Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Formula 40 Cruiser 2005 vs Formula 40 Performance Cruiser 2008: Same Brand, Different Boat
The Formula 40 Cruiser 2005 vs Formula 40 Performance Cruiser 2008 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Formula 40 Cruiser 2005 at 42,0 ft versus Formula 40 Performance Cruiser 2008 at 40,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Formula 40 Performance Cruiser 2008 tips the scales at 22 750 lbs - 3 046 lbs less than the Formula 40 Cruiser 2005 at 19 704 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.
Both boats are rated for 12 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 40 Cruiser 2005 and Formula 40 Performance Cruiser 2008 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
Model40 Cruiser
Model40 Performance Cruiser
Model Year2005
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam12 ft. 8 in. (3.86 m)
Beam12 ft. 8 in. (3.86 m)
Beam - Meters3.86
Beam - Meters3.86
Beam - Inches152
Beam - Inches152
Bridge clearance - DetailLight Load: 11 ft. 10 in. (3.61 m) Light Load & Mast Light: 12 ft. 4 in. (3.76 m) Light Load w/Radar & Mast Light: 14 ft. 6 in. (4.28 m) Light Load w/Hardtop & Mast Light: 14 ft. 11 in. (4.55 m)
Bridge clearance - DetailLight Load: 11 ft. 10 in. (3.61 m) Light Load & Mast Light: 12 ft. 4 in. (3.76 m) Light Load w/ Radar & Mast Light: 14 ft. 6 in. (4.28 m) Light Load w/ Hardtop & Mast Light: 14 ft. 11 in. (4.55 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters4.55
Bridge clearance - Meters4.55
Bridge clearance - Inches179
Bridge clearance - Inches179
Deadrise18℃
Deadrise18℃
Draft [max] - Detail35 in. (.89 m)
Draft [max] - Detail40 in. (1.02 m)
Draft [max] - Meters0.89
Draft [max] - Meters1.02
Draft [max] - Inches35
Draft [max] - Inches40
Weight - DetailGas: 18,510 lbs. (8,396 kg) Diesel: 19,304 lbs. (8,756 kg) W/Hardtop - Gas: 18,910 lbs. (8,577 kg) W/Hardtop - Diesel: 19,704 lbs. (8,938 kg)
Weight - DetailGas: 20,950 lbs. (9,502 kg) Diesel: 22,150 lbs. (10,047 kg) w/ Hardtop - Gas: 21,550 lbs. (9,774 kg) w/ Hardtop - Diesel: 22,750 lbs. (10,319 kg)
Weight - kg8937.58
Weight - kg10319.22
Weight - lbs.19704
Weight - lbs.22750
Length - Meters12.98
Length - Meters12.45
Length - Feet42
Length - Feet40
Length - Inches7
Length - Inches10
Length overall - Detail42 ft. 7 in. (12.98 m) Less Bow Platform: 40 ft. 10 in. (12.45 m)
Length overall - Detail40 ft. 10 in. (12.45 m)
Length overall - Meters12.98
Length overall - Meters12.45
Length overall - Inches511
Length overall - Inches490
Length [over all with swim platform]not available
Length [over all with swim platform]42 ft. 7 in. (12.98 m)
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardMerCruiser® Twin 8.1 S High Output w/CWC
Engine/s standardMerCruiser? Twin 8.1 S High Output with CWC Inboard
Fuel tank capacity - Detail250 gal. (946 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail250 gal. (946 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters946.35
Fuel tank capacity - Liters946.35
Fuel tank capacity - Gal250
Fuel tank capacity - Gal250
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeInboard
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Operational Info
Headroom6 ft. 9 in. (2.06 m)
Headroom6 ft. 9 in. (2.06 m)
Water capacity55 gal. (208 l)
Water capacity55 gal. (208 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail57 gal. (216 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail57 gal. (216 l)
Holding tank capacity - Liters215.77
Holding tank capacity - Liters215.77
Holding tank capacity - Gal57
Holding tank capacity - Gal57
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee