Yachts for sale / Formula 40 Performance Cruiser

2008 Formula 40 Performance Cruiser

Palmetto, FL, US 42.6 ft · 12.67 ft' beam 1 cabin 27.81 kn kn top
Asking
$164,950
Our Thoughts

The 2008 Formula 40 Performance Cruiser represents a well-documented, actively maintained platform for serious cruising and offshore capability. At 42.58 feet with a 12.67-foot beam, this performance cruiser delivers the beam-to-length ratio and draft characteristics (3.67 feet) necessary for comfortable operation in varied water conditions while maintaining reasonable fuel economy for extended passages.

Propulsion comes from Volvo Penta IPS500 pod drives—a joystick-controlled system that provides both precision maneuvering and fuel efficiency advantages over traditional shaft drives. Cruising speed runs 21.72 knots, with a maximum speed of 27.81 knots, supported by a 248-gallon fuel capacity suitable for multi-day offshore ventures. The 57-gallon freshwater capacity and comprehensive generator system support extended time away from the dock.

The maintenance record here is substantial and verifiable. A port-side long-block was installed in 2021, with documented annual engine, pod, and generator service continuing through 2025. Recent upgrades include a new Westerbekegenerator, fresh water pump, bilge pump, battery set, and complete cooling system backflush. The steering system received new cables and ignition switches, while the hydraulic and AC water pump systems were refreshed. This level of documented service work reduces ownership risk and suggests the vessel has been operated with attention to preventive maintenance rather than reactive repair.

Electronics have been systematically upgraded. Raymarine systems provide primary navigation and engine monitoring, anchored by a 7-inch chartplotter dedicated to engine data, while a 12-inch Axiom multi-function display and 18-inch Quantum radar provide situational awareness. These platforms integrate GPS, radar, and sonar capability—essential tools for offshore and coastal cruising.

The cabin layout follows the 40 PC's proven design: a spacious salon with premium finishes, full galley with new refrigeration (2024), and enclosed head compartment. An 18,000 BTU air conditioning system (installed 2023) manages climate control. New galley and cockpit refrigeration units address provisioning for extended cruising.

Exterior updates include new Eisenglass (2021), new aft bimini canvas (2022), underwater lighting, and a rear camera system—practical additions that improve visibility, protection, and operational awareness. New drive sensors and a swim platform complete the working inventory.

At this price point, the 2008 Formula 40 Performance Cruiser offers documented reliability, proven offshore capability, and modern electronics in a platform built for serious cruising rather than day-boating. The service history and recent component replacements position this vessel as a turnkey option for buyers seeking mid-sized performance cruising capability with reduced near-term maintenance obligations.

