Formula 280 Bowrider 2006 boat specs
Formula
Formula 280 Bowrider 2006
2006
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VS
Formula 280 Sun Sport 2008 boat specs
Formula
Formula 280 Sun Sport 2008
2008
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Formula 280 Bowrider 2006 vs Formula 280 Sun Sport 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Formula 280 Bowrider 2006 vs Formula 280 Sun Sport 2008 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 2008 at 29,0 ft. At 73 lbs and 82 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 2008 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
MakeFormula
MakeFormula
Model280 Bowrider
Model280 Sun Sport
Model Year2006
Model Year2008
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. (0.91 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 - Detail8,200 lbs. (3,311 kg)
Weight - kg3311.22
Weight - kg3719.45
Weight - lbs.73
Weight - lbs.82
Length - Meters8.53
Length - Meters8.99
Length - Feet28
Length - Feet29
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 - Detail29 ft. 6 in. (8.99 m)
Length overall - Meters8.53
Length overall - Meters8.99
Length overall - Inches336
Length overall - Inches354
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches6
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardVolvo Penta Single 8.1 Gi DP w/CWC
Engine/s standardMerCruiser? Twin 5.0 MPI Bravo Three
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 typeGas or Diesel
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)
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeDeep Vee

Formula 280 Bowrider 2006 vs Formula 280 Sun Sport 2008 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Formula 280 Bowrider 2006 or the Formula 280 Sun Sport 2008?
The Formula 280 Sun Sport 2008 is the longer of the two at 29,0 feet overall. The Formula 280 Bowrider 2006 comes in at 28,0 feet, making it roughly 1,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Formula 280 Bowrider 2006 or the Formula 280 Sun Sport 2008?
For trailering, the Formula 280 Bowrider 2006 has the edge at 73 lbs dry weight versus 82 lbs for the Formula 280 Sun Sport 2008. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Formula 280 Bowrider 2006 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Formula 280 Sun Sport 2008 is certified for 8. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?
Both the Formula 280 Bowrider 2006 and Formula 280 Sun Sport 2008 share an 9 ft. 2 in. (2.79 m) beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.
How do the fuel tanks compare on the Formula 280 Bowrider 2006 and Formula 280 Sun Sport 2008?
Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 12 gallons and 12 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.
Are the Formula 280 Bowrider 2006 and Formula 280 Sun Sport 2008 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Formula 280 Bowrider 2006 and the Formula 280 Sun Sport 2008 are built by Formula. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.