Boat Review: Formula 290 Sun Sport

Presentation
Formula's 290 Sun Sport, is the latest new model to be launched by this legendary US builder founded in 1956 and always a hot name when it comes to fast and sea worthy boats. The Sun Sport is one of six ranges which offer a total of twenty two boat models from Formula, and is an interesting concept offering aggressive sleek powerboat looks united with additional cruising comfort. If you think the Sun Sport concept is new for Formula, think again! As the first Sun Sport, the 242 was launched in 1983. The 290 Sun Sport is the latest addition to this range, launching in January this year and being presented officially to the general public during the Miami boat show. If you like high performance and want a quality ride, but also want generous accommodation with an exterior that shows comfort this surely should be one of your first stops. The 290 Sun Sport takes also many of the innovative cockpit seating ideas as seen on the bigger 310 transforming this area from lounge area to sun worshippers dream in minimum time.
Accommodation
The intelligent use of space without sacrificing low profiled sleek looks is the icing on the cake for the 290 Sun Sport. Once you get on board the extended bathing platform aft shows spaciousness in the cockpit offering comfort, and seating space associated with a bigger sized boat. Here one finds a nice center located two person sun lounger, followed by a spacious C-shaped settee, and the dual seated helm station both of which lie to the port side. To starboard opposite the c-shaped settee you will find a well sized wet bar, and a single person settee. For sun lovers both the aft sun pad and c-shaped settee, can transform and become one big lounge, making this place a nice sun worshippers paradise.
The lower deck entrance located centrally takes us to the overnight area which features a galley to port, fully equipped shower head opposite to starboard, and forward the vee shaped settee with central table which transforms to a spacious double berth for comfortable overnight stay. Performance
High speeds of over 50 knots have always been a trademark for this US manufacturer who did history in the past of powerboat racing, and still continues to do so. Designed by John Adams who joined Formula in 1971 and is their exclusive designer since that time, the 290 Sun Sport takes this heritage in its hull, with a pure deep vee hull offering a twenty two degrees dead rise calling for powerboat performance and being a reassuring cutter in the chop. The 290 Sun Sport is offered with four gas petrol engine options, standard power being a twin Mercruiser 350 Mag 5.7 litres 300hp each. Other options are a similar 5.7Gi 300hp Volvo, 5.7 GXi 320hp, and the most performing Mercruiser 377 Mag. Propulsion is Mercruiser Bravo Three stern drive, or Volvo DP all being offered with dual counter rotating propellers per drive. The slowest performer of these options is Volvo 5.7Gi giving a speed of 52-55 mph depending the load, with Mag 377 being the faster thanks to a bigger 6.2 litres block which will give you a speed range of 55-58 mph or 50 knots of max speed.
Positive
exterior wet bar with fridge freezer
settee sun pad conversion
Negative
no diesel fuel option
Competition
Offers in this size and style, come mostly from US and European builders. The difference from the continents can be felt with the Americans offering more sleek looks, and the European going for more bulky and high free board exteriors. The Formula together with the also US built Monterey surely stands out for low profile exterior looks, which gives a different meaning to luxury outside. Deep vee hulls of twenty or more degrees of dead rise seems also common in all the US builds here. Criteria for competition has been based for eight metres in over all length, a cabin with double vee berth, and enclosed head.
Airon 278 - head option, no galley, single twin petrol or diesel
Coronet 290 Sport - spacious cockpit with sun pad and settee, exterior galley
Mano 25 Sport - fore and aft sun pad, spacious interior galley
Marex 270 Estremo - wood finish, exterior galley, single engined
Monterey 278 SC Super Sport- close to Formula concept, up to twin 425hp
Performance 807 - various engines up to twin 500hp, fully customized
Sea Ray 290 Sun Sport - radar arch, three different cockpit plans
Windy 28 Ghibli - safety railing, single or twin engine choices
WILD CARD: Scarani 29 Day Cruiser - walk around, extra third berth
Conclusion
Standing at twenty nine feet the 290 Sun Sport is at the middle of this range from Formula, offering what is an interesting boat for first time buyers who want the speed and sea keeping associated with a fast boat but still not wanting to miss additional comfort for a weekend cruise. Formula also offers various color contours, plus additional equipment which can make the 290 Sun Sport a unique boat for each owner. The outside cockpit is surely a deal breaker alone, but associated with the comfort of the cabin below, additional extras which add superior live ability, and the deep vee ride of a Formula makes the 290 Sun Sport a high rated competitor in its style and size.
Technical Data
LOA. 8.84 metres (29ft)
Beam. 2.74 metres
Draft. 1.02 metres
Displacement. 4060 kg
Fuel Capacity. 416 litres
Water Capacity. 76 litres
Max Persons. 8
Accommodation. 2 berths in convertible berth
Engines. 2 x Mercruiser 350 Mag 300hp, 377 Mag 320hp, Volvo 5.7Gi 300hp, 5.7GXi 320hp
Propulsion. stern drive Mercruiser Bravo 3, Volvo DP
Speed. max 50 knots (58mph) with 377 Mag, 47 knots with Volvo 5.7Gi
Hull Shape. deep vee with twenty two degrees dead rise aft
Project. John Adams
Construction. GRP with density foam cored side and decks
Certification. NMMA

www.formulaboats.com
Picture Copyright Formula. Data Formula.