Formula 370 SS Update

By Capt. Rob Smith

The Formula 370 Super Sport is popular and that means continually keeping its design fresh and amenities updated. A new optional hull treatment makes the 370 Super Sport standout even more. The standard Imron graphic A or B accent striping can be substituted for the optional Designer hull side design, which includes polished stainless steel and Imron Flagship graphic with full hull side color or Imron Flagship Elite graphic design. Using an Imron process rather than gelcoat means the color will last far longer, and stay brighter and clearer. All thru-hull fixtures are high grade stainless, much of it custom cast and all of it has backing plates, never lag bolts.

Stepping aboard

Natural teak is beautiful. I really like it, especially when someone else is keeping it looking neat and clean. It really can make the cockpit sole and swim platform pop with color. Now Formula offers a flexible synthetic option that is low maintenance, looks good longer and saves your back.

Don’t look for the stern trunk on this model. Formula has converted the stern trunk to a multi-functional seating system. In seconds it can be converted to either a large sunpad or an aft facing lounging seat where you can relax with a glass of wine at anchor. Showing that Formula designers are also boaters, I really liked the deck mounted docking cleats on the swim platform. It solves the frustration of having to be an acrobat when getting on or off the swim platform when docked. With this system, the lines lay flat on the surface rather than snagging you at your knees.

In the driver’s seat

The dash treatment is either a silver burl or burl wood. A Raymarine ST-60 large display digital depth sounder and Garmin GPS navigational system are standard. The dash has room to upgrade displays including the Mercury SmartCraft, Raymarine E120, Volvo Penta Helm View. Formula does a great job of setting up the instruments and gauges at the helm. The display to the port side of the wheel is angled to the driver and the panels are all tipped up, or back depending on how you look at it, at the perfect angle to read them from standing, sitting on the bolster or sitting down on the helm bench seat.

New at the helm

The news at the helm is the application of Mercury’s Axius drive system. This cutting edge technology allows the driver to control fine movements at low speeds with a joystick. Now you can slip into some of the most challenging marinas and make some of the most difficult landfalls with finesse. According to a Mercury representative I have talked to, they are also going to have

the Skyhook feature available on the Premier version which will allow you to virtually hold your boat within a 15 foot circle as you wait for a draw bridge to open, or for your turn to make a busy marina entrance.

New in the interior

Inside, there are not many notable changes. The cabinetry still has the high gloss deep cherry finish Formula is known for. A new metallic finish has been added to an appliance garage. Formula is one of the few premier builders that take the time to build furniture grade cabinetry. Countertops are Corian and the appliances include just about everything, including the 5-speed Krups blender for mixing up the beverages.

The interior has plush ultraleather upholstery that simply absorbs you into its luxurious grasp. The table and posts cleverly stow in a compartment in the sole so they stay in place and don’t bang around in the seat lockers. The standard décor package is their Morning Sand Décor, yet they offer a Tommy Bahama and Ralph Lauren Décor package as options. Other options include a Sapphire Décor, Tropical Sunrise and Mystic Cove Décor. I found that the Tommy Bahama package really fit this model well. These options allow you to be creative and design the interior to fit your taste.

Notable standards

Formula sets their standards high, as you would expect of a premium builder. Formula’s commitment to solid, advanced construction methods gives them the confidence to offer a 10-year structural warranty along with a 5-year transferrable Formula Guard warranty covering just about everything else from bow to stern.

Not only is Formula able to pack in an impressive list of standards, they offer an almost equally impressive list of options to make your own mark aboard. The heavy duty windlass with chain counter and 150 feet of chain are complimented with a highly polished anchor. The 316L stainless steel railings are designed to take a beating with their laminated backing plates. This model has 12 custom forged cleats in all the right places to make securing your home away from home easy. Often an option, this model has a standard forward swept radar arch. You’ll be able to hear the tunes even with a raucous party onboard with the standard 600 watt system and 200 watt subwoofer. Four speakers are standard and covered with stainless steel grills. The cockpit seating is designed for durability as well. DriFast foam cushions are covered in PreFixx treated vinyl which is easy to clean, and seat bottoms are made of Starlite XL panels. Both will last a long time.

The cabin has American cherry wood cabinetry that really looks great. The drawers prove that this cabinetry is furniture grade; these are dovetailed which is superior to any gluing or nailing I have seen. You can watch the game on the standard 26” LCD HDTV/DVD system. You can relax to soothing tunes on the Kenwood AM/FM/CD system that is satellite reception ready and is complete with 10 disc changer and iPod docking station. You will be able to manage the climate inside with the standard 16,000 BTU air conditioner with digital control pad.

Specifications

The 370 Super Sport has Formula’s well proven FasTech hull design. The 370 Super Sport is 38’6” length overall with an 10’6”’ beam. She weighs 15,100 lbs. and draws 36”. Her fuel capacity is 238 gallons and water capacity is 43 gallons. Her bridge clearance is approximately 10’.

Test Results

We tested the 370 SS with Axius powered with twin MerCruiser 425 hp 8.1L 496 Mags. I registered her top speed at 53.4 mph and 4970 rpm burning 76.3 gph. At 3500 rpm she was turning 36.3 mph burning 34 gph for a full tank range of 228 miles. I found she was a bit louder than her larger sister with a full hardtop, but still reasonable with a maximum of 92 dBA at 53 mph.

Conclusions

The 370 SS is a fine choice if you want to enjoy weekends and even longer trips onboard. This boat gives you excellent space and amenities, along with the backing and support of one of America’s premier builders.

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