06/07/2026
FORMOSA SRT 565
Before you think I’ve gone nuts with this choice, I want you to make sure you are thinking as a Northerner (as in the Territory or FNQ) as opposed a southerner like me, where big swells underpin big seas, often in opposing directions. This boat is not really suited nor designed for that, which is why it’s important to make the distinction.
Number 9 on my all-time alloy list is the Formosa SRT 565.
Formosa in days past were not synonymous with a soft ride or any real ocean cred at all, and like the G2 E-tec were an easy target for a good bit of trolling. The fact that I vehemently disagreed then and still do shouldn’t surprise any constant reader of mine – you just have to think larger than your own area.
Name me a hull apart from Polycraft who excel so brilliantly at the art of crossover appeal and usage. Head up to the Territory or far north Queensland and you’ll see these at every ramp and up every creek, let alone out on the coastal offshore areas. They look good, they are affordable for the everyday family and fisherman, are built to a good standard, and the ride is fantastic if you drive within the capabilities of the hull (ie, it’s not a v19R – don’t drive it like one).
Formosa has put a lot of effort in making their boats appealing and able to perform across a range of usage, far more so than most. If you are on a tight budget the 565 is your boat. You can opt for a wooden deck (although I’d strongly recommend against it) and lower than max power (again, just don’t) and come away with a boat that will last an extremely long time, and used sensibly will smash many of its competitors.
Although it makes me cringe that they have chosen the trademark route for things that are part of a standard plate boat build (Barcrusher with Rigideck ™ anyone?), the ballast tunnels work (sort of), the self-draining alloy deck is a decent thing if you opt for it, and if you can ignore the testosterone-driven marketing you are onto a good thing.
There is plenty of space for all the electrical gizmos that have recently become essential for every boater, and the console itself is unlikely to try to run away (ie crack like a bastard) even if you load it up. As mentioned before, I personally love the look of them, especially in the black and gold livery that seems to be common. Like any alloy boat the paint won’t last long, but the lines of the hull are good enough to still look pretty with beat to s**t paint.
For me driving Formosa hulls has always been a pleasure, as I go into it with the attitude of working within the hull’s capabilities (which are far greater than you might think). Yes, they will bang in chop. All boats do. Yes, they are wet, most centre consoles are. No, you won’t be going as fast as a comparable sized glass boat.
And yet, this hull and its brethren will stand up to abuse, torture and ham-fisted driving far better than many of its competitors. It might surprise some of you, but if I lived in the Territory, I would likely own this hull. I personally love them and genuinely look forward to working on them. It’s very much a question of realistic expectations and what you NEED as opposed to WANT.
Far greater than the sum of its parts (which to be fair does include some questionable ergonomics, not crash-hot wiring and the ridiculous trademarking), my belief is it belongs on this list for a very good reason. It’s incredibly useable, is great bang for buck, built well for its kind and I happen to think they look great. Set up and driven properly they are safe and stable, and easily capable of digging you out of the s**t if you get caught.
Just remember – maximum power, and that gloriously ridiculously named alloy deck are a must. Get a pro to run over your wiring, make sure you remember it’s not a Formula 233, and get out and enjoy.
You won’t go wrong.