Provided listing description Click to read the original broker text

From stem to stern, everything about your Formula Performance Cruiser is designed to meet your needs and maximize your fun and relaxation on the water. The Formula 40 Performance Cruiser is where excellence meets sophistication and superiority meets authenticity.2008 Formula 40 PC – Impeccably Maintained with Recent UpgradesAvailable now at Tampa Yacht Sales, this 2008 Formula 40 PC is a perfect blend of performance, luxury, and craftsmanship, ready to take you on unforgettable journeys. Meticulously maintained and thoughtfully upgraded, this vessel features a brand-new port long-block (installed in 2021), ensuring optimal performance for years to come. Recent service on the engines, generator, and pods further enhances its reliability, making it a turn-key option for boating enthusiasts. Key Features: New Port Long-Block (2020): Enjoy peace of mind knowing the port engine has been replaced with a high-performance long-block, providing peak power and reliability. Updated Electronics: Equipped with the latest Raymarin electronics to ensure you navigate and engine monitoring with confidence, featuring state-of-the-art GPS, radar, and fish-finding technology. Fully Serviced Engines & Generator: Recent service ensures the IPS500 engines and Westerbekegenerator are running at peak efficiency, ready for your next adventure without the hassle of immediate maintenance. Joystick-Equipped Pods: Maneuver with ease using the joystick-controlled pod drives, delivering superior handling and fuel efficiency. Luxury Interior: The 40 PC offers a spacious cabin with premium finishes, a fully-equipped galley, and a comfortable salon, providing all the amenities for extended stays on the water. With its timeless design, powerful performance, and recent upgrades, this 2008 Formula 40 PC stands out as an exceptional choice for boaters seeking a well-maintained, ready-to-cruise vessel. Contact us today at Tampa Yacht Sales for more information or to schedule a viewing! Comments & Updates2025 Annual Engine, Pods and Genertor service New Underwater Lights New Generator Battery New Steering Cable Helm2024 Bow Cushion Covers New Galley Refrigerator New New Cockpit Refrigerator New Raymarine 7" Chartploter for Engine Data2023 New 18,000 BTU AC Cabin Annual Engine, Pods and Genertor service2022 Annual Engine, Pods & Generator Service New Fresh Water Pump (4) New Batteries New Starter Volvo Penta New Bilge Pump Engine Cooling System Backflushed New Axiom 12" Multi Function Display New Radar 18" Quantum New Rear Camera New Aft Bimini Canvas New Drive Sensors2021 New Eisenglass Replace Both Ignition Switches New Joystick and Steering Harness New Inverter Annual Service Engines and Generator2020 AC Water Pump New Starboard Idle Pulleys (2) New Hydraulic Pump Swim platform Bottom Paint

