Formosa reveals big model makeover at 2019 Brisbane Boat Show

Boatsales.com.au revealed yesterday that the new Formosa SRT hull would be unveiled at the Brisbane show, including a new deadrise angle and added strength.

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However, Formosa has also rolled out some other major revisions across its aluminium plate range to make them much more user-friendly.

Formosa’s half cabin design now includes longer 1.8-metre bunks, with what the Queensland boat maker says is better utilisation of space and storage for the whole family.

However, in a big move, it now includes enough enclosed space for a toilet, complete with privacy.

An updated driver’s console will fit what Formosa says is the latest of electronics and the cab is fitted with new Vision windows, an innovation it says is completely new for aluminium trailer boats.

A design element inspired by catmarans, it brings an almost 360-degree view from inside the cabin.

Formosa’s new side console design adds even more storage and has an expanded dash to accommodate new technology.

A new sliding driver’s sliding increases the boats’ space for fishing out the back, while a higher casting deck makes underfloor space for a 70-litre cooler box.
Side console models also gain the option of a new live well with a viewing window.

Centre consoles, meanwhile, will now come in two different configurations. The first features a large console with a lockable room that can provide either an enclosed head, a lockable storage area or a place to shelter from the weather.

The second one utilises the same design but has the storage area removed.

Formosa has also released more details about the new SRT hull, which increases to a 19-degree deadrise, up from 18.5 degrees. For the new 490-badged boats, which replace the 480, the deadrise has increased to 16 degrees.

Below the waterline, the Formosa SRT hull “demonstrates an excellent ‘out of the hole’ response and minimises the risk of broaching”, the boat-maker says.

“The cambered strakes create hydrodynamic lift and superior traction and handling. Using principals of air wing design, the cambered design changes the water flow, breaking up the ‘sticky water’ (a key force that inhibits nose trim and in turn creates a wet hull).”

Formosa says the cambered strakes also feature a unique tapered body so the risk of aeration is minimised, ensuring optimum prop and fishfinder performance.

The hull is fitted with a 170mm wide reverse chine with a negative-angled chine extrusion to help with grip in turns. Internally, the hull uses extra-wide longitudinal stringers in a box arrangement to help with hull and deck rigidity.

The Formosa SRT’s configurable “Active Transom” transom is also redesigned to add a flush-folding system to open up more space in the cockpit. Transom doors and a removable lounge fold down to create more seating or increase the size of the fishing platform.

Formosa keeps the Quad4 water ballast option for the new hull. It is four off-centre chambers that double as stringers that flood at rest. Along with the reverse chine, they help with stability at rest, and self-drain when the hull is underway.

The 2019 Brisbane Boat Show opens today.