Familyand Performance Boating recommends,“There are also tons of available options
to help you customize the boat for your
needs. Frankly, there are too many to
even start listing, so check the website
at www.formulaboats.com.”
cue from the yachts on the Mediterraneanby centering and extending the pad onto
the swim platform.”Bilas pointed out more of what makes the240 so special, “...the amidships ski locker
is not big. It’s massive...The sleek, low-
profile dash provides great visibility for
the driver and also allows for a creative
arrangement of gauges. Together with
the stainless steel vents on the boat’s
sides, Formula’s choice of Livorsi
MORE IN THENEWS ONPAGE 13 The magazine offered a final recommen-dation, “If you want a boat with a distinc-
tive look, performance heritage and
understated quality, this new entry is an
absolute Formula for success.”
SMALLEST FORMULA, BIG PACKAGE
SMALLEST FORMULA, BIG PACKAGE
Family and Performance Boating maga-zine put the 240 through its paces, featur-
ing it on their January 2006 cover and
in a feature article inside. Recounting their
first impression of the 240, the maga-
zine states, “We first saw Formula’s 240
Bowrider at the 2005 Miami InternationalBoat Show and were blown away. Nobody
can deny the craftsmanship
that goes into every boat
that comes out of the
Thunderbird factory in
Decatur, Indiana, but this
boat not only had great curb
appeal on the show floor
but was packed with ameni-
ties, too.”The test team’s assessmentof the 240 was evident up
front. “There may never
have been so much in a 24-foot boat. In
fact, some may need to bring out the tape
measure to believe with their own eyes
that this is actually a 24-footer.”Pointing out some of the 240’s bigger-boat amenities, the article continues, “On
the starboard side is a nice walk-through
to the cockpit, but on the opposite side
of the sunpad there is a unique storage
compartment that is opened from the
swim step. This compartment houses the
ski pylon and is a great place to keep
other equipment, such as ski lines...Let’s quickly review: a huge swim
platform, a walk-through to the cockpit,
a wetbar, L-shaped lounge seating and
two buckets. And it feels roomy! Pretty
impressive.”More review of the 240 revealed that“The dash...is a unique blend of classy
and sporty. The Livorsi illuminated instru-
mentation is surrounded by a burl-wood
finish, which provides the classy, and
two large gauges in oversized brushed-
metallic cups are all sports-car styling.”Focusing forward, the article shares,“
Open the windshield to
enter the bowrider area andagain you are impressed with
the spaciousness. Passengers
will enjoy sitting lounge style,
and the bowrider area is deep
enough that passengers will
not obstruct the driver’s
forward view. There is also a
bow storage area and a beach
ladder...”As a final assessment,
TM gaugesand a stylish Dino steering wheel con-
tribute to the 240 BR’s performance
image...The helm and passenger swivel
seats are heavily cushioned, as well as
contoured for comfort and security. And
the roll-up bolster moves smoothly
into position.”A review of the 240’s performance drewmore accolades: “Beyond aesthetics,
Formula boats are also known for an
excellent driving experience...Running
straight or making both wide and sharp
turns underscored how much of a pleas-
ure the 240 BR is to drive. Turning the
wheel in either direction was smooth,
precise and effortless...The Formula
handled chop exceptionally well, and
its re-entry was crisp and comfortable
following the launch from each wave top.”The 240’s bigger-water capabilitiesbrought up another issue, “In addition
to the pleasing sound from the engine,
the boat itself was quiet, even in the
deepest chop. The absence of pops and
rattles from the deck and components,
along with a smooth ride, point to a boat
that’s well put together.”
T T
HE HE
260 S
UN UN
S
PORT PORT
–D
AY AY
B
OAT OAT
B
RAVADO RAVADO
Formula’s 260 Sun Sport for 2006 grabbed the attention of
260 S S –D B B
Go Boating magazine’s Test Team with its “
Day boat Bravado” in theFall 2005 issue. The Test Team was drawn to the 260, saying that
“...the company (Formula) has introduced some new features on theboat for 2006 that warrant giving it a fresh look...One of the new
elements for the 260 is an optional extended swim platform that
adds 22 inches to the already good-sized integrated swim platform.”Speaking of the Formula’s reputation, Go Boating relates, “The brandname itself, Formula, resonates with most boaters as a line of high-
end deep-V craft with punchy performance and a polished attitude.”
Impressed with the 260’s curb appeal, the Team points out, “Taken
together with chrome-rimmed gauges, the stainless steel cupholders
and all the stainless steel hardware, the 260 just sparkled.” They
continued, “In general, the interior of the 260 is as spacious as it
is opulent. You can do a lot with 26 feet of boat, and Formula takes
advantage of every inch.” Touring through the boat, the team relates,
“Any boat that bills itself as a serious
day cruiser needs a head, and
this one comes standard with a portable unit, a vanity with a stainless steel sink, a locking door and a continuous molded
fiberglass liner that makes cleanup a breeze.”Applauding the 260’s crowd-pleasing size and entertainment appeal,the Team writes, “See what neat things you can do with 26 feet? At the
foot of the lounge is the wetbar, which includes a sink, Igloo cooler and
a trash receptacle–all of which is under Corian® countertop lids.”“The 260 has a 22-degree transom, so it sliced cleanly throughany chop we could find. In the corners the ride was smooth and
confident...And the fact that our boat was equipped with the optional
Mercury Digital Throttle System (DTS) and SmartCraft
TM instrumentsmade it even better,” were just some of the Team’s remarks on
the 260’s awesome performance.Wrapping up the article, the Team stated, “We think the ideal buyerof this boat is the guy who’s committed to the day-cruiser lifestyle
and who wants room for more performance and the ability to move
up with a brand name that has a lot more to offer as the lengths
get longer.”