2008 Formula 40 Performance Cruiser: A Well-Maintained Dual-Engine Cruiser with Recent Upgrades and Pod Drive Efficiency
Overview
The 2008 Formula 40 Performance Cruiser represents a thoughtfully engineered express cruiser platform designed to balance high-speed capability with extended-range cruising comfort. At 42.58 feet in length with a 12.67-foot beam, this Formula delivers the proportions and displacement necessary for offshore stability while maintaining the responsive handling characteristics that define the Performance Cruiser category. The vessel is powered by twin Volvo Penta IPS500 pod drives—a propulsion system that fundamentally changes how modern cruisers operate, offering joystick-controlled maneuverability, improved fuel efficiency, and superior directional control compared to traditional shaft-drive configurations. This particular 2008 Formula 40 PC has been the subject of systematic maintenance and strategic upgrades spanning multiple years. The documented service history reflects a commitment to mechanical reliability: a new port long-block installation in 2020, recent annual servicing of both engines and the Westerbeke generator, and a comprehensive refresh of critical systems including steering components, cooling systems, electrical batteries, and bilge equipment. For buyers evaluating a 2008 express cruiser in the 40-foot class, the combination of pod drive propulsion, recent engine work, and upgraded electronics positions this vessel as a mechanically ready platform for immediate use rather than a project requiring deferred maintenance.
Performance and Propulsion
The Formula 40 Performance Cruiser's dual IPS500 pod drives deliver approximately 370 horsepower per engine in the Volvo Penta configuration, translating to the vessel's documented cruising speed of 21.72 knots and maximum speed of 27.81 knots. Pod drive propulsion offers distinct advantages over conventional shaft-drive systems: the lower center of gravity improves stability and sea-keeping, the absence of a traditional shaft tunnel increases interior volume, and the joystick control system—confirmed as recently serviced in 2021—enables single-handed maneuvering and precise docking even in challenging conditions. The 248-gallon fuel capacity supports extended cruising at economical speeds, with the IPS500 configuration known for reasonable fuel consumption at displacement and semi-displacement speeds. For a vessel of this size and performance envelope, the fuel capacity balances range with weight distribution and trim characteristics. The documented engine work—including a new port long-block in 2020, new starboard idle pulleys in 2020, a new hydraulic pump in 2020, and annual servicing through 2025—indicates that the propulsion system has been maintained to manufacturer standards rather than deferred or neglected.
Helm, Electronics, and Navigation
The vessel's electronics package reflects a modernization effort that enhances both navigation and engine monitoring. The Raymarine system, described as recently updated, provides integrated GPS, radar, and fish-finding capability—a functional combination that supports both coastal cruising and offshore operation. The 2022 addition of a new Axiom 12-inch multifunction display and an 18-inch Quantum radar represents a meaningful upgrade to the helm station, enabling the operator to visualize weather patterns, coastal geography, and subsurface structure with contemporary clarity. The 2024 installation of a 7-inch Raymarine chartplotter dedicated to engine data reflects a practical approach to monitoring propulsion system health during operation. This separation of navigation and engine monitoring across multiple displays allows the helmsman to maintain situational awareness while tracking fuel consumption, engine temperature, and system diagnostics in real time. The new steering cable installed in 2025 ensures responsive helm feedback and mechanical reliability at the wheel. The helm layout benefits from the joystick pod drive interface, which consolidates lateral thrust, directional control, and forward/reverse into a single intuitive input device. This configuration reduces helm fatigue during extended cruising and simplifies maneuvering in tight quarters—a meaningful advantage in marinas, anchorages, and challenging approaches.
Cabin Layout and Interior Accommodations
The Formula 40 Performance Cruiser's interior is configured as a full-beam cabin cruiser with a galley-down layout typical of the Performance Cruiser category. The cabin provides sleeping accommodations, a functional galley, and a salon area designed for both cruising and entertaining. While specific berth counts are not detailed in the available documentation, the 40-foot length and full-beam cabin design support a master stateroom forward and a convertible salon seating area that functions as an additional sleeping space. Recent upgrades to the interior comfort systems include a new 18,000-BTU air conditioning unit installed in 2023, ensuring climate control in warm-water cruising environments. The galley has been refreshed with a new refrigerator installed in 2024, supporting extended provisioning and food storage during multi-day cruises. A new cockpit refrigerator, also added in 2024, provides convenient beverage and provisions access from the helm and cockpit seating areas—a practical feature for entertaining and day-boating. The cabin ventilation system benefits from new Eisenglass installed in 2021, improving visibility from the cabin and allowing natural light penetration while maintaining weather protection. The 57-gallon fresh water capacity supports showering and galley use during extended cruising, with a new fresh water pump installed in 2022 ensuring adequate pressure and flow.
