Formula 370SS with Axius

By Capt. Rob Smith

The 370 SS or Super Sport, continues Formula’s tradition of a performance boat with the amenities and fit-and-finish second to none in the marine industry. From the FAS³TECH® stepped hull to the comfortable interior, the 370SS is designed to thrill and chill. Take a look at the video and photos of this boat – the grace and elegance of this design speaks for itself.

This particular boat is drawing a lot of extra attention as at the Miami Boat Show it was one of MerCruiser’s demo boats outfitted with their revolutionary Axius joystick drive system.

Power Drive in a Stick

The crux of the story is the Axius system under the hood. Raising the engine hatch with its electric drive reveals the twin 425hp SeaCore power plants. But the real story is the part almost hidden at the back of the engines. Axius breaks the tie that typically binds the twin stern drive lower units together.

Axius uses a combination of digital technology that brings together inputs from the Digital Throttle and Shift, Axius Joystick Command System and independently controls the drives. The system gives you incredibly easy control over some of the most frustrating situations like docking in a busy marina or maneuvering through a tight area in a cross current. It is a complex combination of electrical and mechanical inputs that come together in a simple joystick at the helm making it easy for practically anyone to take control like a pro.

Topside

You enter the aft cockpit from the port side walkthrough. U-shaped seating with an adjustable height table that converts the entire space into a large sunpad greets you. At least six can relax around this table enjoying chilly beverages and snacks. To port is a cockpit wet bar with Corian countertop and pullout refrigerator to create those beverages and snacks without leaving the conversation.

Forward, the helm seat is a large bench seat with wrap-around sides and bolsters for comfort. Across to port is another large bench seat for your navigator to lean back and lounge or for several to join you underway. The helm is outfitted with everything you need and room to add your own touch.

Everything is set in a Burlwood panel for the executive feel you deserve, including a Dino tilt steering wheel with genuine mahogany and leather. Steps are molded into the dash and a stainless handrail leads to the walkthrough windshield when you want to go forward.

Cabin Accommodations

You enter the cabin through a sliding centerline door. Inside you can appreciate the attention to detail typical of Formula. Checking out the grain of the wood on the cabinets you see the grain matches and the gaps between the doors are parallel. Colors all match without distraction. The galley has all the necessary gear and space to prepare meals and snacks. Forward is a large V-shaped settee. The table has its own nested storage space below the floor. Lifting the floor, the hatch has its own pneumatic lift support so you can take your time and lift out the parts to the table without fear of being beaned by the hatch.

Looking back to the starboard side you have a large flat screen LCD TV to enjoy. Using the lower legs and cushions, you can convert this space into a comfortable double bed for overnight. The head is situated just inside the cabin on the starboard side so it is convenient as a day head and as a shared head at night to the V-berth and mid-cabin berth.

The aft section of the salon has sit up room on the port side crawl-in area so you can comfortably sit and read before calling it a night. Kids will love this space.

Specifications

The 370SS measures 38’6” length overall with a beam of 10’6”. She tips the scales at 15,100lbs and draws 36”. Fuel capacity is 238 gallons and fresh water capacity is 43 gallons. Bridge clearance measures 10’0” and interior head room in the center of the cabin was 6’2”.

Test Results

We tested the 370SS with Axius in Tampa Bay. After a few minutes of trial just outside the marina, I was able to have my video producer back the 370SS into her slip using the joystick. He had never backed a boat into a slip, much less used a joystick to do it. We completed several other tasks, such as inching up to an alongside dock space and backing up to another boat away from the docks to transfer gear, all with the use of a joystick and without incident.

Underway, the 370SS is on plane in 8.5 seconds and up to 30mph in 15 seconds. She reached a cruising speed at 36.3mph and a top speed of 53.4mph. At cruise, she can deliver a range of 228 miles on a full tank of fuel.

Conclusion

The big story on the 370SS is, of course, the Axius drive system. Now owners can marina hop all day long with Pop on the bow handling the lines and Mom or a teenager docking with the joystick. Formula has long proved that you can have both high performance and quality amenities in one boat. The Formula 370 SS is a perfect choice for the boater who wants to cruise into a marina or harbor and know in advance that he has the coolest boat money can buy in his size and class.

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