Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Formula 310 Sun Sport 2008 vs Formula 40 Cruiser 2012: Same Brand, Different Boat
The Formula 310 Sun Sport 2008 is a modified-V design and the Formula 40 Cruiser 2012 is a deep-V design, so you're likely deciding between two noticeably different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Formula 40 Cruiser 2012 measures 40,8 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 9,8 additional feet of deck space compared to the Formula 310 Sun Sport 2008 at 31,0 feet (2008). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Formula 40 Cruiser 2012 tips the scales at 21 550 lbs - 11 800 lbs less than the Formula 310 Sun Sport 2008 at 9 750 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 40 Cruiser 2012 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Formula 310 Sun Sport 2008 caps at 9. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Formula 40 Cruiser 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Formula 40 Cruiser 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 12 passengers and at 40,8 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Formula 310 Sun Sport 2008 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 9 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
Model310 Sun Sport
Model40 Cruiser
Model Year2008
Model Year2012
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam9 ft. 6 in. (2.9 m)
Beam12 ft. 8 in. (3.86 m)
Beam - Meters2.9
Beam - Meters3.86
Beam - Inches114
Beam - Inches152
Bridge clearance - DetailLight Load: 6 ft. (1.83 m) Light Load w/ Arch: 8 ft. 8 in. (2.64 m)
Bridge clearance - Detail11 ft. 10 in. (3.61 m) With IPS: 12 ft. 1 in. (3.68 m) With Radar & IPS: 13 ft. 3 in. (4.03 m) With Mast Light: 12 ft. 4 in. (3.76 m) With Mast Light & IPS: 14 ft. 6 in. (4.42 m) With Radar & Mast Light: 14 ft. 6 in. (4.42 m) With Hardtop & Mast Light: 14 ft. 11 in. (4.55 m) With Hardtop, Satellite TV & Mast Light: 16 ft. 8 in. (5.07 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters2.64
Bridge clearance - Meters5.08
Bridge clearance - Inches104
Bridge clearance - Inches200
Deadrise22℃
Deadrise18℃
Draft [max] - Detail37 in. (0.94 m)
Draft [max] - Detail40 in. (1.02 m) With Volvo IPS: 44 in. (1.12 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.94
Draft [max] - Meters1.12
Draft [max] - Inches37
Draft [max] - Inches44
Weight - Detail9,750 lbs. (4,423 kg)
Weight - DetailGas and Diesel: 20,950 lbs. (9,502 kg) With Hardtop - Gas and Diesel: 21,550 lbs. (9,774 kg)
Weight - kg4422.52
Weight - kg9774.91
Weight - lbs.9750
Weight - lbs.21550
Length - Meters9.45
Length - Meters12.45
Length - Feet31
Length - Feet40.83
Length overall - Detail31 ft. 0 in. (9.45 m)
Length overall - Detail40 ft. 10 in. (12.45 m)
Length overall - Meters9.45
Length overall - Meters12.45
Length overall - Inches372
Length overall - Inches490
Length [over all with swim platform]not available
Length [over all with swim platform]42 ft. 7 in. (12.98 m)
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeDeep Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardVolvo Penta Twin 5.7 Gi DP
Engine/s standardVolvo Penta Twin IPS 550 Gas 400HP with Joystick
Fuel tank capacity - Detail130 gal. (492 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail250 gal. (946 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters492.1
Fuel tank capacity - Liters946.35
Fuel tank capacity - Gal130
Fuel tank capacity - Gal250
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeInboard
Max no of enginesnot available
Max no of engines2
Operational Info
Headroom5 ft. 4 in. (1.63 m)
Headroom6 ft. 9 in. (2.06 m)
Water capacity30 gal. (114 l)
Water capacity55 gal. (208 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail36 gal. (136 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail57 gal. (216 l)
Holding tank capacity - Liters136.27
Holding tank capacity - Liters215.77
Holding tank capacity - Gal36
Holding tank capacity - Gal57