Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Formula 280 Bowrider 2007 vs Formula 290 FX4 BR 2012: Same Brand, Different Boat
The Formula 280 Bowrider 2007 vs Formula 290 FX4 BR 2012 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 2007 at 29,0 ft versus Formula 290 FX4 BR 2012 at 29,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Formula 290 FX4 BR 2012 tips the scales at 8 950 lbs - 750 lbs less than the Formula 280 Bowrider 2007 at 8 200 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 280 Bowrider 2007 and Formula 290 FX4 BR 2012 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
Model290 FX4 BR
Model Year2007
Model Year2012
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam9 ft. 2 in. (2.79 m)
Beam9 ft. 6 in. (2.9 m)
Beam - Meters2.79
Beam - Meters2.9
Beam - Inches110
Beam - Inches114
Bridge clearance - DetailLight Load: 5 ft. 8 in. (1.72 m) Light Load w/ Arch: 8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Bridge clearance - Detail5 ft. 10 in. (1.77 m) With Arch: 8 ft. 2 in. (2.49 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters2.59
Bridge clearance - Meters2.49
Bridge clearance - Inches102
Bridge clearance - Inches98
Deadrise21℃
Deadrise22³
Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (0.91 m)
Draft [max] - Detail40 in. (1.02 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Meters1.02
Draft [max] - Inches36
Draft [max] - Inches40
Weight - DetailSingle: 7,300 lbs. (3,311 kg) Twin: 8,200 lbs. (3,719 kg)
Weight - Detail8,950 lbs. (4,060 kg)
Weight - kg3719.45
Weight - kg4059.65
Weight - lbs.8200
Weight - lbs.8950
Length - Meters8.99
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Feet29
Length - Feet29
Length - Inches6
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail29 ft. 6 in. (8.99 m)
Length overall - Detail29 ft. 0 in. (8.84 m)
Length overall - Meters8.99
Length overall - Meters8.84
Length overall - Inches354
Length overall - Inches348
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialAluminum
Hull typenot available
Hull typeDeep Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardMerCruiser? Single 496 MAG Bravo Three
Engine/s standardnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail120 gal. (454 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail122 gal. (462 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters454.25
Fuel tank capacity - Liters461.82
Fuel tank capacity - Gal120
Fuel tank capacity - Gal122
Drive typeInboard
Drive typenot available
Operational Info
Water capacity20 gal. (76 l)
Water capacity21 gal. (79 l)
Holding tank capacity - DetailSingle: 26 gal. (98 l) Twin: 2.6 gal. (9.8 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail22.5 gal. (85 l)
Holding tank capacity - Liters98.42
Holding tank capacity - Liters87.06
Holding tank capacity - Gal26
Holding tank capacity - Gal22.5
Headroomnot available
Headroom5 ft. 1 in. (1.54 m)