Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Formula 290 Bowrider 2012 vs Formula 310 FX5 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat
Matching a modified vee Formula 290 Bowrider 2012 against a deep vee Formula 310 FX5 2012 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Formula 290 Bowrider 2012 at 29,0 ft versus Formula 310 FX5 2012 at 31,0 ft. At 895 lbs and 975 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 310 FX5 2012 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Formula 290 Bowrider 2012 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Formula 310 FX5 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Formula 310 FX5 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 9 passengers and at 31,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Formula 290 Bowrider 2012 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
Model290 Bowrider
Model310 FX5
Model Year2012
Model Year2012
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam9 ft. (2.74 m)
Beam9 ft. 6 in. (2.9 m)
Beam - Meters2.74
Beam - Meters2.9
Beam - Inches108
Beam - Inches114
Bridge clearance - Detail5 ft. 10 in. (1.77 m) With Arch: 8 ft. 2 in. (2.49 m)
Bridge clearance - Detail6 ft. (1.83 m) With Arch: 8 ft. 8 in. (2.64 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters2.49
Bridge clearance - Meters2.64
Bridge clearance - Inches98
Bridge clearance - Inches104
Deadrise22°
Deadrise22³
Draft [max] - Detail40 in. (1.02 m)
Draft [max] - Detail37 in. (0.94 m)
Draft [max] - Meters1.02
Draft [max] - Meters0.94
Draft [max] - Inches4
Draft [max] - Inches37
Weight - Detail8,950 lbs. (4,060 kg)
Weight - Detail9,750 lbs. (4,423 kg)
Weight - kg4059.65
Weight - kg4422.52
Weight - lbs.895
Weight - lbs.975
Length - Feet29
Length - Feet31
Length overall - Detail29 ft. (8.84 m)
Length overall - Detail31 ft. 0 in. (9.45 m)
Length overall - Meters8.84
Length overall - Meters9.45
Length overall - Inches348
Length overall - Inches372
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialAluminum
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeDeep Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardMerCruiser® Single 8.2 MAG EC Bravo Three X
Engine/s standardnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail122 gal. (461 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail130 gal. (492 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters461.82
Fuel tank capacity - Liters492.1
Fuel tank capacity - Gal122
Fuel tank capacity - Gal13
Drive typeInboard - Twin
Drive typenot available
Operational Info
Water capacity20 gal. (76 l)
Water capacity29 gal. (110 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail22.5 gal. (85 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail36 gal. (136 l)
Holding tank capacity - Liters87.06
Holding tank capacity - Liters136.27
Holding tank capacity - Gal22.5
Holding tank capacity - Gal36
Headroomnot available
Headroom5 ft. 4 in. (1.63 m)