overall - Meters8.53
Length overall - Inches336
Length overall - Inches336
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardVolvo Penta Single 8.1 Gi DP w/CWC
Engine/s standardVolvo Penta Twin 5.0 GXi DP
Fuel tank capacity - Detail120 gal. (454 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail120 gal. (454 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters454.25
Fuel tank capacity - Liters454.25
Fuel tank capacity - Gal12
Fuel tank capacity - Gal12
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Fuel typenot available
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeInboard
Operational Info
Water capacity20 gal. (76 l)
Water capacity20 gal. (76 l)
Holding tank capacity - DetailSingle: 26 gal. (98 l) Twin: 2.6 gal. (9.8 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail26 gal. (98 l)
Holding tank capacity - Liters98.42
Holding tank capacity - Liters98.42
Holding tank capacity - Gal26
Holding tank capacity - Gal26
Headroomnot available
Headroom5 ft. 2 in. (1.57 m)