Versatility and Performance...One Sweet Package

By Capt. Rob Smith

Formula fills the gap in line between the 310 and the 37 with their new 350 Sun Sport. Its grace and speed are certainly satisfying, and the amenities both topside and in the salon beat expectations.

The Tour Starting Forward

Heading up to the bow, you climb three steps molded into the dash and step through a center windshield walkthrough. Stainless grab rails are conveniently placed to add safety and security as you head forward up the dash. The center window itself is unique to most. Where most have two separate flip-locks to open or close, operating the top lock on this one operates the associated bottom lock. There is a tie bar between the two which insures positive closure of both. Up front, high protective railings give you plenty to hold onto while working on the bow or a circle of safety if you are lounging up front. We had the optional remote spotlight and Lewmar windlass with chain counter in the bow of our test model.

Comfortable Cockpit for Long Day Trips

Stepping back down into the cockpit, you can’t help but be awed by the seating as you climb down. You won’t be struggling to make everyone comfortable topside while entertaining along the way. A split command helm bench means you and your favorite navigator can enjoy the ride together. Bolsters help boost you up for a better view out of the hole, or sit the kids up on them to see what’s going on out front. Across from the helm is a large port side lounger has room for two or three adults to chat with you as you take them out to your favorite beach. You don’t have to struggle with drinks either, Formula peppered 15 stainless drink holders around the deck so everyone has one within reach. Marine grade speakers including tweeters produced a sweet sound while we checked her out.

Sophisticated Helm

At the helm, Formula has dressed up the dash with Burlwood accents and complete Livorsi instrumentation. A standard Raymarine ST-60 depth gauge reads out the depth in large numbers and the Mercury SmartCraft on our test model kept a keen eye on the power plant. Mercury’s Digital Throttle and Shift and SmartCraft make using the engines so easy. Another standard feature on the 350 are the Bennett trim tabs and trim indicators for precise control of engine attitude while running.

Set Up for Entertaining

Stepping back to the aft cockpit is a port side wet bar for preparing the cold beverages and maybe a sandwich or two for the crew. A carry-on cooler is standard, but our model had a great space-saving cooler drawer. The Corian countertop has twin hinged lids for access to a concealed trash bin and a sink. In the storage locker below you’ll find the battery switches and main breakers in the aft locker and the carry-on cooler in the other if you don’t opt for the cooler drawer. While you will usually have a large conversation pit in the aft lounger that wraps around from the back of the helm to the port side walk through to the swim platform, you can convert the aft facing sun lounger into a full length sunpad or into a cool bed under the stars.

A large sole locker can store any gear you’ve brought aboard, unless you opt for a generator. If you do, as they had in the test boat, it fits in this space. I continue to be impressed with the attention to detail and order by Formula. Noise suppression material, wire runs and conduits looked like they were designed by NASA. Bringing up the hatch, the 496MAG HOs had enough room to easily do your daily checks and routine maintenance.

Features Below

In the cabin, you have a cedar lined closet just inside the companionway on the starboard side. Just behind the stairs is the aft cabin with enough room for a queen-sized bed and open enough to prevent claustrophobia. A mirror across the aft wall makes the room seem even larger. Forward of the aft cabin is a port side galley with beautiful cabinetry above in cherry accents and Tappan microwave oven. Open storage across the back of the countertop is large enough for wine bottle or a loaf of bread and spices. In the top is a concealed trash bin cover, concealed single-burner cooktop and oversized stainless steel sink. Storage below includes paper towel holder and three drawers for utensils. The Isotherm refrigerator/freezer is over on the starboard side within easy reach of the galley.

The forward convertible dinette has Ultraleather upholstery and dual height matching table. This table easily stores away for more room to chat, installs for dinner, or drops down and becomes a large berth with filler cushions. Over on the starboard side above the refrigerator is the entertainment center. Our test model had a large Sharp LCD/TV with DVD player built in. The standard stereo system is a Kenwood stereo. The TV is mounted on the front of the cabinet cover over the switch panel. The panel uses bright LED lights so you don’t have trouble seeing which breaker you are about to turn off and there is an iPod cradle inside for your MP3 player. The full wet head has a Vacuflush toilet. The molded vanity has a Corian countertop with a separate pull out for the shower and a sink with faucet.

Versatile for Water Activities

Back out on the swim platform, you have a spacious platform for play at anchor. The swim shower is in the wall of the port side walk through along with a Kenwood remote commander for the stereo. The optional teak grain vinyl flooring really adds a rich look that isn’t going to take hours of daily care. The concealed four-step swim ladder is in the center and over on the starboard side are the dockside connections, fender rack and line locker.

Specifications

The 350 Sun Sport measures 35 feet length overall with a maximum beam width of 10’9”. She weighs in at approximately 12,950 lbs. dry and has a 175 gallon fuel capacity. Cabin headroom is about 5’10” at its highest and bridge clearance is about 9’5” with the arch option and her draft is 39”

Handling and Ride

I enjoyed testing the 350 Sun Sport as she was responsive and took hard turns well with no slide and with little loss of speed. When she jumped the wakes of bigger boats or crossed her own, the 350 sliced through them clean and didn’t pound. Smooth turns and great acceleration were her hallmarks. I found her top speed to be 56.8mph and her best cruise speed to be around 31.1mph.

If you’ve been wanting to move up in size, without cutting back on power and performance you now have a great choice with the 350 Sun Sport from Formula.

Speeds measured with Stalker ProSports radar gun. Fuel consumption (gallons per hour) measured with Floscan digital fuel-flow meter on gas inboards, sterndrives, and outboards, TechMate electronic scan tool on gas EFI inboards, Caterpillar digital fuel-flow meter on diesel engines, or permanently installed fuel-monitoring equipment. Range is based on 90% of published fuel capacity. Sound levels determined using Radio Shack digital decibel meter on A scale. 68 dBA is the level of normal conversation.

Performance Chart

Test Conditions