Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Formula 280 Bowrider 2007 vs Formula 400 FX8 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Formula 280 Bowrider 2007 vs Formula 400 FX8 2011 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 400 FX8 2011 measures 41,5 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 12,5 additional feet of deck space compared to the Formula 280 Bowrider 2007 at 29,0 feet (2007). At 82 lbs and 171 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.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Formula 400 FX8 2011 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Formula 280 Bowrider 2007 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Formula 400 FX8 2011 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Formula 400 FX8 2011 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 12 passengers and at 41,5 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Formula 280 Bowrider 2007 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
Model400 FX8
Model Year2007
Model Year2011
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam9 ft. 2 in. (2.79 m)
Beam11 ft. (3.35 m)
Beam - Meters2.79
Beam - Meters3.35
Beam - Inches11
Beam - Inches132
Bridge clearance - DetailLight Load: 5 ft. 8 in. (1.72 m) Light Load w/ Arch: 8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Bridge clearance - Detail10 ft. 6 in. (3.2 m) With Mast Light: 11 ft. 6 in. (3.51 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters2.59
Bridge clearance - Meters3.51
Bridge clearance - Inches102
Bridge clearance - Inches138
Deadrise21℃
Deadrise22℃
Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (0.91 m)
Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (0.91 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Inches36
Draft [max] - Inches36
Weight - DetailSingle: 7,300 lbs. (3,311 kg) Twin: 8,200 lbs. (3,719 kg)
Weight - DetailGas: 16,100 lbs. (7,303 kg) Diesel: 17,100 lbs. (7,756 kg)
Weight - kg3719.45
Weight - kg7756.42
Weight - lbs.82
Weight - lbs.171
Length - Meters8.99
Length - Meters12.65
Length - Feet29
Length - Feet41.5
Length - Inches6
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail29 ft. 6 in. (8.99 m)
Length overall - Detail41 ft. 6 in. (12.65 m)
Length overall - Meters8.99
Length overall - Meters12.65
Length overall - Inches354
Length overall - Inches498
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
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 - Detail250 gal. (946 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters454.25
Fuel tank capacity - Liters946.35
Fuel tank capacity - Gal12
Fuel tank capacity - Gal25
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeInboard
Operational Info
Water capacity20 gal. (76 l)
Water capacity50 gal. (189 l)
Holding tank capacity - DetailSingle: 26 gal. (98 l) Twin: 2.6 gal. (9.8 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail50 gal. (189 l)
Holding tank capacity - Liters98.42
Holding tank capacity - Liters189.27
Holding tank capacity - Gal26
Holding tank capacity - Gal5
Headroomnot available
Headroom6 ft. 2 in. (1.88 m)