Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Formula 280 Sun Sport 2005 vs Formula 370 FX7 2013 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Formula 280 Sun Sport 2005 vs Formula 370 FX7 2013 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 370 FX7 2013 measures 38,5 feet overall (2013), giving it roughly 10,5 additional feet of deck space compared to the Formula 280 Sun Sport 2005 at 28,0 feet (2005). At 73 lbs and 151 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 370 FX7 2013 is rated for 11 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 370 FX7 2013 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Formula 370 FX7 2013 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 11 passengers and at 38,5 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
Model370 FX7
Model Year2005
Model Year2013
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam9 ft. 2 in. (2.79 m)
Beam10 ft. 9 in. (3.27 m)
Beam - Meters2.79
Beam - Meters3.28
Beam - Inches11
Beam - Inches129
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. (3.05 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters2.59
Bridge clearance - Meters3.05
Bridge clearance - Inches102
Bridge clearance - Inches12
Deadrise21℃
Deadrise21³
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 - Detail15,100 lbs. (6,849 kg)
Weight - kg3311.22
Weight - kg6849.24
Weight - lbs.73
Weight - lbs.151
Length - Meters8.53
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Feet28
Length - Feet38.5
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 - Detail38 ft. 6 in. (11.73 m)
Length overall - Meters8.53
Length overall - Meters11.73
Length overall - Inches336
Length overall - Inches462
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardVolvo Penta Twin 5.0 GXi DP
Engine/s standardnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail120 gal. (454 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail238 gal. (901 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters454.25
Fuel tank capacity - Liters900.93
Fuel tank capacity - Gal12
Fuel tank capacity - Gal238
Drive typeInboard
Drive typenot available
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Operational Info
Headroom5 ft. 2 in. (1.57 m)
Headroom6 ft. 2 in. (1.88 m)
Water capacity20 gal. (76 l)
Water capacity43 gal. (163 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail26 gal. (98 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail50 gal. (189 l)
Holding tank capacity - Liters98.42
Holding tank capacity - Liters189.27
Holding tank capacity - Gal26
Holding tank capacity - Gal5
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialAluminum
Hull typenot available
Hull typeDeep Vee