Formula’s Largest Performance Cruiser: Elegance and Comfort Combined
By Capt. Bob Smith
The 40 PC is a chock full of the usual high-end appointments that we have come to expect from Formula, but they have added Volvo’s IPS drives and joystick control on this model, which is something really neat. Capt. Vic from Formula Boats and I had this boat dancing around the docks with complete ease and control. If you have ever maneuvered a boat around tight docks with a current snapping through, you know it’s not always easy, and it can be an expensive misadventure with one wrong move. You will have to experience it for yourself, but between the performance hull of this new boat and the Volvo drives, it’s quite a ride which must be experience first hand.
Expansive Deck and Cockpit
Starting topside, the 40 PC offers an expansive bow area with room to stretch out and soak up the sun. Access to the anchor windlass is great and the bow is well protected with high railings. Our test model had the hardtop on. Getting through the walkthrough was simple without having to be a contortionist to miss the top with my back. The stainless steel full framed windshield has wipers for those wet days and visibility was good. Visibility forward is excellent underway and there is plenty of room at the wheel. Burlwood accents give an elegant feel to the helm. Steering is power hydraulic with Nino mahogany tilt steering. Raymarine Tridata depth/speed/water temp is standard as well as the stereo remote. The instrumentation is well laid out and there is additional room for customized flat panel displays.
Twin command seating with dual position helm and companion seats has center storage for gear you want ready at the helm. Across is a port lounger and aft is a U-shaped seating area all with fiberglass storage compartments beneath them. A dual height table converts quickly into a sunpad and the molded wet bar has a sink Corian countertop, trash bin and safety rail. Cockpit carpeting helps protect feet on hot summer days, and a pneumatic assist transom door leads safely to the swim platform. Our test boat had a cool hydraulic lift for the swim platform making it simple for even the weakest to launch a dingy or PWC with a handy keychain remote.
Feature-Rich Appointments Below
In the cabin the elegance is striking. The table and bar stools store away making the salon nearly as open and large as many dance floors. Cherry finish cabinets and doors really look rich. Ultraleather covers the plush cushions and has a really comfortable and cool feel. Forward is a private master suite with a 15-inch TV/DVD for entertainment, hanging lockers and private head compartment with VacuFlush head.
When guests are aboard, or with children, a second double berth can be formed in the aft seating area. The salon has a comfortable lounger, cherry finish table that removes easily and two stools which also remove when needed. A 20-inch LCD TV/DVD provides entertainment in the main salon. When it comes time to clean up the boat a built-in vacuum is tucked under the aft bench with an easy access plate in the front.
The galley is fully equipped with dovetailed drawers, something that means they will last longer and is not typically seen on boats this size. Countertops are Corian with a stainless steel sink, two- burner cooktop and refrigerator/freezer. A stainless steel microwave and a concealed coffeemaker round out the appliances on the 40PC.
Engine access is great on the 40PC and the IPS drives make it even roomier. I hope builders don’t start taking that space and packing it with more stuff because it is pleasant to have the elbow room. A 7.3KW Kohler low-CO emissions gas generator is standard for gas equipped models, and a 7.6kw Westerbeke is standard on diesel equipped models.
Specifications
The new 40 PC is 42’7” length overall and 40’10” without the bow platform. She is 12’8” across the beam and carries an approximate weight of 18,510 lbs. for the gasoline engine package, and 19,304 with diesels. With the hardtop add another 500 lbs. Bridge clearance for the 40 PC is 14’11” with radar, hardtop and light mast. Draft requirements for the 40PC are 40” with standard drives and 44” with IPS drives. This model has a 250 gallon fuel tank capacity and a fresh water capacity of 55 gallons. Interior cabin headroom is great at 6’9”. I was comfortable walking from the main cabin into the forward berth and did not hit my head.
Test Ride
I tested the 40 PC in great weather with a fair amount of traffic, yet she delivered a smooth dry ride and responded well at the helm. The IPS system is calculated and easy to use, and made it possible to just about dance with the boat. Our test boat was on plane in just 9 seconds and up to 30 mph in 13.1 seconds. The 40 PC cruised most economically around 2500 rpm giving us 24.1 mph and a range of 255 miles on a full tank. Top speed was registered at 42 mph turning 3480 rpm.
The options list is long, so you will be able to equip this model with as much as you please. If you are looking for an elegant cruiser that also delivers performance, the 40PC should be added to your search.
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