Tested By Capt. Bob Smith

The 37PC was introduced into the Formula lineup back in the 2002 model year and has proven to be popular with both her design and performance. She has European elegance and flair and designer, John Adams has maximized the cockpit layout for entertainment making her very popular in the cruising market.

Out front, you have a remote controlled spotlight and under the cover, a windlass making for nearly effortless anchoring chores. Slip through the wide walkthrough and you easily step down into the cockpit.

At the Controls

The helm is neatly set up with Gaffrig instrumentation and Raymarine digital systems for staying on course and on time. Tilt steering and bolster adjustable seating makes sitting at the helm almost as comfortable as being in the lounging area behind it. There are fifteen drink holders peppered around this entertainment platform for you and your guests. To port of the helm is a lounger seat for another passenger to join you forward.

Moving aft is a U-shaped lounging area for more guests. You can install cockpit tables easily back here that can be adjusted to the necessary height required. A wet bar is also back here for keeping the cold drinks going at anchor.

Stepping Below

You slip down into the cabin through a curved Plexiglas door that slides with ease. The forward stateroom has a centerline berth for two with storage below the bed. Hanging lockers are to port and starboard as you enter this area. In the main cabin, the lounge has another dual height table and this area converts into another berth when needed. Entertainment is provided via an AM/FM/CD system which comes complete with one year of Sirius Satellite subscription. The aft area can also become a berth for two and has a sliding curtain for privacy.

Preparing Meals

The galley is well thought out and includes a microwave, 120/12V refrigerator, Corian countertops and wood accented cabinetry that will make you want to spend time in there cooking.

Engine Access

Back topside, engine access is through a motorized hatch or integrated quick access day hatch. Access to maintenance items is reasonable and well lit.

Specs

This comfortable cruiser measures 38’5” LOA with the bow platform, and 37’0” without it. She has a 12’ beam and weighs about 16,500 pounds. Inside you have excellent headroom at 6’7” in the cabin. The 37 PC has a fuel capacity of 236 gallons for a weekend of cruising and carries 55 gallons of freshwater.

Ride and Performance

After watching the morning hours flood past us with the rest of the downpour, we had a break in the afternoon rains that allowed us to climb aboard and begin testing. Our test model was powered with twin MerCruiser 8.1 HO inboards that deliver 420-hp each. She was carrying ¾ a tank of fuel and two people on board for this ride. At 3000 rpms, she was on plane and cruising at 20 mph. At this rate she burned just under 13 gph. Her maximum speed was at just over 36 mph and 4700 rpms and a burn rate of 37 gph. She was pretty quiet running with levels starting at 72 dBa at idle and up to 88 dBa at 3000 rpms and 90 dBa at top speed.

The 37PC was also quick to plane, in just over 7 seconds and was cruising along at 30 mph in just over 12 seconds. The 37PC handled quite well in even the most mixed seas with boats passing in every direction and the tide running. The only problem I had was maneuvering in an unusually strong cross current due to tidal changes in a poorly protected marina.

If you’re ready are looking for a cruising boat that has a ton of entertainment space yet fits in the mid-size marketplace, Formula has a great choice for you in the 37PC. You get maximum cockpit entertainment space, comfortable room below, performance and value all in one package.

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