Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Formula 280 Sun Sport 2006 vs Formula 34 Cruiser 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Formula 280 Sun Sport 2006 vs Formula 34 Cruiser 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Formula 34 Cruiser 2009 measures 34,0 feet overall (2009), giving it roughly 6,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Formula 280 Sun Sport 2006 at 28,0 feet (2006). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Formula 34 Cruiser 2009 tips the scales at 1 691 lbs — 1 618 lbs less than the Formula 280 Sun Sport 2006 at 73 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 34 Cruiser 2009 is rated for 10 passengers, while the Formula 280 Sun Sport 2006 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Formula 34 Cruiser 2009 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Formula 34 Cruiser 2009 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 10 passengers and at 34,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Formula 280 Sun Sport 2006 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
Model34 Cruiser
Model Year2006
Model Year2009
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam9 ft. 2 in. (2.79 m)
Beam11 ft. 6 in. (3.51 m)
Beam - Meters2.79
Beam - Meters3.51
Beam - Inches11
Beam - Inches138
Bridge clearance - DetailLight Load: 5 ft. 8 in. (1.72 m) Light Load w/ Arch: 8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Bridge clearance - Detail11 ft. 4 in. (3.45 m) With Hartop, Satellite TV & Mast Light: 14 ft. 0 in. (4.27 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters2.59
Bridge clearance - Meters4.27
Bridge clearance - Inches102
Bridge clearance - Inches168
Deadrise21℃
Deadrise18℃
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 - DetailGas: 15,710 lbs. (7,126 kg) Diesel: 16,110 lbs. (7,307 kg) With Hardtop - Gas: 16,510 (7,489 kg) With Hardtop - Diesel: 16,910 lbs. (7,670 kg)
Weight - kg3311.22
Weight - kg7670.24
Weight - lbs.73
Weight - lbs.1691
Length - Meters8.53
Length - Meters10.44
Length - Feet28
Length - Feet34
Length [over all with swim platform]30 ft. 0 in. (9.14 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]35 ft. 7 in. (10.85 m)
Length overall - Detail28 ft. 0 in. (8.53 m)
Length overall - Detail34 ft. 3 in. (10.44 m)
Length overall - Meters8.53
Length overall - Meters10.44
Length overall - Inches336
Length overall - Inches411
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches3
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardVolvo Penta Twin 5.0 GXi DP
Engine/s standardVolvo Penta twin 8.1 Gi DP with CWC
Fuel tank capacity - Detail120 gal. (454 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail206 gal. (780 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters454.25
Fuel tank capacity - Liters779.79
Fuel tank capacity - Gal12
Fuel tank capacity - Gal206
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeInboard
Max no of enginesnot available
Max no of engines2
Operational Info
Headroom5 ft. 2 in. (1.57 m)
Headroom6 ft. 8 in. (2.03 m)
Water capacity20 gal. (76 l)
Water capacity55 gal. (208 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