The Formula 27 Costs More, But You Get What You Pay For

This 27-foot model from one of the most respected powerboat builders in the country offers excellent styling, high-quality construction, very responsive performance and first-rate accommodations. So, is there a downside?

Formula boats first gained national recognition in 1962 with the 233 model, which earned several victories on the offshore powerboat racing circuit. Formula boats have long been known for the "go-fast" persona established by these early models. However, for over 20 years Thunderbird Products, the parent corporation of Formula Boats, has also built performance cruisers. The 27 PC (Performance Cruiser) was introduced in 1994 and remains in production today, the smallest and most popular of the company's "cruiser series" of boats, which includes models up to 41 feet. Its overall length is actually 29 feet and 5 inches. Less the bow platform, it's 28 feet and 2 inches.

The design is in the genre of what has become known as mid-cabin sport cruisers, which is characterized by an open cockpit, slightly raised steering bridge deck and accommodations below.

Although not as extreme as some boats, the hull is still in the "deep-V" category, and the 18 degrees of deadrise is a very good compromise for power and performance in this style of vessel. Displacement of the 27 PC is specified as 9,500 pounds, and compared to five similar boats, it is a whopping 33 percent heavier. Because manufacturers seldom specify under what load condition their displacement is measured, it is difficult to fully evaluate this weight difference, but the figure certainly suggests a vessel more substantially constructed than the average.

The 27 PC's hull and decks are constructed of a composite of hand-laminated fiberglass materials. A modified epoxy resin is used in the first two layers of construction in order to improve the appearance of the finishing coat and provides greater resistance to osmotic blistering. Formula uses structural reinforcements, which includes a matrix of stringers and frames similar to other manufacturers, and it adds supports into the hull bottom for additional strength in areas below fuel tanks and engines. Empty cavities are filled with polyurethane foam for stiffness and sound reduction.

The foredeck, side decks and entire cockpit are molded as one component to avoid joints that can fail. The company provides a transferable warranty to back up its product.

Normally, owners of this type of boat spend more time on deck than below, but adding comfort or utility to the cockpit detracts from usable space below. The designers of the 27 PC reached a reasonable compromise. The cockpit is about half the overall length, and with a doublewide helm seat, single lounge seat and L-shaped seating aft, it affords comfortable seating for up to seven adults.

At the port aft corner, a gate provides easy access to the swim platform, and a retractable stainless steel ladder allows swimmers to get in and out of the water easily. To the port side of the cockpit there is a wet bar with storage below. The radar arch over the cockpit adds not only a touch of style, but also a convenient attachment point for canvas enclosures.

One drawback to this style boat is the lack of any side decks for convenient access forward for anchoring, docking or simply sunbathing. Guests and crew are expected to negotiate passage through a center opening in the windscreen, and although steps are provided, this can be tricky at rest and downright dangerous while underway. Alternatively, the foredeck hatch is another way forward. Welded stainless steel rails surround it, providing additional security, although, with boats of this style, passengers should not be allowed forward of the windscreen while the boat is underway.

With the limited space available, it is hard to be very inventive, but the 27 PC manages to provide reasonable overnight accommodations for four adults, a decent-sized head and minimal galley. Forward in the cabin, a U-shaped dinette seats four. This area converts to a double berth by removing the dinette table and adding filler cushions. The galley is along the port side and includes a counter-top, single-burner stove and round, stainless steel sink.

Since 1999 only twin-engine installations have been available, although earlier models offered single-engine options. Current choices range from standard twin 210 horsepower engines to twin 320 horsepower engines, which add about $12,000 to the base price of a new boat. With standard power and a normal load, the 27 PC cruises at about 25 miles per hour at 3,000 revolutions per minute (rpm) and consumes a reasonable 14 gallons of fuel per hour. At 35 miles per hour, fuel consumption jumps to over 20 gallons per hour, and at full throttle (4,400 rpm), speed approaches a very respectable 45 miles per hour. With optional twin 320 horsepower engines, top speeds will exceed 50 miles per hour, but you can expect to fill up the 100-gallon fuel tank every couple of hours.

The 27 PC's weight, hull configuration and solid construction combine to produce a very dry, quiet and comfortable ride. The boat handles very well and is easily controlled, even at high speed.

There is no doubt that the price of the Formula 27 PC, whether new or used, can be higher than some comparable models; but the quality of construction, attention to detail and materials used are seldom exceeded by any production boat manufacturer. When you get right down to it, it's hard to get around that old adage: You get what you pay for.

Jack Hornor, NA is the principal surveyor and senior designer for the Annapolis-based Marine Survey & Design Co. Hornor writes for BoatU.S. Magazine and other marine publications.

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