Formula 280 Sun Sport 2005 boat specs
Formula
Formula 280 Sun Sport 2005
2005
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VS
Formula 292 FASTECH 2009 boat specs
Formula
Formula 292 FASTECH 2009
2009
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Formula 280 Sun Sport 2005 vs Formula 292 FASTECH 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Formula 280 Sun Sport 2005 vs Formula 292 FASTECH 2009 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 Sun Sport 2005 at 28,0 ft versus Formula 292 FASTECH 2009 at 29,0 ft. At 73 lbs and 7 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 Sun Sport 2005 and Formula 292 FASTECH 2009 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
MakeFormula
MakeFormula
Model280 Sun Sport
Model292 FAS?TECH
Model Year2005
Model Year2009
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam9 ft. 2 in. (2.79 m)
Beam8 ft. 3 in. (2.51 m)
Beam - Meters2.79
Beam - Meters2.51
Beam - Inches11
Beam - Inches99
Bridge clearance - DetailLight Load: 5 ft. 8 in. (1.72 m) Light Load w/Arch: 8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Bridge clearance - Detail4 ft. 11 in. (1.5 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters2.59
Bridge clearance - Meters1.5
Bridge clearance - Inches102
Bridge clearance - Inches59
Deadrise21℃
Deadrise24℃
Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (.91 m)
Draft [max] - Detail33 in. (0.84 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Meters0.84
Draft [max] - Inches36
Draft [max] - Inches33
Weight - Detail7,300 lbs. (3,311 kg)
Weight - Detail7,000 lbs. (3,175 kg)
Weight - kg3311.22
Weight - kg3175.14
Weight - lbs.73
Weight - lbs.7
Length - Meters8.53
Length - Meters8.89
Length - Feet28
Length - Feet29
Length [over all with swim platform]30 ft. 0 in. (9.14 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]not available
Length overall - Detail28 ft. 0 in. (8.53 m)
Length overall - Detail29 ft. 2 in. (8.89 m)
Length overall - Meters8.53
Length overall - Meters8.89
Length overall - Inches336
Length overall - Inches35
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches2
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardVolvo Penta Twin 5.0 GXi DP
Engine/s standardMerCrusier? twin 350 MAG Bravo 1
Fuel tank capacity - Detail120 gal. (454 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail113 gal. (428 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters454.25
Fuel tank capacity - Liters427.75
Fuel tank capacity - Gal12
Fuel tank capacity - Gal113
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeInboard
Max no of enginesnot available
Max no of engines2
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Operational Info
Headroom5 ft. 2 in. (1.57 m)
Headroom4 ft. 5 in. (1.35 m)
Water capacity20 gal. (76 l)
Water capacity19 gal. (72 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail26 gal. (98 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail2.6 gal. (9.8 l)
Holding tank capacity - Liters98.42
Holding tank capacity - Liters11.36
Holding tank capacity - Gal26
Holding tank capacity - Gal2.6
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeDeep Vee

Formula 280 Sun Sport 2005 vs Formula 292 FASTECH 2009 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Formula 280 Sun Sport 2005 or the Formula 292 FASTECH 2009?
The Formula 292 FASTECH 2009 is the longer of the two at 29,0 feet overall. The Formula 280 Sun Sport 2005 comes in at 28,0 feet, making it roughly 1,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Formula 280 Sun Sport 2005 or the Formula 292 FASTECH 2009?
For trailering, the Formula 292 FASTECH 2009 has the edge at 7 lbs dry weight versus 73 lbs for the Formula 280 Sun Sport 2005. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Formula 280 Sun Sport 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Formula 292 FASTECH 2009 is certified for 8. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Formula 292 FASTECH 2009 measures 99" wide, compared to 11" for the Formula 280 Sun Sport 2005. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Formula 280 Sun Sport 2005 or the Formula 292 FASTECH 2009?
The Formula 292 FASTECH 2009 has the bigger tank at 113 gallons, versus 12 gallons on the Formula 280 Sun Sport 2005. That 101-gallon difference translates to roughly 303–505 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Formula 280 Sun Sport 2005 and Formula 292 FASTECH 2009 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Formula 280 Sun Sport 2005 and the Formula 292 FASTECH 2009 are built by Formula. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.