The Formula Boats 400 FX8 2013 vs Formula Boats Power Cruiser 2004 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.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 496 hp, the Formula Boats Power Cruiser 2004 has a 66-hp advantage over the Formula Boats 400 FX8 2013's 430-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Formula Boats 400 FX8 2013 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Formula Boats Power Cruiser 2004 caps at 11. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Formula Boats 400 FX8 2013 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Formula Boats 400 FX8 2013 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 12 passengers and at 42,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Formula Boats Power Cruiser 2004 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 11 that costs less to run day-to-day.