Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Formula 280 Sun Sport 2005 vs Formula 353 FASTECH 2010 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Formula 280 Sun Sport 2005 vs Formula 353 FASTECH 2010 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 353 FASTECH 2010 measures 35,3 feet overall (2010), giving it roughly 7,3 additional feet of deck space compared to the Formula 280 Sun Sport 2005 at 28,0 feet (2005). At 73 lbs and 95 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 353 FASTECH 2010 is rated for 10 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 353 FASTECH 2010 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Formula 353 FASTECH 2010 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 10 passengers and at 35,3 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
Model353 FAS?TECH
Model Year2005
Model Year201
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 - Detail5 ft. 4 in. (1.63 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters2.59
Bridge clearance - Meters1.63
Bridge clearance - Inches102
Bridge clearance - Inches64
Deadrise21℃
Deadrise24℃
Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (.91 m)
Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (0.91 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Inches36
Draft [max] - Inches36
Weight - Detail7,300 lbs. (3,311 kg)
Weight - Detail9,500 lbs. (4,309 kg)
Weight - kg3311.22
Weight - kg4309.12
Weight - lbs.73
Weight - lbs.95
Length - Meters8.53
Length - Meters10.74
Length - Feet28
Length - Feet35.25
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 - Detail35.25 ft. (10.74 m)
Length overall - Meters8.53
Length overall - Meters10.74
Length overall - Inches336
Length overall - Inches423
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardVolvo Penta Twin 5.0 GXi DP
Engine/s standardMerCruiser? Twin 496 MAG Bravo One
Fuel tank capacity - Detail120 gal. (454 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail149 gal. (564 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters454.25
Fuel tank capacity - Liters564.03
Fuel tank capacity - Gal12
Fuel tank capacity - Gal149
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. 10 in. (1.47 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