Cockpit Design and Seating
The Formula 40 Performance Cruiser's cockpit is arranged around the helm station, with helm seating integrated into the console and additional seating configured for passengers and crew. The 2024 installation of new bow cushion covers indicates that the vessel retains a bow seating area forward of the windscreen, a feature common to express cruisers and useful for lounging, entertaining, and observing the approach to anchorages or coastal features. The aft bimini canvas, replaced in 2022, provides weather and sun protection over the cockpit seating area, extending the usable hours for entertaining and casual cruising. The new rear camera installed in 2022 supports backing operations and docking procedures, providing the helmsman with visual confirmation of the stern area and approach to pilings or other fixed objects.
Mechanical Systems and Reliability
The vessel's mechanical systems have been systematically maintained and upgraded. The Westerbeke generator, serviced annually and most recently in 2025, provides independent electrical generation for air conditioning, galley appliances, and cabin systems during anchoring or marina stays without running the main engines. The battery bank was replaced in 2022 with new units, supporting reliable engine starting and electrical loads. The cooling system for the main engines was backflushed in 2022, a preventive maintenance procedure that extends engine life by removing accumulated salt deposits and corrosion from the cooling passages. The new AC water pump installed in 2020 ensures efficient heat rejection from the air conditioning system. The bilge pump was replaced in 2022, confirming that the vessel's water management and safety systems are current. The drive sensors installed in 2022 support the pod drive's electronic control system, enabling precise thrust vectoring and joystick responsiveness. The new inverter installed in 2021 converts DC battery power to AC current for cabin appliances and electronics when the generator is not running. New underwater lights installed in 2025 enhance nighttime anchoring aesthetics and improve visibility of the hull and surrounding water. The new steering cable installed in 2025 ensures mechanical integrity and responsive helm control.
Condition and Readiness
The documented service history spanning 2020 through 2025 indicates that this 2008 Formula 40 Performance Cruiser has been maintained on a disciplined annual schedule with targeted upgrades addressing both preventive maintenance and system modernization. The new port long-block, installed in 2020, addresses the primary concern with mid-2000s powerplant longevity, effectively resetting the service life of the port engine. The combination of recent engine work, updated electronics, new air conditioning, and refreshed interior appointments positions this vessel as mechanically ready for immediate use. Prospective buyers evaluating a 2008 express cruiser should consider the systematic upgrade record as evidence of an owner's commitment to reliable operation and continued enjoyment rather than deferral of necessary work.
Why This Vessel Merits Consideration
The Formula 40 Performance Cruiser remains a respected platform in the express cruiser category, recognized for balanced performance, seaworthy hull design, and interior space optimization. The 2008 model year benefits from mature pod drive technology, proven reliability of the Volvo Penta IPS500 system, and the practical advantages of joystick-controlled maneuvering. This particular vessel's appeal lies in its recent mechanical investments and documented maintenance discipline. The new port long-block, annual engine servicing, updated Raymarine electronics, and systematic refresh of critical systems reduce the mechanical uncertainty often associated with 15-year-old vessels. The combination of performance capability
Length
42.6 ft
Beam
12.67 ft'
Year
2008
Builder
Formula
Model
40 Performance Cruiser
Cabins
1
Max speed
27.81 kn kn
What type of boat is the Formula 40 Performance Cruiser and what is it designed for?
The Formula 40 Performance Cruiser is a 42.58-foot motor yacht built for owners who want both cruising comfort and responsive handling. The Performance Cruiser designation reflects its dual focus: the hull and propulsion system deliver strong speed capability (27.81 knots maximum), while the interior and cabin layout prioritize extended cruising with a spacious salon, full galley, and comfortable sleeping accommodations. This class of boat suits boaters who plan multi-day or longer trips and want a vessel that can cruise efficiently at 21.72 knots while maintaining the agility and control of a performance platform.
What are the engine specifications and how do the IPS500 pod drives work?
This 2008 Formula 40 PC is powered by twin Volvo Penta IPS500 pod drives, which are joystick-controlled jet-drive units that combine propulsion and steering into a single system. The IPS500 platform delivers strong thrust while consuming fuel efficiently, and the joystick control allows the operator to move the boat in any direction without traditional wheel steering. The port engine received a new long-block in 2021, and both engines have been serviced annually through 2025, ensuring reliable performance. Pod drive systems are known for their superior maneuverability, shallow-water capability, and reduced maintenance compared to traditional outboard or inboard setups.
What electronics and navigation systems are installed?
