A Family Oriented Boat Packed with Performance

The latest edition to Formula’s Sun Sport line up of performance backed luxury boats, is the 260 Bowrider (BR). Styled after the 260 cabin configured boat, the 260 BR is the smallest and the only single engine boat in the Formula family of pleasure craft. The BR boasts an expansive entertaining lounge, and all the amenities that your family may need for fun on the water.

With a full length of 26 feet overall and a common beam of 8 feet 6 inches, the 260BR is a lot of day boat. She will provide plenty of room for your boat bound, water loving family and friends. Her dry weight of 5,250 pounds provides all passengers on board with a subtle ride, even when the water gets rough. Stern drive propulsion options are from either MerCruiser or Volvo Penta, and range in horsepower from 300 to 420. Regardless of which engine package you choose, all options include the added performance of dual, counter-rotating propellers. You will really notice this wonderful feature when backing down into your slip, as torque bias is eliminated.

As you board the BR, you will appreciate the large beam width swim platform that leads you to the transom door. Here you will begin to see the entertainment potential of the large, u-shaped aft lounge and wet bar. Located to starboard, the lounge seating will make everyone comfortable. The optional hi-low table converts the lounge into a dining table for up to six people. Or, you can lower the table and insert a filler cushion to change the lounge into a giant sun pad. Under the seat cushions are integrated stowage compartments for large items such as fenders and safety gear. The wetbar is located to port and has good counter space to help make lunch preparation a snap. Under the counter top’s cutting board is a pressurized fresh water sink, trash receptacle and removable cooler. Additional stowage space can be found below the bar, for other essential party items.

When it is time to change into swim gear, or take care of business, you can use the head that is located to port. Formula uses a fully molded liner inside the head to help keep this area simple and easy to clean. There is also a small vanity with pressurized fresh water faucet in the head, for when it is time to freshen-up.

The helm is of pure functionality, with VDO marine gauges to monitor engine parameters and MerCruiser engine controls mounted on the gunwale. The stylish, tilt steering wheel and dual position, twin command seating configuration will make navigating the 260 BR more enjoyable. Formula adds wood grain dash accents and steel trimmed accessories at the helm for a touch of style and class.

The 260 BR provides you with tons of storage, both on deck and in the sole of the boat. Directly across from the head to starboard, is a storage locker under the helm station. Here you can store large items that you want to keep dry, like clothes and towels. There are two generous lockers in the sole, one is located aft at the lounge and the other is forward. The forward stowage is massive, thanks to Formula’s performance heritage 22-degree V-bottom hull. You will be able to stash all kinds of strange water toys in this locker!

Moving forward in to the bow, the wrap-around seating urges you to stretch out and enjoy the day. You can sit in the side chase lounges or at the front seat, which has access to the anchor locker. If you require more tanning space, you can simply install the bow filler board and cushions and convert the BR into a big sun lounge.

Formula continues to be an industry leader in design and innovation of fun, family orientated pleasure boats. Incorporating knowledge learned from offshore racing in their FASTech line and the luxurious necessities of their express cruisers, Formula delivers boats that will be enjoyed by the family for years.

By Capt. Ron Svoboda

Test Captain

• Top speed for the Formula 260 Bowrider (2003-2010) is 52.4 mph (84.3 kph), burning 31.3 gallons per hour (gph) or 118.47 liters per hour (lph).


• Best cruise for the Formula 260 Bowrider (2003-2010) is 31.0 mph (49.9 kph), and the boat gets 2.76 miles per gallon (mpg) or 1.17 kilometers per liter (kpl), giving the boat a cruising range of 228 miles (366.93 kilometers).


• Tested power is 1 x 300-hp Volvo 8.1 GI Sterndrive.