Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Formula 40 Cruiser 2006 vs Formula 400 FX8 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Formula 40 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Formula 40 Cruiser 2006 at 42,0 ft versus Formula 400 FX8 2011 at 41,5 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Formula 40 Cruiser 2006 tips the scales at 19 704 lbs — 19 533 lbs more than the Formula 400 FX8 2011 at 171 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 2006 and Formula 400 FX8 2011 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
Model400 FX8
Model Year2006
Model Year2011
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam12 ft. 8 in. (3.86 m)
Beam11 ft. (3.35 m)
Beam - Meters3.86
Beam - Meters3.35
Beam - Inches152
Beam - Inches132
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 - Detail10 ft. 6 in. (3.2 m) With Mast Light: 11 ft. 6 in. (3.51 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters4.55
Bridge clearance - Meters3.51
Bridge clearance - Inches179
Bridge clearance - Inches138
Deadrise18℃
Deadrise22℃
Draft [max] - Detail40 in. (1.02 m)
Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (0.91 m)
Draft [max] - Meters1.02
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Inches4
Draft [max] - Inches36
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: 16,100 lbs. (7,303 kg) Diesel: 17,100 lbs. (7,756 kg)
Weight - kg8937.58
Weight - kg7756.42
Weight - lbs.19704
Weight - lbs.171
Length - Meters12.98
Length - Meters12.65
Length - Feet42
Length - Feet41.5
Length - Inches7
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail42 ft. 7 in. (12.98 m) Less Bow Platform: 40 ft. 10 in. (12.45 m)
Length overall - Detail41 ft. 6 in. (12.65 m)
Length overall - Meters12.98
Length overall - Meters12.65
Length overall - Inches511
Length overall - Inches498
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardMerCruiser? Twin 8.1 S High Output w/CWC
Engine/s standardnot available
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 - Gal25
Fuel tank capacity - Gal25
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeInboard
Operational Info
Headroom6 ft. 9 in. (2.06 m)
Headroom6 ft. 2 in. (1.88 m)
Water capacity55 gal. (208 l)
Water capacity50 gal. (189 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail57 gal. (216 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail50 gal. (189 l)
Holding tank capacity - Liters215.77
Holding tank capacity - Liters189.27
Holding tank capacity - Gal57
Holding tank capacity - Gal5
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeDeep Vee