Speed is a big part of the equation, but that’s only the beginning of the way Formula does things.



The Heart of the Beast

The technology begins with Formula’s Advanced Speed, Stability, Structural Technology (FAS³Tech) multi-plane hull. It incorporates three separate running surfaces produced by two steps built into the hull. The “steps” serve to force air under the hull and reduce surface friction for an even faster ride than a boat with a smooth deep-V. Some builders put in one step, but Formula puts in two. This stepped bottom has proven itself by dominating the APBA Factory 2 circuit for 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.



Here you can see the two steps in the hull that creates the three separate running surfaces.

Limit HP and Don’t Sacrifice the Weight

Because Formula doesn’t want to strive for the fastest boat, they’re free to do two key things: keep the horsepower between 850 and 1400 and add strength to the hull by slightly sacrificing weight savings. Formula adds the strength (and weight) and the amenities. Rather than use a traditional stringer system injected with super light closed-cell foam, Formula utilizes a separately made fiberglass grid system that gets chemically bonded to the hull. The result is a heavier, stronger boat, and that means a more solid riding boat and therefore a safer boat. And yes...slightly slower, but so far no one’s complained.



In these three shots, you can see the reason for the added weight in Formula’s FAS³Tech’s. The first shows the reinforcing grid system suspended over the hull. In the center, the chemical bond is being injected onto the hull. And finally, the two are joined with the strength of one.

And Then There Are the Amenities

The stern features four-across seating. The dual bucket seats are McLeod offshore-style seats that wraparound both operator and navigator for comfort in sustained high-speed operations. Rocker switches on each armrest actuate the electric bolster and the electrically actuated footrest. All seats are treated with Prefixx for easy cleanup. Cabin access is through a centerline companionway.



Since high speed makes it hard to hear, the cockpit is outfitted with four 150W 6 1/2" marine-grade speakers with polished stainless steel grilles and separate tweeters with 1,000 watt amplification plus a 200 watt cockpit subwoofer.

The helm is laid out with Livorsi Monster & Redline backlit gauges. Optional SmartCraft monitor with Vessel View (add $2,240) gets mounted to the top center of the panel and a Garmin GPS just below that (add $1,080). Your right hand will rest comfortably on the Livorsi chromed shifters/throttles with an in-handle outdrive trim switch at your thumb position. The Kenwood waterproof dash-mounted multi-feature stereo remote control is just above the engine controls, and fingertip K-Plane and outdrive trim override switches just ahead of the remote.



The tilt steering wheel is connected to Latham hydraulic steering. And in true Formula fashion, the windshield is framed in stainless steel.

The Cabin

Moving below, the cabin is nicely appointed. Fully forward is a bow berth upholstered in ultra-leather. Just aft is a wraparound lounge/dinette which by lowering the Corian table, can convert to another double berth should you decide to bring another pair of friends to spend the night.



It is hard to see in this photo, but forward of the table and seat back is a double bunk in the bow of the boat. Forward of that is the forepeak and chain locker.



At the aft end of the cabin is an entertainment center with stainless steel sink, Corian countertop and dual voltage refrigerator lies to either side. A 19” (48.26 cm) LCD TV is mounted to the starboard aft bulkhead. The enclosed head is fully aft. The cabin is cooled via the optional reverse cycle air conditioner (add $5,400) that is powered by either the standard shorepower or optional 5.0 KW Kohler generator (add $11,970).



Formula uses the shoe-box deck-to-hull construction design with a chemical bonding material, then the hull and deck are through-bolted together.

Power Options

The base boat is powered by a pair of 425-hp 496 MAG High Output MerCruiser engines attached to B1 outdrives ($377,110). There are six upgrade choices topping out at a pair of Mercury Racing 700-HP SCi NXT1’s (add $184,430). If you go with that engine option, then you’ll surely want the Mercury Racing X-Haust noise reduction system as well (add $14,185).



You can be from Miami to the gin-clear waters of the Bahamas in less than an hour in the Formula 382.

Recommendation

While still addressing the need for speed, Formula also managed to squeeze in creature comforts that are not found on some competing brands. In this manner, Formula is managing to fill a niche market with a go-fast boat that has a comfortable and classy side, as well as much brute force that you want up to 1400-hp. It’s a “have your cake and eat it too” boat that will be around for a long time. At least long enough for Formula to feel at ease by standing behind the boat with a 10-year structural warranty.



And in case you were wondering, yes, the Formula 382 is a certified babe magnet.

All high-performance boats are not the same. Some are built in a rented bay in an industrial park by enthusiasts who were somewhere else yesterday and will be gone tomorrow. They have virtually no overhead, do not follow ABYC standards, are not NMMA certified and will often disappear at the first sign of a lawsuit. That is why when buying any boat, much less a high-performance vessel, you should go with an established company such as Formula.

And, let’s face it – these boats can be dangerous, because speed can be dangerous. If you think you are ready to move up into the rarified atmosphere of a high performance boat, and you can afford it, then our recommendation is that you go with a brand whose management and culture is dedicated to safety as well as speed. Formula is one such company.