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Launched just prior to Christmas, the first Formula Icon 54 exceeded all expectati ons, both in performance and design.
Whilst Temptress is the first of the new Formula Icon 54s to be launched, and will soon followed by two more, it is in fact a bigger boat with more volume than the Icon 56 it replaces. The big difference is in the increased beam that has resulted from the raised gunnels which has also allowed head heights inside to be raised as a result. The increase in sole height has also allowed Formula to install larger engines with future options up to 1200hp.
The running surface of the hull now features shallow tunnels for the prop shafts and this has allowed the angle of the beefy 3” shafts to be dropped to 7 deg. The hull, which is still 58ft LOA, has been squared at the stern with the removal of the portofino style transom and with the increase bow flair and pronounced knuckle the boat is also extremely dry when running in a seaway. Displacement has increased to around 25 ton in light ship and 28-ton heavy ship mode.
The Formula Icon 54 is the result of the collaboration between previous and current Formula owners and a team of designers at Formula Boats who wanted to produce a complete new model that would be retained for at least another ten boats…or more. The new Icon 54 is about as close to a production boat that Formula has done so far and the option list has been kept to a minimum.
Apart from electronics, colour, timber and fabric choices, there isn’t a lot you can do to change the standard layout. On board systems have been greatly increased such as a large generator, twin inverters, two separate electrical systems and 1400amph house banks which provide a vessel that runs well in silent electrical mode. While production is still around 4 boats a year, each Icon 54 is crafted to perfection and manifests some aspects of personal choice for each owner.
Three Cabin Layout
Temptress is a three-cabin boat and while this is probably going to be the standard arrangement you can alter that to two and use the third cabin as an office or small lower lounge. In the previous Icon 56, with the owner's stateroom forward there was never enough space for a full three-side walk-around bed. In the Icon 54, the owner’s stateroom has been repositioned to port and is big enough to incorporate a full walk-around configuration. Even with the high storage lockers there is still room to move around. Hanging lockers and bedside cabinets provide further areas to stow your gear and there is also a separate vanity with make-up cabinet.
Overhead a coffered ceiling offers a classic relief with its fashionable and elegant style. This is repeated throughout the boat in the two forward cabins, saloon and even right up to the flybridge. Due to the raised gunnels, the headroom in all the accommodation areas has been greatly increased also.
The owners have their own en-suite with the second shared by the two guest cabins. Both are beautifully finished with Corian bench tops, full size showers and there is the usual amount of storage space. The teak and holly soles are taken to a high gloss finish.
Forward is the guests VIP room with central island berth, surrounded by copious storage lockers and drawers. The extra space is very evident in this cabin when compared to the previous Icon 56, with particular gains in overhead storage cupboards.
The third cabin is an interesting example in how to make as much use of the available space. In Temptress a lot of thought has gone into turning what would normally be a tight third cabin into a reasonable spacious one. There are two berths, the higher one running fore and aft and the lower athwartships. This has allowed the builders to utilise some of the space under the saloon and also means they could build in plenty of storage options under the upper berth.
All the accommodation areas are individually air conditioned and finished in polished Cherry, with burl poplar used on the dado rails throughout the cabins and companionway. There is a mix of cream leathers and suedes used for all cabin linings. All the cabins are prewired for DVD, stereo and LCD.
The saloon is spacious and liveable, with a finish that speaks volumes for the quality craftsmanship of one of New Zealand’s most respected boat builders. Spacious side windows capture the natural light and provide panoramic views. This has been further enhanced in Temptress with two forward windows, as opposed to the full fibreglass forward area, now so popular in sportfishers. These are complimented either side by a storage locker and flat screen TV.
The interior layout is straightforward and follows the well-proven theme of galley aft, large dinette, with starboard lounge and entertainment area. Like the accommodation areas the décor is sophisticated and rich with subtle tones in the rouched leather that contrast the timber used throughout the boat.
Most noticeable difference to the Icon 56 is the dining table and lounge has been raised so there is a better viewing through the windows. This also provides more storage areas in the base and under the seats as well as in the base of a large ten-seater dining table. This was a special request of the owner who wanted something big enough to sit almost everyone aboard! Attention to detail is again evident in the intricate veneer inlay of the dining table. Should you find there are more guests staying over night than the cabins allow you have the addition of a pullout double on the starboard side, which during the day is disguised as a single lounge.
The aft galley features a huge Corian bench top servery with direct access to the cockpit via an electrically operated drop-down window. This is a first for Formula and has transformed the visual appeal of the Icon with a very open unobtrusive look from the stern. Those forward in the saloon can now see directly through to the cockpit area. Galley equipment includes F&P dish drawer, electric stove and oven, icemaker and dedicated plate racks, knife stowage and cutlery drawers.
Opposite to the galley are three large fridges. Standard option is for two fridges and a freezer, but the owner opted for a large cockpit freezer and therefore had the space for another fridge. Above are a microwave, entertainment system and cocktail cabinet and drinks locker.
Fisherman’s Cockpit
The cockpit is dedicated for serious sportfishing with a game chair mount, deep live bait tank, wide opening transom door and recessed cleats and warp guides. There are large rod lockers either side and some of the transom has been utilised for a trash locker and gas barbeque. Forward is a large chest freezer and outside settee with cockpit controls, plus access to the flybridge via the external staircase.
Although Temptress has a full width-boarding platform, you can have the boat without. It is in the transom area that some of the biggest visual changes are seen when comparing the Icon 54 with the Icon 56. The portofino stern is gone and the whole style modernised, with an abundant use of the available space.
The flybridge helm station is as a good as it gets, with a full Navnet system worked over three screens. Twin Navigator helm chairs covered in Ultra Leather are mounted well aft, and there is still enough room for a full width teak seat across the upper deck. A soft bimini and clears provide some extra protection. Guests are well provided for with a split lounge and wetbar. You have the option of helm forward, but the favoured option is certainly helm aft, which is a more sociable concept. Teak is used on the working areas of the flybridge sole, with carpet forward around the lounges. Substantial stainless steel handrails and footrests continue the quality of finish that is evident throughout Temptress.
Power is a pair of MTU 825hp Series 60 that produced a top speed of 33 knots, which exceeded the original design speed by three knots. The owner likes to cruise around 24 knots and did so for most of his three-week summer shakedown cruise to the Bay of Islands and back to Auckland. The fuel tank capacity has been increased to 4000 litres for long-range passage making and the water tank has been moved forward for balance. Rockwool insulation and sound deadening material has been used to line the engine room and it certainly keeps the decibels to a minimum.
While the Formula Icon 54 is destined to carry the company name ahead for the next few years, they are certainly not sitting back and just waiting for the order books to full. They are also developing a new Icon 43, which is going to be released in 2008, and there are plans for new models around 65ft. With production capabilities as they are, Formula Cruisers is about as busy as they can get right now, although are keen to relook at the Australian market when production schedules allow.
The Icon 54 is fast, practical, stylish and finished to the highest standard, yet this kind of elegance is surprisingly affordable.
At around $NZ2.2 million starting price the Icon 54 represents excellent value considering the standard systems and appointments offered with the boat. Formula Cruisers is a 26-year-old company that has the ability to produce award-winning boats and the Icon 54 is certain to continue that theme. |
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