Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Formula 31 Cruiser 2006 vs Formula 400 FX8 2011: Same Brand, Different Boat
The Formula 31 Cruiser 2006 vs Formula 400 FX8 2011 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 400 FX8 2011 measures 41,5 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 8,5 additional feet of deck space compared to the Formula 31 Cruiser 2006 at 33,0 feet (2006). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Formula 400 FX8 2011 tips the scales at 17 100 lbs - 3 000 lbs less than the Formula 31 Cruiser 2006 at 14 100 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 400 FX8 2011 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Formula 31 Cruiser 2006 caps at 10. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Formula 400 FX8 2011 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Formula 400 FX8 2011 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 12 passengers and at 41,5 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Formula 31 Cruiser 2006 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 10 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
Model31 Cruiser
Model400 FX8
Model Year2006
Model Year2011
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam11 ft. 0 in. (3.35 m)
Beam11 ft. (3.35 m)
Beam - Meters3.35
Beam - Meters3.35
Beam - Inches132
Beam - Inches132
Bridge clearance - DetailLight Load: 10 ft. 4 in. (3.15 m)
Bridge clearance - Detail10 ft. 6 in. (3.2 m) With Mast Light: 11 ft. 6 in. (3.51 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters3.15
Bridge clearance - Meters3.51
Bridge clearance - Inches124
Bridge clearance - Inches138
Deadrise18℃
Deadrise22℃
Draft [max] - Detail34 in. (.86 m)
Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (0.91 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.86
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Inches34
Draft [max] - Inches36
Weight - Detail14,100 lbs. (6,396 kg)
Weight - DetailGas: 16,100 lbs. (7,303 kg) Diesel: 17,100 lbs. (7,756 kg)
Weight - kg6395.65
Weight - kg7756.42
Weight - lbs.14100
Weight - lbs.17100
Length - Meters10.08
Length - Meters12.65
Length - Feet33
Length - Feet41.5
Length - Inches1
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail33 ft. 1 in. (10.08 m) Less Bow Platform: 31 ft. 8 in. (9.65 m)
Length overall - Detail41 ft. 6 in. (12.65 m)
Length overall - Meters10.08
Length overall - Meters12.65
Length overall - Inches397
Length overall - Inches498
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardVolvo Penta Twin 5.7 GXi DP
Engine/s standardnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail180 gal. (681 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail250 gal. (946 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters681.37
Fuel tank capacity - Liters946.35
Fuel tank capacity - Gal180
Fuel tank capacity - Gal250
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeInboard
Operational Info
Headroom6 ft. 4 in. (1.93 m)
Headroom6 ft. 2 in. (1.88 m)
Water capacity50 gal. (189 l)
Water capacity50 gal. (189 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail40 gal. (151 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail50 gal. (189 l)
Holding tank capacity - Liters151.42
Holding tank capacity - Liters189.27
Holding tank capacity - Gal40
Holding tank capacity - Gal50
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeDeep Vee