Pods power Icon 42 into new territory

The Formula Icon 42. Photo / Supplied.

The 12 metre (or 40ft) market has always been a popular one for New Zealand launch manufacturers, perhaps none more so than Formula Cruisers.

Back in the 1980s and then known as Formula Boats, the company made its name churning out large numbers of the iconic Formula 4000s.

Since then, Formula has had a change of owner (or two), a change (or two) of location and has grown considerably.

The company, now based on the old Hobsonville Air Force base, no longer offers just a single model but instead has five Icon-branded flybridge launches (ranging from the 42 up to the 68) and a power catamaran (the Prowler 10.4).

The latest addition to their fleet is the just-released IPS version of one of their newer models, the Icon 42. Initially unveiled earlier this year, the Icon 42 did attract strong interest. However many of those making inquiries also asked if it was possible to fit Volvo's IPS pod drives instead of those traditionally fitted to Formula boats: conventional shaft-driven power trains.

Because not all hull shapes are suitable for pod drives (and because modifying the Icon 42's GRP hull mould would have been an elaborate and expensive undertaking), Formula had to consult Volvo engineers before being able to answer those questions.

Once they got the okay from Volvo and, according to Troy Woods, Formula's sales and marketing manager, once they saw the resulting fuel efficiency numbers, the decision to proceed was an easy one for the company to make.

"And once that decision was made, we set about completely redesigning the interior of the 42 around the IPS drives, maximising the available space advantages that created."

The result, he says, is a versatile twin cabin, two-bathroom boat that features sleeping facilities for up to seven adults.

"The master cabin has it's own en suite head and there is also a second bathroom, which includes a full size shower stall.

"The full beam guest cabin features both a double and single bed and, with the option to split the double into two singles, offers plenty of accommodation options for either family cruising or fishing weekends."

The new single-level saloon includes a settee, entertainment system, opening window and bar storage as well as a separate L-shaped dinette, which converts into two additional bunks.

"The large galley is fully kitted out with separate fridge and freezer, microwave/convection oven, ceramic hob and plenty of storage," says Woods.

Powered with twin Volvo IPS500s, the 42 will, he says, have a top speed of 31 knots and offer comfortable cruising from 20-24 knots.

"The IPS system is also expected to deliver excellent fuel efficiency, giving the Icon 42 a range of over 400 nautical miles at over 21 knots."

Woods says he believes the new IPS-powered Icon 42 will quickly find favour with Kiwi boaties.

"The 40ft market has always been popular and the 42 IPS has been designed to appeal to both the family cruising and serious sports fishing enthusiast," he says. "It offers significant advantages to both in terms of space and versatility.

"And, because it's priced at under $1 million and also because it comes with Formula's unique money back construction guarantee, it is well worth considering against its Australian competitors."

Formula Icon 42:

LOA: 13.30 metres

Hull length: 12.8 metres

Beam: 4.57 metres

Draft: 1.18 metres

Displacement: 26,000 kg

Max Speed: 31 knots

Cruise Speed: 20-24 knots

Fuel capacity: 2500 litres

Water capacity: 500 litres

Price: Approx: $1m

Want to know more?Visit: www.formulacruisers.com