Formula 290 Bowrider Review: A Sleek Ride
The sporty and sleek Formula 290 Bowrider offers both performance and style, let's check out some of the features of this boat.
VESSEL OVERVIEW
Above: The Formula 290 Bowrider on the water. Photo courtesy of Formula Boats.
Set your sights on the Formula 290 Bowrider, a high-performance marvel designed for adventurous day cruising and watersports. This sporty vessel stands out with its sleek styling and top-tier performance. Measuring 29 feet in length and boasting a 9-foot beam, it features a deep-V hull with a 22-degree deadrise angle for a smooth, stable ride even in choppy waters.
ENGINES AND PERFORMANCE
As for the engines, Formula gives you many options to choose from, starting with the Mercruiser 6.2L 300-horsepower engines. These twin engines can propel the boat to a top speed of around 50 mph under the right conditions. Equipped with Bravo Three drives and dual propellers, these engines offer superb acceleration and maneuverability. For those who crave more power, there's the optional Mercruiser 8.2L 430-horsepower engine, capable of reaching speeds of 60 mph or more, depending on conditions. These engines also feature multi-port fuel injection systems, optimizing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.
Above: Spacious deck seating on the Formula 290 Bowrider. Photo courtesy of Formula Boats.
STERN AND TRANSOM
The stern and transom of the Formula 290 Bowrider are designed for functionality, comfort, and safety. You'll find a spacious swim platform with a non-skid surface for safety and a concealed swim ladder for easy re-entry after a dip. A substantial storage compartment in the transom provides ample space for water toys and gear, featuring a gas-assisted lift-up door for effortless access. Notably, the boat comes equipped with a transom shower with hot water, conveniently located near the swim platform. The aft section of the boat offers a versatile sun lounge, perfect for sunbathing or relaxation. This lounge can be transformed into a full-width sunpad with additional filler cushions. In the transom, there's a U-shaped seating area complete with backrests and storage compartments underneath. Adding to your onboard experience is a well-appointed wet bar in the cockpit area, equipped with a sink, faucet, and a built-in cooler.
COCKPIT
Moving to the cockpit, you'll discover a comfortable U-shaped lounge with a removable table that easily converts into a sunpad. The helm station, situated on the starboard side of the cockpit, features a sporty tilt steering wheel, digital depth sounder, and illuminated instrumentation. Meanwhile, the port side of the cockpit houses an integrated wet bar, complete with a sink, faucet, Corian® countertop, stainless steel refrigerator, trash receptacle, and ample storage space.
Above: The helm station on the Formula 290 Bowrider. Photo courtesy of Formula Boats.
HELM STATION
The helm station is equipped with a sporty tilt steering wheel, an adjustable helm seat with a flip-up bolster for added comfort and support, a digital depth sounder for real-time water depth information, Livorsi® illuminated instrumentation, and a Garmin® GPS/chartplotter. Notable features include a digital throttle and shift control for precise speed and direction management, as well as a trim tab control for adjusting the boat's attitude and enhancing the ride quality.
Above: Comfortable bow area on the Formula 290 Bowrider. Photo courtesy of Formula Boats.
BOW AREA
The open bow area on the Formula 290 Bowrider offers a forward-facing lounge with cushioned seating and backrests for utmost comfort. You'll also find a removable table, making it a versatile space for dining, games, cocktails, and more. This design welcomes plenty of natural light and fresh air, creating an open and airy ambiance, perfect for enjoying the outdoors.
SPECS
Length overall (including swim platform): 29 feet
Beam: 9 feet
Draft: 40 inches
Weight: 8,950 pounds (with twin engines)
Fuel capacity: 112 gallons
Water capacity: 19 gallons
Holding tank capacity: 22.5 gallons
