The Formula 353 FAS³TECH is a serious powerhouse that delivers a confident and comfortable ride even through choppy seas thanks to her stepped bottom hull.

The 353 FAS³TECH offers electrically powered footrests and racing-style bolsters. The helm has a tilt steering wheel and all the controls are within easy reach. The cabin is fixed with UltraLeather lounges, entertainment center, CD/stereo, and a stainless sink and demand system. There's enough room for four to spend the night on the double V-berth and the couches which can sleep two. An enclosed head to starboard offers good room to move around.

Formula 353 FASTech Specifications

Length Overall	35' 3''	Dry Weight	8,575 lbs.
Beam	8' 3''	Fuel Cap	154 gal.
Draft	3' 0''	Water Cap	19 gal.
Deadrise/Transom	24 deg.	Bridge Clearance	5' 4''
Max Headroom	4' 10''
Prices, features, designs, and equipment are subject to change. Please see your local dealer or visit the builder's website for the latest information available on this boat model.

Formula 353 FASTech Engine options

Std. Power	2 x 375-hp MerCruiser 496 Mag
Tested Power	2 x 470-hp MerCruiser 500 EFI
Opt. Power	various MerCruiser and Volvo 375-550-hp engines

Serious Performance This stepped bottom boat has proven itself by dominating the APBA Factory 2 class circuit for the past several years.	All that power right at your fingertips. The ergonomics continue with a tilt steering wheel and Gaffrig zero-effort controls for the throttles and shifters.
Relax and take in the sun. This large sun pad offers your guests a relaxing day on the water.	Formula 353 FASTech The seating position is very comfortable and can be adjusted for captains of all sizes.
Overnighting Accommodations Your guest will like the amenities in the cabin too, like the private head to starboard and the refrigerator and pressurized, fresh water sink located to port.

Printer Friendly Report

Sophisticated Powerhouse

Tested by Capt. Ron Svoboda



Technology

It all starts with Formula’s Advanced Speed, Stability, Structural Technology (FASTech) multi-plane hull. This stepped bottom boat has proven itself by dominating the APBA Factory 2 class circuit for the past several years. Formula has earned several National and World Championships using race-rigged versions of the same performance hull that you can buy in their recreational version.

The Ride

I had the opportunity to experience the quality ride provided by the structural grid system molded into all of the boats in the FASTech lineup. Our test day was perfect for putting the 353 through its paces, with 15-20 knot winds and seas of up to 3 feet. It’s not often that Mother Nature gives us a day where we can test in conditions that prove what a boat is really made of.

Performance

Hammering down on the throttles, the 353 got on plane in less than 7 seconds and reached 30 mph in only 10 seconds. Pretty good for a boat that weighs in at over 8,500 pounds, plus another 1,200 pounds of fuel on board. Once on plane, the boat’s multi-plane bottom progressively accelerated as it transitioned through each one of its three separate running surfaces.

As we powered through the heavy chop, the 353 gave a confident, comfortable ride as she sliced right through the stormy sea. The rigidity of the structural grid system provides a solid feel at the wheel and at the seat of your pants. The rougher the water got, the harder we pushed the 353. She showed no signs of cowering, shaking or squeaking as we launched this powerhouse out of the water and into the next crest.

The Layout

The cockpit layout is typical for this type of boat, but the attention to detail is not. The folks at Formula really put some thought into what people need in the cockpit. For instance, the rugged steps for boarding and accessing the bow’s anchor locker are very handy. So is the vanity mirror on the glove box door and the trash receptacle located to port. The side coaming storage compartments are concealed by sliding Plexiglas doors and are large enough to stow PFDs and other safety gear.

The Helm

I really appreciated the helm set-up that Formula provides the driver with. The seating position is very comfortable and can be adjusted for captains of all sizes. Formula accomplishes this by using McLeod electric-assisted bolster seats that adjust at the touch of a button. Another button allows you to raise or lower the McLeod footrest, fitting you perfectly for any water condition.

The ergonomics continue with a tilt steering wheel and Gaffrig Zero-effort controls for the throttles and shifters. Everything is within easy reach and can be easily read no matter how rough the water gets. The instrumentation layout is ideal with the gauges paired by input rather than by engine. This means that you can monitor and compare critical engine parameters on both engines at once with a quick glance, rather than having to search the helm as is common on other performance boats.

Stepping Down Below

Below deck, you will find comfortable accommodations for spending an evening aboard. There is room enough for four people. Two can bunk in the double V-berth and two more can sleep on the bench seats, which convert into a berth with the hi-low table and filler cushion.

The interior décor of the cabin is subtle yet sophisticated. The super plush UltraLeather upholstery feels soft and inviting. Your guests will enjoy the amenities in the cabin too, like the private head to starboard and the refrigerator and pressurized, fresh water sink located to port.

In Conclusion

The fit and finish of Formula’s product is evident. Quality control is excellent, and every component is heavy duty and built to take the abuse that offshore powerboating has to offer. If you are serious about performance boating, then Formula’s FASTech boats should be on your list of prospective buys.

• Top speed for the Formula 353 FASTech is 74.4 MPH (119.7 KPH), burning 80.4 gallons per hour (GPH) or 304.31 liters per hour (LPH).


• Best cruise for the Formula 353 FASTech is 53.2 MPH (85.6 KPH), and the boat gets 1.11 miles per gallon (MPG) or 0.47 kilometers per liter (KPL), giving the boat a cruising range of 154 miles (247.84 kilometers).


• Tested power is 2 x 470-hp MerCruiser 500 EFI.

For complete test results including fuel consumption, range and sound levels
go to our Test Results section.

Formula 353 FASTech Standard and Optional Equipment

Marine Electronics
VHF Radio
Systems
Battery Charger/Converter
CD Stereo	Sirius Satellite Radio
Head: Portable
Power Steering
Shore Power
Trailer
Trim Tabs
TV/DVD
Galley
Refrigerator
Exterior Features
Carpet: Cockpit
Outlet: 12-Volt Acc
Swim Ladder
Swim Platform
Transom Shower
Canvas
Cockpit Cover

= Standard = Optional

Formula 353 FASTech Warranty Information

Warranties change from time to time. While BoatTEST.com has tried to insure the most up-to-date warranty offered by each builder, it does not guarantee the accuracies of the information presented below. Please check with the boat builder or your local dealer before you buy any boat.
Hull Warranty
Years	10 year
Transferable	Yes
Extendable	No
Link	http://www.formulaboats.com/documents/Formula%20Warranty%20Statement%20Handout.pdf
Deck Warranty
Years	10 year
Transferable	Yes
Extendable	No
Link	http://www.formulaboats.com/documents/Formula%20Warranty%20Statement%20Handout.pdf
Engine Warranty
Years	Total of 5-years - Original Manufacturers (1st yea
Gelcoat Warranty
Years	2 year
Transferable	Yes
Extendable	No
Link	http://www.formulaboats.com/documents/Formula%20Warranty%20Statement%20Handout.pdf
Blistering Warranty
Years	2 year
Transferable	Yes
Extendable	Yes
Link	http://www.formulaboats.com/documents/Formula%20Warranty%20Statement%20Handout.pdf
Accessories Warranty
Years	Total of 5-years - Original Manufacturers (1st yea
Transferable	Yes
Extendable	Yes
Link	http://www.formulaboats.com/documents/Formula%20Warranty%20Statement%20Handout.pdf
Certifications
NMMA Certification	Yes

Formula 353 FASTech Price

Base Price (MSRP)	$288,820.00
Price as Tested	N/A
Prices, features, designs, and equipment are subject to change. Please see your local dealer or visit the builder's website for the latest information available on this boat model.