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Formula 27 PC (2005-2010 )

2 x 270-hp Volvo Penta 5.0 GXI gasoline sterndrive



Brief Summary

Formula takes full advantage of all the room on this model in order to deliver a boat with the most usable space possible for entertaining. The 27 PC (Performance Cruiser) is the smallest express cruiser in the line, yet she’s packed with features, and as our tests prove, she delivers a fast ride.

Test Results

RPM MPH Knots GPH MPG NMPG SM NM dBa
750 3.2 2.7 1.5 2.1 1.83 202 176 62
1000 6 5.2 2.5 2.4 2.09 231 201 68
1500 8.6 7.5 4.5 1.91 1.66 184 160 68
2000 10 8.7 8 1.24 1.08 120 104 76
2500 15.6 13.5 9.9 1.57 1.37 151 132 76
3000 23.1 20 12.5 1.84 1.6 178 154 78
3500 30.9 26.8 18.6 1.66 1.44 160 139 80
4000 35.3 30.7 22.9 1.54 1.34 148 129 93
4500 43.7 38 40 1.09 0.95 105 91 93
5000 46.2 40.2 41.9 1.1 0.96 106 92 93
Formula27pc-chart2.jpg

Specifications

Length Overall 28' 3''
Beam 9' 7''
Dry Weight 9,500 lbs.
Draft 41'' (max)
Deadrise/Transom 18 deg.
Max Headroom open
Bridge Clearance 10' 4''
Fuel Capacity 107 gal.
Water Capacity 26.5 gal.

Acceleration Times & Conditions

Time to Plane 9.0 sec.
0 to 30 13.0 sec.
Ratio 1.95:1
Props F4
Load Load: 1 person, Fuel: 3/4 full, Water: none, Gear: minimal
Climate Temp: 90 deg., Humid: 87% Wind: 5 knots, Seas: min. chop

Engine Options

Tested Engine 2 x 270-hp Volvo Penta 5.0 GXI gasoline sterndrive
Std. Power Not Available
Opt. Power 2x 300-hp MerCruiser 350 MAG MPI Bravo Three
2x 320-hp MerCruiser MX 6.2 MPI Bravo Three
2x 425-hp MerCruiser 496 MAG High Output Bravo Three X
2x 315-hp Volvo Penta 5.7 GXi DP
2x 420-hp Volvo Penta 8.1 GXi DP W/CWC

Warranty

Deck Warranty Extended 10 Years
Engine Warranty Extended 5 Years
Gelcoat Warranty Extended 2 Years
Hull Warranty Extended 10 Years

Tested By Capt. Bob Smith
Formula Boats are well known for being some of the best and most comfortable cruising boats with innovative design and performance. One of the first things you notice is they have swept the arch forward in the more modern and functional position that their other cruisers use. Although it was functional before, I found a swept-back arch design to be more difficult when boarding from along side slips and finger slips.
Formula’s designer, John Adams, takes full advantage of space and entertainment seating, even on this size cruiser. The 27PC is a deep-V hull that slices the waves and her streamlined exterior styling looks beautiful as you pass others on the beaches.
Layout
You can step onto the stern swim platform to board or across her gunwales into the spacious entertainment area of the cockpit. L-shaped aft lounge seating has room for lots of friends and family aboard, and the helm and lounge seating has plenty of storage space below. The integrated wet bar is to port and includes a stainless steel sink with storage below for beverage bottles, ice and cups.
Behind the Wheel
The helm is logically laid out with everything within easy reach of the driver and I didn’t notice any problems with visibility or glare from the helm when driving. The bow area is accessed up steps in the helm pod and through the curved windshield.
Below Deck
Access to the cabin below is through a curved, plexiglass sliding door that doesn’t require a strong person to open. It also doesn’t slide back and forth with every small wave when not locked in place. Below, you will quickly notice Formula has added many wood accents and cabinetry. The new look is very pleasing and gives you a feeling of being aboard a much larger boat. A flat panel TV can be seen from the convertible lounge or can be turned so it can be seen easily from the forward V-berth.
The head compartment felt more comfortable than most for this size cruiser. Privacy curtains separate the aft berth when you have guests or children aboard overnight.
Back up into the cockpit, the engine compartment is accessed through an electric driven hatch in the cockpit sole and is well insulated from noise, as you will notice in the testing. I also found that the room below was adequate for doing routine maintenance.
Performance
After outlasting the summer storms, we tested the Formula 27PC along the Sanibel shores in 5 knots of wind and oppressive heat and humidity. With ¾ tank of fuel and only one person on board, we found she could easily cruise along at 3000 rpms at just under 23mph burning around 12gph. She topped out at 5000 rpms running about 46 mph and burning almost 42 gph. She planed in less than 9 seconds and was cruising at 30 mph in fewer than 13 seconds. Sound levels at the helm were good too. She starts out at idle at 62 dBa and topped out at 93 dBa at 5000 rpms.
Our test model was powered with twin 270-hp Volvo Penta 5.0 GXi sterndrives with dual props. The 27PC is a wonderful example of what you can put into a small package. I did have a bit of a learning curve before I felt I had her under good control. The narrow beam compared to the other cruisers I had driven that day required me to pay much more attention to tab and trim settings. Once I had this in hand, she road smooth and delivered a fun ride.
If you are ready to step up to performance cruising but want to stay with a trusted designer and proven performance, the redesigned 27PC is a great choice. She has performance that will thrill you and styling that will show your good taste in choices.