Formula 290 Bowrider 2013 boat specs
Formula
Formula 290 Bowrider 2013
2013
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VS
Formula 290 FX4 2012 boat specs
Formula
Formula 290 FX4 2012
2012
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Formula 290 Bowrider 2013 vs Formula 290 FX4 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a modified vee Formula 290 Bowrider 2013 against a deep vee Formula 290 FX4 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 2013 at 29,0 ft versus Formula 290 FX4 2012 at 29,0 ft. At 895 lbs and 895 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.

Both boats are rated for 8 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Bottom line: The Formula 290 Bowrider 2013 and Formula 290 FX4 2012 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.
General Boat Info
MakeFormula
MakeFormula
Model290 Bowrider
Model290 FX4
Model Year2013
Model Year2012
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam9 ft. (2.9 m)
Beam9 ft. (2.74 m)
Beam - Meters2.74
Beam - Meters2.74
Beam - Inches108
Beam - Inches108
Bridge clearance - Detail5 ft. 10 in. (1.77 m) With Arch: 8 ft. 2 in. (2.49 m)
Bridge clearance - Detail5 ft. 10 in. (1.77 m) With Arch: 8 ft. 2 in. (2.49 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters2.49
Bridge clearance - Meters2.49
Bridge clearance - Inches98
Bridge clearance - Inches98
Deadrise22°
Deadrise22³
Draft [max] - Detail40 in. (1.02 m)
Draft [max] - Detail40 in. (1.02 m)
Draft [max] - Meters1.02
Draft [max] - Meters1.02
Draft [max] - Inches4
Draft [max] - Inches4
Weight - Detail8,950 lbs. (4,060 kg)
Weight - Detail8,950 lbs. (4,060 kg)
Weight - kg4059.65
Weight - kg4059.65
Weight - lbs.895
Weight - lbs.895
Length - Feet29
Length - Feet29
Length overall - Detail29 ft. 0 in. (8.84 m)
Length overall - Detail29 ft. 0 in. (8.84 m)
Length overall - Meters8.84
Length overall - Meters8.84
Length overall - Inches348
Length overall - Inches348
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialAluminum
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeDeep Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail110 gal. (416 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail122 gal. (462 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters416.4
Fuel tank capacity - Liters461.82
Fuel tank capacity - Gal11
Fuel tank capacity - Gal122
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeInboard - Twin
Drive typenot available
Operational Info
Water capacity21 gal. (79 l)
Water capacity21 gal. (79 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail23 gal. (87 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail22.5 gal. (85 l)
Holding tank capacity - Liters87.06
Holding tank capacity - Liters87.06
Holding tank capacity - Gal23
Holding tank capacity - Gal22.5
Headroomnot available
Headroom5 ft. 1 in. (1.54 m)

Formula 290 Bowrider 2013 vs Formula 290 FX4 2012 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Formula 290 Bowrider 2013 or the Formula 290 FX4 2012?
The Formula 290 FX4 2012 is the longer of the two at 29,0 feet overall. The Formula 290 Bowrider 2013 comes in at 29,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Formula 290 Bowrider 2013 or the Formula 290 FX4 2012?
For trailering, the Formula 290 FX4 2012 has the edge at 895 lbs dry weight versus 895 lbs for the Formula 290 Bowrider 2013. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Formula 290 Bowrider 2013 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Formula 290 FX4 2012 is certified for 8. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?
Both the Formula 290 Bowrider 2013 and Formula 290 FX4 2012 share an 9 ft. (2.9 m) beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.
Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Formula 290 Bowrider 2013 or the Formula 290 FX4 2012?
The Formula 290 FX4 2012 has the bigger tank at 122 gallons, versus 11 gallons on the Formula 290 Bowrider 2013. That 111-gallon difference translates to roughly 333–555 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Formula 290 Bowrider 2013 and Formula 290 FX4 2012 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Formula 290 Bowrider 2013 and the Formula 290 FX4 2012 are built by Formula. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.