Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Formula 280 Sun Sport 2005 vs Formula 31 Cruiser 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Formula 280 Sun Sport 2005 vs Formula 31 Cruiser 2011 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Formula 31 Cruiser 2011 measures 31,7 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 3,7 additional feet of deck space compared to the Formula 280 Sun Sport 2005 at 28,0 feet (2005). At 73 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 2011 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Formula 280 Sun Sport 2005 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 2011 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Formula 31 Cruiser 2011 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 Sun Sport 2005 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 Sun Sport
Model31 Cruiser
Model Year2005
Model Year2011
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. (.91 m)
Draft [max] - Detail34 in. (0.86 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Meters0.86
Draft [max] - Inches36
Draft [max] - Inches34
Weight - Detail7,300 lbs. (3,311 kg)
Weight - Detail14,100 lbs. (6,396 kg)
Weight - kg3311.22
Weight - kg6395.65
Weight - lbs.73
Weight - lbs.141
Length - Meters8.53
Length - Meters9.65
Length - Feet28
Length - Feet31.67
Length [over all with swim platform]30 ft. 0 in. (9.14 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]33 ft. 1 in. (10.08 m)
Length overall - Detail28 ft. 0 in. (8.53 m)
Length overall - Detail31 ft. 8 in. (9.65 m)
Length overall - Meters8.53
Length overall - Meters9.65
Length overall - Inches336
Length overall - Inches38
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardVolvo Penta Twin 5.0 GXi DP
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
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)
Headroom6 ft. 4 in. (1.93 m)
Water capacity20 gal. (76 l)
Water capacity50 gal. (189 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail26 gal. (98 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail40 gal. (151 l)
Holding tank capacity - Liters98.42
Holding tank capacity - Liters151.42
Holding tank capacity - Gal26
Holding tank capacity - Gal4
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeDeep Vee