The vessel is equipped with Raymarine electronics, including a 12-inch Axiom multi-function display with engine data integration, an 18-inch Quantum radar, GPS navigation, and fish-finding sonar. A 7-inch Raymarine chartplotter was added in 2024 for dedicated engine monitoring. These systems provide comprehensive situational awareness for navigation, weather monitoring, and engine diagnostics. The integration of Raymarine across multiple displays allows the operator to customize information at the helm and monitor vessel systems in real time, which is essential for confident cruising and offshore operation.
How is the helm station configured and what controls are available?
The helm features joystick control of the IPS500 pod drives, allowing intuitive maneuvering with a single hand control. The steering cable was replaced in 2025, and both ignition switches were upgraded in 2021. The helm integrates multiple Raymarine displays for navigation, engine monitoring, and radar. This setup delivers modern, responsive boat handling while keeping the helm station uncluttered compared to traditional wheel-and-throttle designs. The joystick system is particularly useful in tight docking situations and allows precise control at low speeds.
What is the cabin and interior layout like for extended cruising?
The 40 PC features a spacious cabin with a full-service galley, comfortable salon seating, and sleeping accommodations suitable for multi-day trips. Recent upgrades include a new galley refrigerator (2024) and an 18,000 BTU air conditioning system (2023), ensuring comfort in warm climates. The cabin is finished with premium materials and designed to maximize usable living space. The combination of climate control, refrigeration, and sleeping berths makes this vessel practical for extended cruising or weekend getaways where comfort and provisioning are priorities.
What cooling and climate control systems are onboard?
The vessel is equipped with an 18,000 BTU air conditioning system installed in 2023, providing effective cabin cooling. The engine cooling system was backflushed in 2022 to maintain optimal thermal management of the IPS500 engines. An AC water pump was replaced in 2020. These systems work together to keep the engines and cabin at comfortable operating temperatures, which is important for reliability during extended cruising in warm water and for crew comfort during extended trips.
What generator and electrical systems support onboard power?
A Westerbeke generator provides independent electrical power for the cabin systems, galley appliances, and air conditioning when the engines are off. The generator has been serviced annually through 2025 and received a new battery in 2024. The vessel also carries four new batteries (installed 2022) and a new inverter (2021), providing reliable DC and AC power for extended periods at anchor or in port. This electrical architecture allows the owner to operate the boat's comfort systems without running the main engines.
What is the fuel capacity and what cruising range can be expected?
The 40 PC carries 248 gallons of fuel, which supports extended cruising at the 21.72-knot cruise speed. At cruising speed, the IPS500 pod drives are fuel-efficient, allowing the vessel to cover significant distances without refueling. The actual range depends on sea state, load, and throttle management, but the large fuel capacity combined with the efficiency of the pod drive system makes this boat practical for multi-day trips where fuel stops may be infrequent. The 57-gallon fresh water capacity supports the galley and heads during extended cruising.
What recent maintenance and upgrades have been completed?
This vessel has received extensive and documented service through 2025, including annual engine, pod, and generator maintenance; new port long-block engine (2021); new Raymarine electronics and radar (2022–2024); new air conditioning (2023); new galley and cockpit refrigerators (2024); new underwater lights (2025); and numerous component replacements including batteries, pumps, cooling systems, and canvas. This maintenance history demonstrates consistent care and provides confidence in the vessel's current condition. The upgrades to electronics and engine systems reflect investment in modernization and reliability.
What are the hull dimensions and how do they affect handling and anchoring?
The Formula 40 PC measures 42.58 feet in length with a 12.67-foot beam and 3.67-foot draft. The beam provides a stable, spacious platform, while the moderate draft allows anchoring and operation in shallow water where larger yachts cannot go. These proportions support the Performance Cruiser's design philosophy: enough size for comfortable cruising accommodations and seakeeping, but with the shallow-draft efficiency of pod drives that allows access to protected anchorages and coastal cruising grounds. The length and beam combination also contribute to the vessel's fuel efficiency at cruising speed.
Is this boat suitable for a buyer transitioning from smaller recreational boats to extended cruising?
Yes. The Formula 40 PC bridges recreational boating and serious cruising. The joystick-controlled pod drives are intuitive and forgiving for operators moving up from smaller boats, while the spacious cabin, full galley, climate control, and generator support extended trips without the complexity of larger yachts. The documented maintenance history and recent upgrades reduce the learning curve around vessel systems. The 248-gallon fuel capacity and 21.72-knot cruise speed make it practical for weekend trips and longer voyages. This class of boat appeals to buyers who want genuine cruising capability and comfort without the operational demands of larger motor yachts.

Fly Yachts is pleased to assist you in the purchase of this vessel. This boat is centrally listed by Tampa Yacht Sales, INC. It is offered as a convenience by this broker/dealer to its clients and is not intended to convey direct representation of a particular vessel.

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