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By Rick Shackleton | June 2023
Here you’ll find Formula Powerboats reviews, and other content related to the value of Formula Boats, produced by by the editors of Boating. We’ve assembled articles, photography and video in one place for you to take advantage of our staff’s almost 200 years of combined boating experience.
Formula Powerboats offers a long history of quality and performance to go along with its innovative models. Boating, founded in 1956, has been covering Formula since its beginnings in the 1960’s. We know Formula Boats better than just about anybody. A leader in the refinement of the deep-V hull, the boatbuilder possesses a racing heritage that shows itself in the ride of Formula bowriders, center consoles, and cruisers. Family-owned, Formula Powerboats takes individual care of its customers, building boats to suit rather than offering a mass-produced inventory. Today, Formula Powerboats offer great value–for a premium price whether you, the boat buyer, are seeking a boat powered by outboards or sterndrives, and ranging to 50 feet in length.
Formula Powerboats builds bowriders, crossover bowriders, center consoles and cruisers to the highest standards. These may be powered by outboards or sterndrives, depending upon the boat buyer’s choice and the model desired.
| Boat Types | Bowriders, Crossover Bowriders, Cruisers, Performance Cruisers, Center Consoles, Yachts |
|---|---|
| Hull Types | Deep-V hulls for performance and rough water ability. |
| Average Length/Size | Formula builds boats in a variety of sizes, from 24 to 50 feet. |
| Fuel Types | Gas or diesel sterndrive engines or by gas outboard engines. |
| Activity/Usage Types | Formula Boats are primarily used for waterskiing tubing and wakeboarding, but they are also great for entertaining, such as beach ferries or as transport to weekend and summer homes. Crossover and Sun Sport models offer cabins with cruising amenities for sleeping, bathing and cooking. |
Formula builds boats in a variety of sizes, from 24 to 50 feet. At any length, a Formula boat is a pleasure to operate, since it delivers a great ride even in rough water and excellent response to throttle and wheel. Its craftsmanship and top accessories evoke great pride in ownership. Specific activities Formula boats are used for include watersports, daycruising, entertaining, overnighting and extended cruising.
Formula Bowrider model boats are great for maximum seating space for a given length. Bowriders also make it easy to go from bow to stern, compared to a cabin boat, like you may need to do when anchoring or docking. Riding on Formula’s acclaimed hull designs, Formula bowrider boats deliver thrills and performance whether powered by outboards or sterndrives. Some key points are listed below:
Formula Crossover Bowrider (CBR) model boats, at 33- and 35-feet LOA are great for delivering near maximum seating space for a given length topside, with the addition of a comfortable enclosed cabin belowdecks. Like Formula Bowrider boats, Formula Crossover Bowriders also make it easy to go from bow to stern thanks to a broad side walkway. Compared to a pure cabin boat, anchoring or docking is much easier, since there is no cabin to climb over. Riding on Formula’s acclaimed hull designs, Formula Crossover Bowrider boats deliver thrills and performance whether powered by outboards or sterndrives. Some key points are listed below:
Fomula’s Super Sport Crossover series of boats deliver the exceptional performance of the FAS3Tech stepped hull in a versatile line of boats from 38- to 50- feet LOA. Topside you can easily seat a crowd thanks to the big bow lounge and aft cockpit. And, you can easily go from bow to stern thanks to the convenient side walkthrough. Compared to a full on cabin boat, this makes handling the boat while docking much easier.
Of course, there are commodious accommodations belowdecks, and despite not having a “full” cabin, a family or couple can easily cruise aboard these boats if they desire. A list of features is below.
Formula’s 43-foot All Sport Crossover is one unique boat. It offers plenty of seating topside thanks to its expansive bow lounge. The layout makes for easy movement from bow to stern, which is a real advantage while docking. Plus, there’s a nice cabin that will sleep a small family for an overnight…or a week. The head is large and includes a shower.
What’s this All Sport business? The extra-large swim platform becomes a multi-function area for those that like to fish, dive, or entertain. Enjoy rod holders, livewells, and refrigerated fish boxes to chill your catch (or your beverages). Check out the bullet points below for a sampling of how you might equip your Formula All Sport Crossover.
Formula first built “cc” boats in the 1980’s and they offer two center console models – the 387 Center Console Fish and the 387 Center Console Sport. If you are looking for an all-out fishing vessel, the 387 Center Console Fish is your boat. If you are looking for more versatility, the 387 Center Console Sport may be a better option. Below are options both boats share:
Formula Sun Sport Performance Cruisers deliver the finest level of cruising luxuries for their size. These boats combine the highest standards of fit, finish and construction a boat buyer might find. Formula Sun Sport Performance Cruisers ride a deep-V hull, providing boat owners with a higher level of ride and handling than is typical for this type of boat. Powered by sterndrives or outboards, and available in 310 and 350 model designations, Formula Sun Sport Performance Cruisers offer buyers of this boat type the best of everything for a top-of-the-market price. A list of features is below.
At Boating, we have been testing Formula Boats for decades. We have worked personally with Formula designer John Adams, and other experts at Formula, plus our contacts at engine and accessory companies, in applying our own expertise and experience in bringing you these boat tests. We think you will find them valuable for researching your next boat purchase.
Boating prides itself on producing the best boat videos for its audience of boat-buying friends, fans and followers. Enjoy and learn from the videos our experts produced in this section.
Formula Boats offers many unique features, and more importantly, a unique blend of features and heritage, for boat buyers to consider. Check out the FAQ!
Each and every Formula hull is and has been, designed by the noted designer, John Adams. Each hull is rooted in the tradition of blue water racing that Formula forged decades ago. Specific unique features–just a few of many–include the FAS3Tech hull form; the way in which Formula aligns the screw heads on accessory installations; painted graphics, rather than stickers, look better and last longer; its variety of arches and swim platforms; and its use of Ilmor racing engines and equipment upon customer request.
Formula boats range from about $175,000 for a 240 Bowrider to $3.5 million or more for a 500 SSC. (*2023 prices)
Formula builds a range of boat types and sizes. The two primary connecting factors in this diverse fleet are the race-bred handling and ride and the top-quality craftsmanship.
According to our sources at Formula, the 350 Crossover Bowrider is the most popular model that they build.
Yes. Better than most boats due to their high-quality and limited production.
A well-cared-for Formula boat can last decades and become a family heirloom. The engines will have been replaced on such boats.
Formula boats are not lightweight, nor are they especially heavy. Their weight, like their other characteristics, is designed to work with a given model’s mission and performance expectations.
Formula boats are generally built to a higher standard and in lower numbers than other craft of similar size and intent. Comparison shoppers should look at Chris-Craft and Cobalt when shopping for many Formula models. Formula’s center console models compare well with those made by Boston Whaler, Tiara, Pursuit and Intrepid.
Features such as Imron hull graphics, chrome-plated stainless metals and overall excellence in design, build and assembly make Formula boats easier to maintain than most boats.
Formula Boats are manufactured in Decatur, IN.
Yes. The 37-foot center console models are excellent for inshore and offshore fishing.
Yes, while you can ski, tube and enjoy other watersports behind any Formula model, the 24 to 35 foot models make these activities easier.
Formula’s CBR series, the Crossover Bowriders, can be used for overnight or weekend cruising, depending upon your crew and the specific model.
Formula Sun Sports can be used for extended cruising, perhaps spending a week or more aboard.
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