Formula is one of those iconic brands of the powerboating world that harks back to the era of the Magnum, Cigarette and Donzi boats, the craft designed and built by the legendary Don Aronow. The early Aronow Formula boats followed his signature of deep vee hulls with a relatively narrow beam that cut through seas like a surgeon making the first incision.

The New Formula

The modern incarnation of the Formula that I have here today follows similar themes of high performance. But it is obvious that Formula now recognise that today’s boating family want more room and a few more features, hence the departure from the single minded, muscle boat genre. The result is this 24-foot bow rider, which I have here to test on the Welsh waters just off Cardigan Bay, near Pwllelli.

Crouching Bow rider, Hidden Monster

Stepping aboard, the 240BR reveals a boat with a conventional bow rider layout. But put they key in the ignition, give it a twist and suddenly this ‘typical bow rider’ erupts into something else entirely. Make no doubt: this is a wolf in sheep’s clothing, a beast with mild manners. Still suited for service as a family day boat with the room to take your friends out, the 240BR is…

For the full test of the Formula 240BR, pick up the October issue of Sports Boat and RIB, out from the 15^th September.

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