Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Formula 280 Bowrider 2008 vs Formula 31 Cruiser 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat
Matching a modified vee Formula 280 Bowrider 2008 against a deep vee Formula 31 Cruiser 2012 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Formula 280 Bowrider 2008 at 29,0 ft versus Formula 31 Cruiser 2012 at 31,7 ft. At 82 lbs and 141 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 31 Cruiser 2012 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Formula 280 Bowrider 2008 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Formula 31 Cruiser 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Formula 31 Cruiser 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 9 passengers and at 31,7 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Formula 280 Bowrider 2008 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
Model31 Cruiser
Model Year2008
Model Year2012
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. 4 in. (3.15 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters2.59
Bridge clearance - Meters3.15
Bridge clearance - Inches102
Bridge clearance - Inches124
Deadrise21℃
Deadrise18℃
Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (0.91 m)
Draft [max] - Detail34 in. (0.86 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Meters0.86
Draft [max] - Inches36
Draft [max] - Inches34
Weight - DetailSingle: 7,300 lbs. (3,311 kg) Twin: 8,200 lbs. (3,719 kg)
Weight - Detail14,100 lbs. (6,396 kg)
Weight - kg3719.45
Weight - kg6395.65
Weight - lbs.82
Weight - lbs.141
Length - Meters8.99
Length - Meters9.65
Length - Feet29
Length - Feet31.67
Length - Inches6
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail29 ft. 6 in. (8.99 m)
Length overall - Detail31 ft. 8 in. (9.65 m)
Length overall - Meters8.99
Length overall - Meters9.65
Length overall - Inches354
Length overall - Inches38
Length [over all with swim platform]not available
Length [over all with swim platform]33 ft. 1 in. (10.08 m)
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeDeep Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardMerCruiser? Single 496 MAG Bravo Three
Engine/s standardVolvo Penta Twin 5.7 GXiC DP
Fuel tank capacity - Detail120 gal. (454 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail180 gal. (681 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters454.25
Fuel tank capacity - Liters681.37
Fuel tank capacity - Gal12
Fuel tank capacity - Gal18
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeInboard
Max no of enginesnot available
Max no of engines2
Operational Info
Water capacity20 gal. (76 l)
Water capacity50 gal. (189 l)
Headroomnot available
Headroom6 ft. 4 in. (1.93 m)
Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available
Holding tank capacity - Detail40 gal. (151 l)
Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available
Holding tank capacity - Liters151.42
Holding tank capacity - Galnot available
Holding tank capacity - Gal4