How Formula Boats became one of the most successful independent boat companies
#1
Thread Starter
Registered

Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 317
Likes: 390
From: Miami, Florida
Formula is one of the more successful independent boat brands in America, which is a tough business. Family business' are even tougher, Formula is both a family business and successful.
Although they are out of the performance boat game, they are definitely in the money making game. They keep getting bigger.
Formula Boats, a legacy brand with a bold future

Although they are out of the performance boat game, they are definitely in the money making game. They keep getting bigger.
Formula Boats, a legacy brand with a bold future

Last edited by WavetoWave; 08-03-2025 at 10:29 AM.
#2
Registered

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,787
Likes: 389
Formula is one of the more successful independent boat brands in America, which is a tough business. Family business' are even tougher, Formula is both a family business and successful.
Although they are out of the performance boat game, they are definitely in the money making game. They keep getting bigger.
Formula Boats, a legacy brand with a bold future

Although they are out of the performance boat game, they are definitely in the money making game. They keep getting bigger.
Formula Boats, a legacy brand with a bold future

I have always been impressed with their design, quality and how the company continually adapts to the marketplace with success. I had met Mr. Porter many years ago at few different boat shows throughout the years, he always took the time to say hello and was very, very kind; I was not a prospect for a new Formula at the shows for a new boat, his time is valuable and I really appreciated that professionalism and that he took time to speak with me and I have never forgotten that.
Formula is a great boat company, with great looking boats.
Formula is a great boat company, with great looking boats.
#3
Thread Starter
Registered

Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 317
Likes: 390
From: Miami, Florida
I have always been impressed with their design, quality and how the company continually adapts to the marketplace with success. I had met Mr. Porter many years ago at few different boat shows throughout the years, he always took the time to say hello and was very, very kind; I was not a prospect for a new Formula at the shows for a new boat, his time is valuable and I really appreciated that professionalism and that he took time to speak with me and I have never forgotten that.
Formula is a great boat company, with great looking boats.
Formula is a great boat company, with great looking boats.
#4
Registered

Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,775
Likes: 638
From: Lakewood, NY, USA
Loved the old Formulas but haven't been impressed with the lines of the new boats. I know they are not performance boats but the older cruisers were beautiful, now....not so much. It is a great company and successful. Best of luck to them.
Padraig
Padraig
#6
Registered

Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 719
Likes: 132
From: Boyne City
When they brought their Fast Techs to Boyne Thunder, I would let them park in my yard. Great people. Sad they got out of the performance business. But great for them to reinvent themselves and stay in the boat business.
#8
Thread Starter
Registered

Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 317
Likes: 390
From: Miami, Florida
#9
Thread Starter
Registered

Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 317
Likes: 390
From: Miami, Florida
They actually don't even make a 24 or 27 closed deck anymore, this is one of the last, the 270 SS. I wonder if a 292 FasTech with twin 300R would sell, given the appetite for outboards.


#10
Registered

Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,186
Likes: 877
From: Newport Coast, California.
Thank You very much, Jared, for exceptional writing as always. You covered this legendary brand's long history with both ease and Your family's interaction with
the Porter family over the years made it so much more personal. The Formula 233 will always be one of my personal favorite boats, but the mentioning of Betty
Cook was so cool. Of all the boats she ran, Bertram 32, Cigarette 36, Team Scarab 9-Meter and 38s, custom cats etc., it was her dark blue hull 1983 Formula 302 SR-1,
with her own KAAMA engines and drives, she loved the most. One year she even towed the open class Annual Catalina Ski Race skier to victory with that boat.
Below photo of her boat after resto about 15 years ago.

the Porter family over the years made it so much more personal. The Formula 233 will always be one of my personal favorite boats, but the mentioning of Betty
Cook was so cool. Of all the boats she ran, Bertram 32, Cigarette 36, Team Scarab 9-Meter and 38s, custom cats etc., it was her dark blue hull 1983 Formula 302 SR-1,
with her own KAAMA engines and drives, she loved the most. One year she even towed the open class Annual Catalina Ski Race skier to victory with that boat.
Below photo of her boat after resto about 15 years ago.

Last edited by larslindroth; 08-08-2025 at 03:21 PM.






