Formula 31 Cruiser 2006 boat specs
Formula
Formula 31 Cruiser 2006
2006
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VS
Formula 400 FX8 2013 boat specs
Formula
Formula 400 FX8 2013
2013
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Formula 31 Cruiser 2006 vs Formula 400 FX8 2013 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Formula 31 Cruiser 2006 vs Formula 400 FX8 2013 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 2013 measures 41,5 feet overall (2013), giving it roughly 8,5 additional feet of deck space compared to the Formula 31 Cruiser 2006 at 33,0 feet (2006). At 141 lbs and 181 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 400 FX8 2013 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 2013 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Formula 400 FX8 2013 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
MakeFormula
MakeFormula
Model31 Cruiser
Model400 FX8
Model Year2006
Model Year2013
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 - DetailWith Mast Light: 11 ft. 6 in. (3.51 m) With Hardtop, Sat. TV & Mast Light: 12 ft. 6 in. (3.81 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters3.15
Bridge clearance - Meters3.81
Bridge clearance - Inches124
Bridge clearance - Inches15
Deadrise18℃
Deadrise22³
Draft [max] - Detail34 in. (.86 m)
Draft [max] - DetailGas: 39 in. (0.99 m) Diesel: 40 in. (1.02 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.86
Draft [max] - Meters1.02
Draft [max] - Inches34
Draft [max] - Inches4
Weight - Detail14,100 lbs. (6,396 kg)
Weight - DetailGas: 16,100 lbs. (7,303 kg) Diesel: 17,100 lbs. (7,756 kg) Gas (with Hardtop): 17,100 lbs. Diesel (with Hardtop): 18,100 lbs. (8,210 kg)
Weight - kg6395.65
Weight - kg8210.02
Weight - lbs.141
Weight - lbs.181
Length - Meters10.08
Length - Metersnot available
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 - Gal18
Fuel tank capacity - Gal25
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Drive typeInboard
Drive typenot available
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 - Gal4
Holding tank capacity - Gal5
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialAluminum
Hull typenot available
Hull typeDeep Vee

Formula 31 Cruiser 2006 vs Formula 400 FX8 2013 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Formula 31 Cruiser 2006 or the Formula 400 FX8 2013?
The Formula 400 FX8 2013 is the longer of the two at 41,5 feet overall. The Formula 31 Cruiser 2006 comes in at 33,0 feet, making it roughly 8,5 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Formula 31 Cruiser 2006 or the Formula 400 FX8 2013?
For trailering, the Formula 31 Cruiser 2006 has the edge at 141 lbs dry weight versus 181 lbs for the Formula 400 FX8 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 31 Cruiser 2006 is Coast Guard rated for 10 passengers, while the Formula 400 FX8 2013 is certified for 12. 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 31 Cruiser 2006 and Formula 400 FX8 2013 share an 11 ft. 0 in. (3.35 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 31 Cruiser 2006 or the Formula 400 FX8 2013?
The Formula 400 FX8 2013 has the bigger tank at 25 gallons, versus 18 gallons on the Formula 31 Cruiser 2006. That 7-gallon difference translates to roughly 21–35 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Formula 31 Cruiser 2006 and Formula 400 FX8 2013 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Formula 31 Cruiser 2006 and the Formula 400 FX8 2013 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.