The Formula Boats 280 Sun Sport 2008 vs Formula Boats 290 Bowrider 2022 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.
The Formula Boats 280 Sun Sport 2008 carries a rated maximum of 300 hp. Engine data for the Formula Boats 290 Bowrider 2022 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Formula Boats 290 Bowrider 2022 carries 112 gallons versus 12 gallons in the Formula Boats 280 Sun Sport 2008. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Formula Boats 280 Sun Sport 2008 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Formula Boats 290 Bowrider 2022 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Formula Boats 280 Sun Sport 2008 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Formula Boats 280 Sun Sport 2008 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 9 passengers and at 30,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Formula Boats 290 Bowrider 2022 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 8 that costs less to run day-to-day.