Each Formula is offered with a Money Back Construction Guarantee
  FORMULA CRUISERS ARTICELS & REVIEWS: ICON 50 REVIEW
    Formula Express 45 - Sport Cruiser
IMAGES BY BRYCE TAYLOR 		 
 

ALTHOUGH THE 45 SHARES MANY ATTRIBUTES OF HER EARLY PREDECESSORS, ABOVE THE WATERLINE SHE IS RADICALLY DIFFERENT. THIS IS A BOAT THAT OOZES CLASS.

I’m tempted to begin with good old clichés such as ‘The Winning Formula’ or ‘The Right Formula’ but after 26 years of Formula Cruisers building these iconic craft in New Zealand, I’m sure it’s all been said before. The latest Formula 45 Sedan, or Sport Cruiser as you may wish to call it, is an evolution of the popular Formula 4000 built in the eighties. Over the years there have been minor refinements to the below waterline hull shape. I emphasise minor because from day one this has proven to be an exceptionally efficient hull design.
Grant Senior, head designer and General Manager of Formula Cruisers, says “I couldn’t take the credit for the hull design but we have incorporated a few developments below the waterline, especially
aft, which have in my opinion improved the boats performance even further if that’s possible. The very first models of the 4000 had a displacement of around seven tonnes. The latest model weighs in at 12.5 tonnes which has vastly improved her sea kindliness”. Aesthetically the Formula Express 45 has stylish and elegant lines. Being a Sport Cruiser her sheerline is not as pronounced as the larger Formula Motor Yachts but the designers have masterfully created flowing lines with the curved screens, stylish engine room vents and a portofino style transom.
Despite her increased displacement the 45, like her predecessors, has the agility and acceleration of a trailer boat. What makes this even more remarkable is the relatively low horsepower required to get her quickly on the plane. In tight radius lock to lock turns the helmsman will ‘let go’ before the boat does.
The boat we reviewed had twin 380 Cummins and her optimal cruise speed of 21-22 knots, burning 39 litres per hour per motor, gives her an impressive top speed of 29 knots.
Although the 45 shares many attributes of her early predecessors, above the waterline she is radically different. This is a boat that oozes class. If she shares anything it’s the detail and elegance of her bigger sisters. The 45 has a big boat feel. The ‘wow’ factor. Compared to similar New Zealand built craft such as Genesis, Formula Cruisers have, in my opinion, developed the ultimate Sport Cruiser. The accomplished owners of our test boat would undoubtedly attest to that. They spent two years of in depth research on various options before settling on their ultimate motor yacht.
The owner, an avid fisherman, had Formula install a fish ‘kill’ tank which has access from a hatch in the large teak laid duckboard. One of the major points of difference from production built boats is the customisation Formula Cruisers offer.

  
"It may have taken the owner two years of searching to realise his dream of the perfect boat but I would confidently say he has found it."   		 
  The obvious external visual difference between the first Express 45 and her immediate predecessor, the Express 45, is the extension of the hardtop over the cockpit which affords good cover from the sun and looks decidedly better than a canvas extension. Entry to the cockpit is via a hinged transom door portside. A bait tank is mounted in the transom along with a small hatch that conceals the shower/wash down unit. Either side of the cockpit are bench style seats with storage under the starboard side seat and a freezer under the portside. Two large hatches in the cockpit sole provide access to rod storage forward and a lazzarette aft which also houses the genset.The ‘L’ shaped galley, positioned aft portside of the main saloon, is impeccably presented and well equipped with gas cooker and hob top, microwave, and waste disposal. The large galley bench units are Corian topped and provide plenty of underbench drawer and cupboard space. A hatch in the galley sole provides engine room access. In keeping with the big boat theme the engine room plant is well laid out and has easy all-round access. Opposite the galley to starboard is another large bench with a top loading freezer, underbench fridge and further storage. Forward of this unit is a bench settee with the helm station positioned further forward of the settee. Sightlines from the helm position are superb and I did like the positioning of the engine gauges. Rather than being on the dash Formula have placed them just above the forward screen making them visible to the helmsman at all times.
Portside is a small step up to the dining/lounge area where a‘U’ shaped settee graces a pedestal dining table. A novel feature is the cocktail cabinet built into the pedestal. The sumptuous cream leather settees are wonderfully comfortable as they are inner sprung. Airflow through the main saloon has not been overlooked as the designers have incorporated twin overhead sunroofs and large sliding side screens.
With the beam carried well forward, the companionway and steps that lead to the accommodation have a sense of spaciousness relative to their actual size. Formula Cruisers offer a three or two-cabin accommodation layout. Our review boat had my preferred option of two cabins. Utilisation of the extra space provided by the removal of the third cabin gives the remaining areas more generous proportions. The spacious guest/day head is to starboard and has the luxury of a separate shower stall. The aft bulkhead has a washer/dryer unit built in. 		   
 

Portside is a private double guest cabin and the forward owners’ suite has the opulence and size of those found on much larger craft. A queen-sized island bed, hanging lockers, storage cabinets, ensuite and plenty of natural light make this area simply stunning. As with the entire interior of this boat, the finish is absolutely superb. Mazura Birch inlays complement the soft light tones of the European beech woodwork, soft cream leather and luxurious deep pile carpet. All the doors are cored and have high quality Italian styled hardware. In the wet areas, such as the ensuite, head/shower and galley, the soles are beech finished in the style of teak and holly. Another nice touch is the automatic dehumidifier built into the companionway steps.
The side and forward decks are a good size and the safety railing doesn’t impinge on deck area as they are fixed to the topsides. The railing is extra heavy duty stainless and, if required, can be easily removed. Another point worthy of note is that all Formula Cruisers’ motor yachts (including electrics and engineering) are built to survey standards.
The new Formula Express 45 is without doubt a cut above comparable production Sport Cruisers. It may have taken the owner two years of searching to realise his dream of the perfect boat but I would confidently say he has found it.