Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Formula 280 Bowrider 2008 vs Formula 37 PC 2013: Same Brand, Different Boat
The Formula 280 Bowrider 2008 is a modified-V design and the Formula 37 PC 2013 is a deep-V design, so you're likely deciding between two noticeably different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Formula 37 PC 2013 measures 37,0 feet overall (2013), giving it roughly 8,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Formula 280 Bowrider 2008 at 29,0 feet (2008). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Formula 37 PC 2013 tips the scales at 18 900 lbs - 10 700 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 37 PC 2013 is rated for 11 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 37 PC 2013 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Formula 37 PC 2013 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 11 passengers and at 37,0 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
Model37 PC
Model Year2008
Model Year2013
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam9 ft. 2 in. (2.79 m)
Beam12 ft. (3.66 m)
Beam - Meters2.79
Beam - Meters3.66
Beam - Inches110
Beam - Inches144
Bridge clearance - DetailLight Load: 5 ft. 8 in. (1.72 m) Light Load w/ Arch: 8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Bridge clearance - DetailWith Mast Light: 13 ft. 4 in. (4.06 m) With Hardtop, Satellite TV & Mast Light: 15 ft. 7 in. (4.74 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters2.59
Bridge clearance - Meters4.75
Bridge clearance - Inches102
Bridge clearance - Inches187
Deadrise21℃
Deadrise18℃
Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (0.91 m)
Draft [max] - Detail34 in. (0.86 m) With Volvo IPS: 40 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 - DetailGas: 17,500 lbs. (7,937 kg) Diesel: 18,200 lbs. (8,255 kg) With Hardtop - Gas: 18,200 (8,255 kg) With Hardtop - Diesel: 18,900 lbs. (8,572 kg) With IPS: 18,900 lbs. (8,572 kg)
Weight - kg3719.45
Weight - kg8572.89
Weight - lbs.8200
Weight - lbs.18900
Length - Meters8.99
Length - Meters11.28
Length - Feet29
Length - Feet37
Length - Inches6
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail29 ft. 6 in. (8.99 m)
Length overall - Detail37 ft. 0 in. (11.28 m)
Length overall - Meters8.99
Length overall - Meters11.28
Length overall - Inches354
Length overall - Inches444
Length [over all with swim platform]not available
Length [over all with swim platform]38 ft. 5 in. (11.71 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 standardnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail120 gal. (454 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail236 gal. (893 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters454.25
Fuel tank capacity - Liters893.36
Fuel tank capacity - Gal120
Fuel tank capacity - Gal236
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeInboard
Operational Info
Water capacity20 gal. (76 l)
Water capacity57 gal. (216 l)
Headroomnot available
Headroom6 ft. 7 in. (2.01 m)
Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available
Holding tank capacity - Detail55 gal. (208 l)
Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available
Holding tank capacity - Liters208.2
Holding tank capacity - Galnot available
Holding tank capacity - Gal55