Thunderbird Falcon
 

I remember these boats, but never knew what the relationship was between this and the Formula. Was it Formula's attempt to get into the smaller runabout market without fully using their name and build standards??

Since Majicfloat isn't giving our any more trivia questions, I thought I might ask a question that I do not know the answer to:D :drink:

Re: Thunderbird Falcon
 

Cliff's notes version,in 1993 Formula had some excess production capacity,time seemed right for a high quality mid range boat with John Adams designs. Cobalt had sucessfully done it with their 200/220 models. Difference was,Cobalt called theirs Cobalts,while Formula,to their credit, refused to call theirs Formulas,because they were not Formulas,they were Falcons,a nice midrange boat. But it didn't work,nobody had heard of Falcon,and the midrange market was crowded. The only way I sold my Falcons was to put the bird logo on the side,against Formula's wishes.
Cobalt had more success by marketing their cheaper models as Cobalts,while to their credit,the Porters refused to call their cheaper models Formulas,cause they weren't. Ironically,shortly after the plug was pulled on Falcon,Powerboat mag awarded the new 25 Falcon their runabout of the year award.The happy ending was that the really great 25 Falcon hull lives on as the Formula 260BR/SS (slightly modified), and went on to win another PB award. Looking back,it was a great effort that didn't work because the Porters refused to dilute the Formula name for a really nice new boat line that were not Formulas,and I respect them for that.All of the Falcons we sold are still on our lake,still in great shape,still keeping their owners happy.

Does the 18 OB Bowrider Falcon have the same build quality as a Formula?

No, but well built,within the pricing parameters they were shooting for.

Thanks :cool: