We ran the numbers in broad daylight, and the Formula 290 FX4 lived up to my performance expectations. Just like every other Formula, it’s a fast, rock-solid performer, guaranteed to turn heads as it flies by at 55 mph wide open. But this model really caught everyone’s attention after the sun went down. The neon-blue LED accent lighting, strategically placed throughout the interior and exterior of the boat, made jaws drop.
The FX4 is essentially the 290 Sun Sport tricked out to make a statement. Beyond the accent lighting that illuminates the upgraded Livorsi Mega Series gauges on the dash, cup holders, galley belowdecks, swim platform, engine vents and more, the FX4 also has a flashy triple Imron paint job with a silver, diamond and pearl metallic finish. Combine that with the red and black accents in the vinyl and throughout the interior, and you get our stunner.
Formula builds its boats to more-robust specifications than many builders; preaching this makes its boats fast and safe. True to its performance roots, the 290 FX4 feels smooth and dialed in all the way to wide open without any high-speed flightiness to cause one to chicken out on the throttles even in high-speed turns. Thanks to a raked forefoot and 22 degrees of deadrise at the transom, it knifed through small chop and boat wakes with nary a shudder. Executing hard-over turns at 30 mph, the boat felt tight and predictable, and all gear and passengers stayed in place without a spilled drop from my open soda. When the going gets rough outside the inlet, the 290 FX4 holds plane at 20 mph, giving the driver a more comfortable slow-speed option with plenty of control. Day or night, that’s always an appealing trait.
Extra Points
The blue LED accent lights turn the boat into a jawdropper after dark.
Oversize Livorsi Mega Gauges come standard at the dash.
Cabin features a deep-gloss cherryfinish galley and dinette table.
The hull, engine compartment and even the interior of the wet bar are painted with highgloss Imron.
Test Drive
» Test Engines: Twin Mercruiser 377 MAG EC Bravo IIIs
» Test Props: Bravo III 26″ Dual Propsets SS
» Test Load: People (300 LB.); Fuel (76 GAL.)
» Top Speed: 55 MPH @ 5,000 RPM
» Time to Plane: 4.7 sec.
» Time to 30 MPH: 9.1 sec.
» Most Economical Cruise Speed: 30.3 MPH @ 3,000 RPM, 18.2 GPH, 1.7 MPG
Vital Stats
» Length Overall: 29′
» Beam: 9′
» Dry Weight: 8,950 LB.
**
» Seating/Weight Capacity:** Yacht Certified
» Fuel Capacity: 122 GAL.
» Max HP: 640
» MSRP: $238,265
» NMMA Certified
