Formula Boats History & Heritage
Founded in 1962 by Don Aronow in Miami, Florida, Formula Boats has evolved into an iconic name in the marine industry. The yard gained early recognition with the creation of the original 233 deep-V hull, a design that would go on to be one of the most imitated in maritime history and achieve notable victories in national offshore racing.
In 1964, Formula was acquired by Alliance Machine and Foundry and joined forces with Thunderbird, a company founded in 1956 by Woody Woodson. This strategic partnership, initiated in North Miami, remains intact to this day. Further development unfolded in 1969 when Atlanta-based conglomerate Fuqua Industries acquired both Thunderbird and Formula.
A pivotal moment occurred in 1976 when Vic Porter purchased Thunderbird/Formula from Fuqua, marking the beginning of a lasting legacy. Under Porter's leadership, the company experienced significant growth and achieved notable milestones, such as the introduction of curved tempered glass windshields in 1984. The year 1988 witnessed the relocation of Formula Boats to a state-of-the-art corporate and production headquarters in Decatur, Indiana, covering 345,000 square feet and employing 600 individuals. The site expanded further in 2006 with an 85,000-square-foot extension.
The company's commitment to innovation led to the incorporation of new boat lines, including Sun Sports in 1994, FAS³TECHs in 1997, Super Sports in 1999, Yachts in 2002, and Crossovers in 2012. Throughout its evolution, Formula Boats has remained a tightly-knit family affair, passing through three generations, with some fourth-generation Porter great-grandchildren now contributing to the brand's enduring success.
