Formula for success

By ROBIN BAILEY

If repeat business is an indicator of success in the marketplace, then Formula Cruisers, the Kumeu-based builder of luxury boats, is doing everything right.

The company's latest creation is Zutano, an Icon 52, the Formula flagship. Its owners are Waiheke couple Tony and Sandra Pope, and the 15.9m beauty is their fourth big boat and the third from the Formula stable.

"We started with a 350 Vindex and loved it," says Tony Pope.

"Then we moved up to our first Formula, a slightly scaled-down 4000. That showed us the benefits of being able to take a standard production model and have the company modify it to exactly what you want. Really you are getting a custom-built boat and a production-model price.

"Our next boat was Kinsman, at 52 feet similar to Formula's slightly bigger Gulf Ruler. That was a great boat and when we saw the first new Icon 52 that went offshore, we decided that would be our next boat. It's just magnificent."

Pope is adamant that he looked at lots of other options, including imports from Australia and Europe, before opting once again to go with Formula. He says the company gets the client involved right from the beginning, discussing the plans and layout detail even before the contract is signed. "The boat that is handed over on launch day is exactly what you want and the price is right."

Formula designer and general manager Grant Senior says the new design starts at $1.5 million and goes up from there according to client specifications, including power options and electronics.

The first Icon 52 was a huge success in July at the Sydney Boat Show, the city where Zutano's sister ship is based.

Senior: "Zutano's owners wanted a traditional Kiwi layout with three cabins, teak and leather interior and external flybridge staircase. Our Australian owner opted for a completely different fit-out, American cherry, ultra-modern fabrics, an internal staircase and just two cabins.

"By being able to satisfy both clients' requirements within the standard model means we can offer the benefits of efficient production manufacturing yet are still able to offer a high degree of individualisation."

Zutano went in the water for $1.8 million. For that money the Popes have a powerful-looking craft with dark blue hull and cream superstructure, offset by a teak cockpit and boarding platform. Galley and saloon are all on one level and the elegant interior is graced by a handcrafted dining table that includes a compass rose detailed in a combination of walnut, maple and teak.

Seating is a soft leather settee around the dining table and a full-length lounge opposite on the starboard side.

Powered by twin 480hp Volvo diesels, Zutano is capable of 27 knots, cruises comfortably at 22 knots and has a range in excess of 400 nautical miles. Other power options available include 715hp Caterpillars that will provide a top speed of around 36 knots.

The hull is designed to operate at well over 40 knots to cater for the American market where economy is not such an issue and owners see maximum power as the ideal.

Formula is already building an Icon 62 for an American client and says this bigger version will probably become a semi-production model.

"We are looking at producing boats for the top end of the international market in the 50 to 75ft range because that is where our strengths lie," says Senior.

He is confident his latest creation will help to provide the right launching platform for further offshore success, particularly in Australia and the US.

* Zutano is featured in the November/December issue of Pacific Motor Yacht and details are on Formula Cruisers



Specifications

* Model: Formula Icon 52

* LOA: 15.9m

* Beam: 4.95m

* Draft: 1.29m

* Displacement: 17,500kg

* Max speed: 27 knots

* Cruise speed: 22 knots

* Engines: 2x Volvo 480hp