Gary Eskew

Adding the IPS system to the 45 Yacht this year, Formula has taken a new model from 2007 and made it even more popular. This big yacht now has the handling of a runabout so the cruising couple that isn’t comfortable or just doesn’t want to work so hard to travel, doesn’t have to consider close quarters maneuverability as a deterrent. The cost can also be a positive with the IPS system, both in acquisition and maintenance. It takes less work to install, and you gain more space to maintain the engine and drives, for now at least. Formula could have taken the extra space gained for more interior room but elected to keep it in the engine spaces so you don’t have to be a gnome to comfortably work in there.

At the Bow

The 45 comes standard with a concealed anchor davit with electric windlass with chain counter and 200’ of chain and polished stainless steel anchor. The high 316L bow rails have mid-life lines for added security. Two DriFast loungers are in the front for enjoyment at anchor, and these have multi-position backs. Bomar hatches allow light and air into the master suite. Looking aft is the hardtop coupe with full windshield and dual wipers. Stepping through the heavy center door, the upper window has a five position slide. The windshield has multiple windshield defrosters to extend your useful season into the cooler months. Our test model had the cockpit air to further extend the comfort season in the hot climates. The hardtop has an electric coup top to allow you to flood the cockpit with air and light or observe the stars at night.

At the Helm

The helm seat is a split bench with dual bolsters and Ultraleather upholstery with deep comfortable cushions. Between the seats is a box to store the electronics covers. The dash has dual monitoring gauges for the engines, Burlwood accent panels and power-assist hydraulic steering with a tilt genuine mahogany wheel. Rudder indicator, Raymarine E120 chartplotters, Bennett trim tabs with indicators, Seakey Volvo Penta satellite communications security system and more are all standard. To starboard and on top of the side panel are the IPS Joystick and Volvo Electronic Throttle and Shift controls for complete ease of operation. Across on the port side is a large lounger for the family to join you as you head to your next destination. Under the seat is a large storage compartment with another storage under the aft end. Seventeen stainless steel drink holders are peppered around to manage the drinks. Throw pillows are tethered to keep them on the lounger.

The Bar Is Open

Behind the helm is the cockpit wet bar/galley. Within easy reach of the helm is an open storage tray across the back that usually gets filled with charts and cruising guides. The Corian top has a concealed sink, trash bin and carry-on cooler for clean ice to keep the drinks fresh. Our model had a Gaggenau electric cockpit grill and U-line cockpit ice maker added in the starboard side cabinet of the galley. An aft canvas curtain separates the chilled cockpit from the aft cockpit seating. These seats form a large port U-shaped lounge with tons of room and removable table that converts to a sunpad. There’s a day hatch to the engines in the deck. The electric engine hatch switch is tucked under the corner cushion. The starboard transom door has a magnetic catch as well as a safety switch to keep you from accidently opening the engine hatch with this closed. In the walk through is a handy hot and cold swim shower.

Engine Access

The swim platform on our test ride had the motorized option that allows you to easily launch your PWC by simply lowering it into the water. Power reels tow the electric lines out and back. A large aft dunnage box has dedicated table and legs storage as well as room for cleaning gear, fenders and lines. The engine compartment is spacious due to the Volvo IPS.

Cabin Amenities

The centerline cabin entry has beautiful wood steps with rubber anti-skid treads leading into the salon. The port side galley is gourmet quality with rich deep gloss cherry cabinetry with furniture-grade dovetailed drawers and Corian counters. There is plenty of room to store food and dry goods, including a sole locker. Galley equipment includes a double-burner stove with vent fan, convection microwave oven, brushed stainless steel sink, coffeemaker and upright refrigerator/freezer. In the end of the cabinet is a handy clear cover wine glass rack.

The salon has a large lounger with solid wood table and two bar stools. Deep gloss cherry cabinets surround the lounger, housing storage space and the entertainment center, including a Bose Lifestyle surround sound home theater system for the 37” widescreen LCD TV (in our case a Dell HDTV screen).

The guest stateroom has twin beds with storage under the steps, a drawer in the end of the forward bed and a quick-fill, flip-over filler to convert this into one large bed. An aft LCD TV has a DVD player mounted in the hanging locker, which also has dedicated storage for the cockpit TV. This stateroom has its own separate combination head and shower with Flush and Forget Vacuflush head. The vanity and sink are in the room on the port side. The power distribution panel is in a wall closet just as you enter the room.

Master Stateroom

The entry to the master stateroom is via a space-saving pocket door. The centerline bed has a step up and matching port and starboard hanging lockers. Our test model had a safe mounted in the port locker and the stereo CD stacker and iPod cradle mounted in the starboard locker. The in-room LCD/TV with DVD player is mounted on the starboard side for private night-time entertainment. The Bose sound system has a zone system to pipe the surround sound into your private space. This stateroom also has a separate shower and head compartment so you don’t tie up the head while taking a shower.

Specs and Performance

The 45 Yacht measures 48’2” length overall with a beam of 13’11”. With the IPS, she weighs 31,800 lbs. and draws 39”. Fuel capacity is 350 gallons and freshwater capacity is 100 gallons. Bridge clearance is 16’1” with the hardtop, antennas and mast light.

We tested on a rather calm day and found the IPS system a joy to operate, making this a simple boat to drive. Out in the channel, she crossed wakes and took the chop without hesitation or noisy crashes and bangs. Hard turns were smoothed out nicely and recovery to full speed was quick. I found she tops out at 37.9 mph and has a cruise speed around 31.9 mph for a range of 320 miles. She takes 10.1 seconds to reach plane and 14 seconds to reach 30 mph.

If you thought the 45 last year was a great boat but a bit too much too handle, think again now that the IPS has arrived on this model. It has the luxury to take the boss and the family out for entertaining, and the guts to take you on the cruise you have dreamed of. The 2008 Formula 45 Yacht
is aa absolute blast!