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2020 Formula 270 Bowrider

Formula always produces boats of excellence, and the 270 Bowrider is no different.

Formula boats usually delight owners, and this 270 BR should do likewise. As a beautiful lake toy, sandbar party boat, evening cruiser and restaurant hopper, having this boat at your dock tells others you’ve made it—and with good taste to boot. The new Ilmor One Drive engine/dual-prop drive package puts icing on this rich dessert. Spinning its contra-rotating props at 6,000 rpm, we flashed a steady 50.8 mph on our GPS and radar gun. While we bet that no one will be counting gallons, best cruise is at 28 mph and 3,500 rpm, where we -recorded 2.7 mpg. With the 101-gallon tank, that’s a tidy 244-mile range leaving 10 percent in reserve.

Formula 270 Bowrider running shot
This is a great rough-water hull, built to handle snotty seas whether on an inland lake or a busy channel. Bill Doster

As for handling, this one’s all -deep-V, no mistaking it. Tabs down and drive tucked, we saw 5.9 seconds to plane and 9.3 seconds to 30 mph.

Turning was sure-footed and deeply banked at any speed, using the full keel of the 270 as a rudder. Crossing wakes and chop proved effortless, no matter our speed. This is a great rough-water hull, built to handle snotty seas whether on an inland lake or a busy channel.

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Inside, the bow features a well-hidden optional anchor windlass and locker, followed by a firm yet comfy bowrider salon, replete with USB ports and cup holders strategically located for all.

Formula 270 Bowrider bow seating
The bow features a firm yet comfy bowrider salon, replete with USB ports and cup holders strategically located for all. Bill Doster

Removable cushions transform it into a sunbathing suite. The cockpit features a nicely designed and surprisingly roomy portside head/storage locker -accessed by a latching, hinged door. Storage for cushions and whatnot abounds behind the starboard-side dash.

The dash layout is jet-inspired, with more than enough controls, digital and analog readouts, and switches to keep the pilot entertained and engaged. For sure, attention is required. The Ilmor throttle/shift control adds a custom touch with precise actuation.

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Formula 270 Bowrider helm
The dash layout is jet-inspired, with more than enough controls, digital and analog readouts, and switches to keep the pilot entertained and engaged. Bill Doster

Storage abaft is plentiful under the L-shaped reversible-back lounger, which provides great alternative seating options at rest or underway.

The engine-room rigging beneath this lounger is top-shelf. Everything is routed and properly supported, and there’s great access to the engine from each side.

Formula 270 Bowrider sunpad
The L-shaped reversible-back lounger, which provides great alternative seating options at rest or underway. Bill Doster

High Points

⋅Ilmor V-8 dual-prop powerplant speaks with a throaty authority.

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⋅There are plenty of options, controls and toys to keep owners entertained.

⋅Tough to deny Formula’s quality and appearance.

Formula 270 Bowrider performance data
Formula 270 Bowrider Certified Test Results Boating Magazine

Specs

LOA: 27′0″

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Beam: 8′6″

Draft: 3′4″

Dry Weight: 6,200 lb.

Seat/Weight Capacity: Yacht Certified

Fuel Capacity: 101 gal.

Price: $251,950

How We Tested

Engine: Ilmor 6.2-liter GDI-S OPS 380 One Drive

Drive/Props: Ilmor Dual Prop/22.5″ and 24″ pitch C/R

Gear Ratio: 2.18:1

Fuel Load: 75 gal.

Crew Weight: 400 lb.

More Information

Formula Boats – Decatur, Indiana; 260-724-9111; formulaboats.com

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