Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Formula 280 Bowrider 2008 vs Formula 280 Sun Sport 2006 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Formula 280 Bowrider 2008 vs Formula 280 Sun Sport 2006 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 2008 at 29,0 ft versus Formula 280 Sun Sport 2006 at 28,0 ft. At 82 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 2008 and Formula 280 Sun Sport 2006 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 Year2008
Model Year2006
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. (0.91 m)
Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (.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 - Detail7,300 lbs. (3,311 kg)
Weight - kg3719.45
Weight - kg3311.22
Weight - lbs.82
Weight - lbs.73
Length - Meters8.99
Length - Meters8.53
Length - Feet29
Length - Feet28
Length - Inches6
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail29 ft. 6 in. (8.99 m)
Length overall - Detail28 ft. 0 in. (8.53 m)
Length overall - Meters8.99
Length overall - Meters8.53
Length overall - Inches354
Length overall - Inches336
Length [over all with swim platform]not available
Length [over all with swim platform]30 ft. 0 in. (9.14 m)
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialnot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardMerCruiser? Single 496 MAG Bravo Three
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 typeGas or Diesel
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeInboard
Operational Info
Water capacity20 gal. (76 l)
Water capacity20 gal. (76 l)
Headroomnot available
Headroom5 ft. 2 in. (1.57 m)
Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available
Holding tank capacity - Detail26 gal. (98 l)
Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available
Holding tank capacity - Liters98.42
Holding tank capacity - Galnot available
Holding tank capacity - Gal26