Gary Eskew

The new 48 Yacht is the flagship of the Formula fleet. This express cruiser exhibits excitement, cosmopolitan flair, and thrilling performance along with a host of amenities.

There are so many features on this boat, I cannot do justice in the space we have available in this article. For now, let me hit some of the highlights of the tour.Formula 48 Yacht Video

Formula 48 The Beauty and the Beast-Starting at the Bow

Up on the bow our test boat was equipped with a 360 remotely controlled spotlight and windless for easy anchoring. I like the way Formula put the foot pedals under the hatch so someone doesn’t send the anchor down just trying to handle off dock lines. There are two long sun pads on both sides of the centerline for catching rays. A large walkthrough windshield leads you across the dash and down the steps into the helm area.

Control Station

The helm features Burlwood instrument panels with several multi function digital displays for charts, radar, GPS, engine functions and more. The electronic shift and throttle controls make handling a snap. Power hydraulic steering is nearly effortless and the mahogany steering wheel adds a touch of elegance to the look. I found sixteen polished drink holders scattered throughout the cockpit for handling your guests’ beverages underway or at anchor. Dri-Fast foam seating is comfortable and plentiful. Side panel seating tilts back and stows away when you are approaching a slip so dirty soles won’t soil the white cover.

A Cockpit Designed for Entertaining

There is plenty of seating in the cockpit for a large group and floor space left to dance if you wish. The wide walkthrough has a transom shower and steps down to a broad swim platform. This one has a hydraulic platform for launching your dingy or PWC. There’s also a cavernous stern locker for fender storage. And when you need to get the power plant a switch in the cockpit gives you motorized access to the engine compartment which has sufficient room for working and routine maintenance.

Feel at Home in the Main Saloon

In the main saloon, you have headroom for NBA basketball stars. The table is motorized to set it for low cocktail lounge setting, or all the way for dining. The galley is better equipped than most home kitchens I have seen. For entertainment there’s a flat screen TV and motorized tilt which faced the lounge. Formula has even taken advantage of the corners on this boat by creating curved wooden doors where needed. The countertop also has inserts for the dual trash bins, sink and cooktop to give you enormous space for preparation. Even in the solid maple hardwood floors under your feet, they have put a hatch for storing more supplies.

Staterooms

Head back to the owner’s suite and get a look at the huge bed with motorized lift for your head. Reading in bed or watching your own flat screen TV doesn’t have to put a crick in your neck anymore. The main suite also has its own separate head compartment with a nice heavy Plexiglas circular shower. Trot on back toward the stern and you enter the guest quarters. To the right is a storage unit and to the left you have a combination washer/dryer. Not to be outdone with the rest of the cabins, this one also has a motorized bed that helps convert this space into a full bed using a drop down wall unit, or two single beds. During the day, it serves as a separate lounge for those seeking some extra privacy or to entertain the kids while the adults play. This area has its own separate full head, so no need to share.

Specs

Our 48 Yacht with hardtop measured in at 51’ LOA with the integrated bow platform, 48’ if you take the bow platform measurement off. She’s 14’ in the beam making her stable and smooth riding and weighs in at approximately 35,050 pounds dry. Cabin headroom is an incredible 7’ and she still had 5’10” of headroom when you went back to the guest stateroom which had the lowest ceiling of all. The 48 Yachts carries 400 gallons of fuel and 100 gallons of freshwater for long cruises. Draft is from 37” to 44” and she requires 12’9” of bridge clearance and 15’6” with the mast light and a light load.

Performance and Ride

When we tested the 48 Yacht the next day, we had four people on board and approximately ¾ of a tank of fuel and a full tank of water on board prepared for a day of dealers taking orientation rides. The temperature was a blazing 90 degrees and the humidity was nearly unbearable at 87%. Wind was around three knots and seas were calm with the exception of plenty of passing boat wakes and a viscous current in the slips at Sanibel Harbor Resort.

This model was equipped with twin 660-hp Cummins QSM marine engines and ZF transmissions. We found she cruised most economically at 1750 rpms at about 25.5mph and burned 41.1 gallons per hour at this speed. When we pushed the throttles to the maximum, we found she maxed out at 2280 rpms and just under 40 mph. At top speed she burns about 65 gallons per hour. The 48 was pretty quiet for a diesel starting at 70 dBa at the helm and going up to 83 at 1250 rpms and 91 for top speed. Maneuvering, even in the challenging marina was better than most with the help of a bow thruster.

When you want to step out in Formula customary looks and performance and need the room for long cruises as well as large groups, the Formula 48 Yacht offers an excellent choice for today’s demanding buyer. If you have appreciated Formula’s innovative design and proven performance but wanted a longer range yacht, you now have the answer.
 

Specifications
Formula 48 Yacht (2005 -) (Not in Production) Length Overall 51′ 0” Dry Weight  35,050 lbs.
Beam 14′ 0” Fuel Cap  400 gal.
Draft 44” (max) Water Cap  100 gal.
Deadrise/Transom 18 deg. Bridge Clearance  15′ 6” w/hardtop
Max Headroom 7′ 0”
Prices, features, designs, and equipment are subject to change. Please see your local dealer or visit the builder’s website for the latest information available on this boat model.
Line Drawing