Formula (boats)

In 1956, John "Woody" Woodson began experimenting with fiberglass technology to create 14- and 16-foot runabout boats called the Thunderbird with Richard C. Cole as his principal designer. Cole pioneered the use of the Cathedral hull, making the first successful sterndrive crossing from Miami to Nassau in a Thunderbird in 1959.[1]

In 1961, Merrick Lewis bought Thunderbird. Merrick Lewis did not know much about boats, so he hired Richard "Dick" Genth as a salesman. Dick and Merrick believed the best way to promote Thunderbird was to participate in the new sport of offshore racing. Dick began racing and earned a name for himself and Thunderbird boats.

In 1964, Alliance Machine purchased Thunderbird and changed the name to Thunderbird/Formula, hoping this addition to their offshore racing team would also be successful. The racing scene soon proved expensive, and Fuqua Industries bought Thunderbird/Formula in 1969.

Thunderbird is best remembered today as providing the boat used in the 60s television show Flipper, a 23' Thunderbird Iroquois.[2]

A competitive and athletic World War 2 merchant marine veteran, powerboat racer Don Aronow would found the first of several boat companies on NE 188th Street in North Miami Beach, Formula Marine, in 1963.[3]

Racing his first Miami-Nassau race in 1962, Aronow was instantly hooked on powerboat racing, and saw a winning formula with partners Dave Stirrat, Jim Wynne, Walt Walters, Buddy Smith, and Jake Trotter, naming his company Formula after this partnership.[3]

The original 233 deep-V hull design was the first successful model, and its influence is present in today's models.

Aronow would sell Formula and all but one of his molds to Alliance Machine Company in 1964 in what would become a pattern, where upon he would sign a non-compete clause, walk out the door and start Donzi Marine right next door.[4]

Vic Porter was an entrepreneur who experienced great success in mobile home sales, real estate and boat sales. After a few years as a salesman, Porter believed he could build better models of boats than he was currently selling.

In 1958, Vic Porter founded Duo Incorporated and started his career as a boat builder with his first 14-foot twin outboard-powered catamaran. Porter's boats became popular, and in 1963 Duo Incorporated was crafting 20 boats per week. In 1966, his sales revenue was over one million dollars.

After much success, Vic Porter sold Duo Incorporated to Bangor Punta in 1967. In 1970, Porter stepped away from his role as President of Duo Incorporated to begin Signa Corporation in Decatur, Indiana. Signa Corporation began producing sterndrive and outboard powered tri-hull runabouts. Thanks to Porter's reputation, Signa quickly became successful as it marketed boats in the Midwest and East.

Signa's success attracted the attention of Fuqua Industries, which owned Thunderbird/Formula. Fuqua industries purchased Signa in 1973, and Vic Porter became the president of Thunderbird/Formula/Signa.

After a few years as President of both companies, Vic Porter started Porter Inc. and purchased Thunderbird/Formula/Signa. Then in 1979, the company canceled the Signa lineup, and the brand became Thunderbird/Formula. Porter developed the Formula deep-V series of cuddies and the Formula 302 LS high-performance offshore model during this same year. The Formula name continued to grow in popularity among the boating community due to many innovative designs.

In 1980, Formula introduced integrated, continuous fiberglass cockpits to their boats, improving the structure and design. Formula began to use “Imron” paint for the hull graphics for long-lasting colors and designs in 1982. Formula Boats introduced the curved glass windshield to their boats in 1984, and in 1988 Vic's son Scott Porter became President of Formula Boats while Vic Porter retained his role as chairman of the board.

Due to increased interest in family day boating, Formula created the Sun Sport line in 1990. However, performance continued to be vital to the Formula brand, and the FAS³TECH series arrived in 1997. As Formula entered the new century, the factory expanded and began producing the Super Sport series. In 2006, Scott Porter's brother Ted developed an interest in hydroplane racing and Formula sponsored his hydroplane team.

Formula began introducing upgrades to graphics and upholstery in 2010 and later allowed customers to customize these upgrades. In 2012 Formula developed the Crossover Bowrider series and added outboard power in 2017.

Vic Porter passed away on October 24, 2021, at age 90 as Chairman Emeritus of Formula Boats. Five of Porter's six children continue to serve in upper management positions, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren work full and part-time for the company. Formula celebrated 65 years in business in 2021.

The FormulaFlex program allows customers to interchange all graphic colors and swap the colors on the hullside graphics. The Formula team paints graphic colors in-house in a process similar to professionally painted show cars by using an Axalata ChromaPremier base coat and an Imron Elite clear coat.

With the FormulaFlex program, customers can choose from more than 25 graphic choices across four lines of boats. Customers have more than 30 colors in the Formula Axalata Paint Library to choose from when personalizing Flagship colors, stripes or accent colors.

The Formula FlexMyWay program provides customers with more color options beyond theAxalata Paint Library. Customers can choose from any of the 1,341 solid colors from thePantone Matching System^® or the thousands of colors available from automotive manufacturers.

The FormulaFlex Program allows for personalization opportunities inside and outside your boat. Customers can customize the upholstery base, accent and piping colors to create a unique look.

If customers wish to personalize their vessels further, the FormulaFlex MyWay program allows customers to customize the cockpit upholstery and cabin decorations. Customers can work with Formula's upholstery design specialist and choose from an extensive library of vinyl colors.

Customers can optimize their electronics layout and gauges on the dash panel to match their personal preferences with the FormulaFlex program. One of Formula's dash panel specialists will create a personalized layout which is then cut in-house on CNC routers after receiving customer approval. If a customer wants additional electronics options, a Formula electronics engineer will work with the customer to provide specific upgrades.

The Formula Bowrider uses high-quality materials and superior craftsmanship for innovative designs. These highly customizable boats are versatile and can entertain friends and accommodate family, whether by speeding across the water or gently cutting through the waves. Models of this boat include:

• 240 Bowrider
• 270 Bowrider
• 290 Bowrider
• 310 Bowrider

The Crossover Bowrider is a flexible vessel that can easily handle daytime activities or overnight trips. With multiple customization options, customers are sure to design a Crossover Bowrider unique to their preferences. Models of the Crossover Bowrider include:

• 330 Crossover Bowrider
• 350 Crossover Bowrider

The Super Sport Crossover combines wrap-around lounges and a large swim platform for a versatile and practical design. This sleek line is perfect for creating lasting memories with family and friends on the water. The Super Sport Crossover is available in models such as:

• 380 Super Sport Crossover
• 400 Super Sport Crossover
• 430 Super Sport Crossover
• 500 Super Sport Crossover

Customers can enjoy a fusion of the versatility of a dayboat, the ability for overnight boating and accommodations for sport and adventure with the All Sport Crossover. At 43 feet in length with a 12-foot beam, the All Sport Crossover is comfortable and can withstand any adventure customers may encounter on the water. Models of the All Sport Crossover include:

• 430 All Sport Crossover

The Sun Sport cruiser is a top-rated cuddy cabin boat that uses durable, high-quality materials. These cuddy cabin boats are fully customizable for a full day of fun in the sun. Sun Sport models include:

• 310 Sun Sport
• 350 Sun Sport

With a spacious cabin and customizable features, customers and their families can enjoy many days on the water with a performance cruiser. The Performance Cruiser is available in the following models:

• 34 Performance Cruiser
• 37 Performance Cruiser
• 40 Performance Cruiser