Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Formula 280 Bowrider 2008 vs Formula 310 Sun Sport 2009: A Close Look at Two Modified-V Boats
Both the Formula 280 Bowrider 2008 and the Formula 310 Sun Sport 2009 are modified-V designs, both built in fibreglass, so the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Formula 280 Bowrider 2008 at 29,0 ft versus Formula 310 Sun Sport 2009 at 31,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Formula 310 Sun Sport 2009 tips the scales at 9 750 lbs - 1 550 lbs less than the Formula 280 Bowrider 2008 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.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Formula 310 Sun Sport 2009 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 310 Sun Sport 2009 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Formula 310 Sun Sport 2009 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 9 passengers and at 31,0 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
Model310 Sun Sport
Model Year2008
Model Year2009
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 - Detail6 ft. 0 in. (1.83 m) With Arch: 8 ft. 8 in. (2.64 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters2.59
Bridge clearance - Meters2.64
Bridge clearance - Inches102
Bridge clearance - Inches104
Deadrise21℃
Deadrise22℃
Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (0.91 m)
Draft [max] - Detail37 in. (0.94 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Meters0.94
Draft [max] - Inches36
Draft [max] - Inches37
Weight - DetailSingle: 7,300 lbs. (3,311 kg) Twin: 8,200 lbs. (3,719 kg)
Weight - Detail9,750 lbs. (4,423 kg)
Weight - kg3719.45
Weight - kg4422.52
Weight - lbs.8200
Weight - lbs.9750
Length - Meters8.99
Length - Meters9.45
Length - Feet29
Length - Feet31
Length - Inches6
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail29 ft. 6 in. (8.99 m)
Length overall - Detail31 ft. 0 in. (9.45 m)
Length overall - Meters8.99
Length overall - Meters9.45
Length overall - Inches354
Length overall - Inches372
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardMerCruiser? Single 496 MAG Bravo Three
Engine/s standardVolvo Penta twin 5.7 Gi DP
Fuel tank capacity - Detail120 gal. (454 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail130 gal. (492 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters454.25
Fuel tank capacity - Liters492.1
Fuel tank capacity - Gal120
Fuel tank capacity - Gal130
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeInboard
Max no of enginesnot available
Max no of engines2
Operational Info
Water capacity20 gal. (76 l)
Water capacity29 gal. (110 l)
Headroomnot available
Headroom5 ft. 4 in. (1.63 m)