Thunderbird - Formula Boats

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Formula Action is published for Formula Owners.
Executive Director: Jean Porter Brune, Vice President of Marketing
Editor: Scott Smith, Marketing Manager
Feature Editor: Tonya Hamilton, Director of Communications
Art Director: Kathy Jauregui
Issue: 2006-1
Thunderbird is celebrating its 50th anniversary during this
2006 model year, and that notable accomplishment causes me to
reflect on the rich boating heritage I’ve been blessed with since my dad
began manufacturing Duo boats in 1958. Looking through our photo
archives, I came across this 1965 Duo brochure and felt a wave of nostalgia
for the summer weekends our family enjoyed on Lake Webster, Indiana,
while we kids were growing up. Boating drew our family together then
as it continues to do now. I have lasting memories of days spent swimming,
catching fish and exploring the backwaters of the lake. Sibling rivalry
grew as we skied around the lake, trying to outdo each other and
striving to capture the coveted spot in the boat—the helm. Our boating
heritage expanded even more when we moved to the larger Lake Wawasee,
and my dad started his second boat company, Signa, in 1970. My brothers
and sister and I provided my dad with a never-ending supply of boat
testers and models for his brochure. We learned boats first-hand and
continued to grow our love for the boating lifestyle. Our mission today at
Formula is to “Create the ultimate fun and safe boating experience, bringing
family and friends closer together.” Reflecting back on the values we
learned and the blessings we enjoyed growing up boating, I realize that mission was actually created
the day dad built his first Duo. The importance of responsibility was ingrained in us daily as my
parents grew their business and raised their family.
After my family acquired both the Formula and Thunderbird
boat lines in 1976, that mission became our flagship as we
developed and grew Formula boats to be the best on the water
today. The skill and dedication of our excellent team of 600plus
makes it possible for you Formula owners to create your
own lasting memories with family and friends.
Our family of eight has now grown to 36, including the first two
great-grandchildren, and we’re still having lots of fun boating.
Mom and dad have enjoyed a 48 Yacht at their winter home for the
past several years, and this winter they will be boating in a 400 Super Sport. This past summer the
Porter family boated on Lake Wawasee with both a 240 and a 260 Bowrider, and a 353 FASTECH®.
The third generation spent weekends wake and knee boarding, tubing and skiing, seeing who could perform
the most turns or stay up the longest. Gathering at the local sandbar to listen to music and hang out is also
a favorite pastime of “G3”. When their parents could claim a boat, they enjoyed cruising around the lake,
sometimes taking the 353 out in the middle of the lake to see what it can do, and relaxing on the
laydown sunlounge on the 240 Bowrider. The 4th of July brought the family together in Formulas on the lake
for the spectacular fireworks. Sunday mornings several generations of the Porter family came together to
cruise across the lake to the “boat-in” worship service, a Lake Wawasee tradition for over 30 years.
This summer, boating for my wife Shelley and I branched out far beyond Indiana as we enjoyed
meeting over 200 Formula owners during rendezvous events in the Chesapeake Bay area, Lake of the
Ozarks, Missouri, Newport, Rhode Island, and the Florida Keys. My brother Grant and his family did a shakedown
cruise to Key West from Naples and back in a 400 Super Sport with the new hardtop option. They also
spent a few days in a 37 PC on Lake Michigan, stopping for overnights and enjoying the sights.
Though boating slows down after Labor Day in Indiana, my
Send your story and pictures to:
Tonya Hamilton
Director of Communications
tlhamilton@formulaboats.com
Thunderbird Products
PO Box 1003
2200 W. Monroe Street
Decatur, IN 46733
1970
family and a number of our employees continue to boat all year
long. Boat testing, in-water boat shows, our annual photo shoot and
new model year introduction to our dealer network, plus special
boating events with our dealers and owners keep Team Formula
members behind the wheel all across the country. And though we’re
working, we’re still adding to boating memories in our minds—of
sun and waves, the smell of salt water and fresh lake breezes, of
laughter and excitement as the latest Formula comes on plane and
sets a course for fun and adventure for a future owner.
As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Thunderbird, the entire Porter
Family and everyone here at Team Formula thanks you for your loyalty.
From our family to yours, we wish you many happy memories and fun
Formula days.