Formula 40 Performance Cruiser 2009 Update

By Capt. Rob Smith

Formula has been so impressed with both the performance of the product and in the sales of the 40 PC with Volvo Penta’s IPS, they now only offer it with the IPS. I believe it is a perfect combination of technology and style for this model. At 40 feet, cruising couples are starting to spread their wings further and taking longer trips. This means working in unfamiliar territory with hidden currents, crowded transient dockages, and often late nights entering unlit inlets. With dual inboards or sterndrives, it can be challenging for even the seasoned veteran. With IPS, you can’t let your guard down, but you can finesse the boat into just about anywhere that has the depth and the length you need. You can swing the boat around full circle. In short, you can take it in any direction you turn, push or twist the joystick effortlessly. Now you can concentrate on where you want to go, set the course and enjoy the ride, even if you are new to cruising and at the helm of your first large cruiser. Oh, and by the way, they are more efficient so you can go further more often. As one of America’s premier boat designers and builders, I expect this level of quality and Formula has never let me down.

Other changes for 2009

While the 40 PC remains mostly unchanged for this model year, there are a few changes that are worth mentioning. When IPS was first released as an option, the positioning of the joystick was less than optimal, but necessarily so until there was enough customer, dealer and public input to match with the designer’s ideas and logistics in building. Now, the IPS joystick has a dedicated position to the right of the wheel, just above the throttles in a place that would be a natural spot for other builders to install a drink holder for the captain’s morning coffee. I know I always wanted my coffee readily available, so this position is a natural, within easy reach and comfortable when working the joystick.

The next big feature change for the 40 is the roof over your head. You now have a standard hardtop. This also makes sense to me. Long cruises mean many hours exposed or under a bimini. Biminis are nice, but the hardtop doesn’t seem to transfer as much heat, doesn’t require setting up and taking down canvas and is a perfect spot to mount all the electronics up high and out of the way. If you want to fully enclose the cockpit to extend your season or completely protect yourself from the weather, the hardtop does a much better job of converting to a camper enclosure that can withstand the environment, especially wind and rain.

Other key features

Formula’s 40 PC has a standard electric windlass with chain counter and 200’ of chain, dual DriFast deck sunpads and a large fiberglass swim platform. I liked the hydraulic optional swim platform that can be used to easily launch and recover a PWC or dinghy. In the cockpit, the helm is well set up for long range cruising, including a standard Garmin GPS Navigational system and optional Raymarine systems with enough space to install E120 displays. As entertainment will be a regular feature onboard, you will enjoy the standard Kenwood sound system with 1000W amplifier, 200W subwoofer, 6 speakers and separate tweeters as well as iPod/MP3 inputs. The standard wet bar has an integrated sink, Corian countertop and optional ice maker or refrigerator/freezer. The optional cockpit LCD TV/DVD mounts on the hardtop support over the wet bar.

In the cabin, American cherry woods and matching accents rule from the entry steps to the solid wood table and galley cabinetry. Entertainment inside features a 19” LCD HDTV/DVD system in the private forward stateroom where you will relax on a Sensus Memory Foam mattress. In the salon you have a 32” LCD HDTV/DVD system. The galley is fully outfitted so you can be a creative chef for two or twenty. You will control your environment with a standard 18,000 BTU reverse cycle air conditioner and you can opt to add a separate 16,000 BTU cockpit air conditioner. Optional décor includes a Tommy Bahama or Ralph Lauren Fabric Package.

Background

John Adams is Formula’s exclusive designer and he has always done an excellent job of producing creative designs and bringing together form and function that not only makes sense, but often leads the industry down new, exciting paths.

Formula uses the best materials to ensure your enjoyment. A detailed and meticulously adhered to lamination schedule, resin encapsulated suspended stringer system and hull to deck bonding are just part of the building process that enables Formula to offer a solid warranty. Formula maintains its stylish looks with DuPont Imron process that keeps its color and luster far better than gelcoat.

Cockpit seating is another premier feature of every Formula. Their construction process uses only marine polyurethane paneling, DriFast foam, Tenara thread and PreFixx treated vinyls to guarantee the best performance. All hardware is installed using backing plates rather than lag bolts which is very important and often overlooked when choosing a cruiser.

All this attention to detail means your investment will deliver years of solid service and it will maintain a high value. Formula backs the 40 PC with a 10-year structural warranty. Components and accessories along with the engine and drives have a 5-year limited protection plan that includes labor and materials. Formula’s Formula Guard plan is also transferable during the first five years of ownership.

Conclusion

The 40 PC has everything I would want to set out on a cruise or invite friends along for a wonderful weekend that included fine entertainment. This cruiser is no wallflower either. It has the performance to insure a fine ride and the IPS means both economical and unprecedented close quarters operation.

• Top speed for the Formula 40 PC (2009-) is 42.0 MPH (67.6 KPH), burning 41.0 gallons per hour (GPH) or 155.18 liters per hour (LPH).


• Best cruise for the Formula 40 PC (2009-) is 24.1 MPH (38.8 KPH), and the boat gets 1.13 miles per gallon (MPG) or 0.48 kilometers per liter (KPL), giving the boat a cruising range of 255 miles (410.38 kilometers).


• Tested power is 2 x 370-hp Volvo Penta IPS500 - Diesel.

Formula 40 PC (2009-) Standard and Optional Equipment

Marine Electronics
Autopilot
Fishfinder
GPS/Chart
Radar
VHF Radio
Systems
Air Cond./Heat
Battery Charger/Converter
CD Stereo
Head: Portable
Shore Power
Trim Tabs
TV/DVD
Washdown: Fresh Water
Water Heater
Windlass
Galley
Coffeemaker
Icemaker
Microwave
Refrigerator
Stove
Exterior Features
Hardtop
Outlet: 12-Volt Acc
Swim Ladder
Swim Platform
Transom Door
Transom Shower
Wet bar
Boats More Than 30 Feet
Generator
Oil Change System
Vacuum

= Standard = Optional