Captain's Report

By Capt. Steve

Mission Statement

The mission of the Formula 350 CBR is to provide a large bowrider that has plenty of forward seating, while at the same time providing a cabin for comfortable overnights. It's a clever combination and one that we’re happy to see finally come together. With optional twin 430-hp engines she has plenty of get up and go.

Distinguishing Features

Some of the features that will distinguish the Formula 350 CBR are…•

A Large Bowrider.

In fact, this is one of the largest bowriders in a production boat currently made.•

Offset Access to the Bow.

A companionway to the bow is just offset of the centerline to the port-hand side. Additionally the entire deck from bow to stern is at the same level.•

Versatile and Roomy Bow Seating.

The bow will feature double wide forward facing seats, two dual-height tables for dining, and filler cushions for turning the entire area into a sun pad.•

Cabin to Accommodate a Couple on Overnights.

The entryway to the cabin is just to the port side of the helm on the centerline. The cabin is nicely equipped with a modest galley, private head, and queen size berth.

Performance

The Formula 350 CBR has a length overall of 35’(10.7 m), a beam of 10'9" (3.3 m), and a draft of 39”(99 cm). With an empty weight of 13,470 lbs. (6,110 kgs.) full fuel and 3 people onboard we had a test weight of 15,077 lbs. (6838.8 kgs.)With a pair of 430-hp 8.2 MAG HO MerCruiser engines driving B3 outdrives we reached a top speed at 5000 rpm of 56.6 mph. At that speed we had a fuel burn of 76.3 gph for a range of 115 miles. Best cruise came in at 3000 rpm and 29.4 mph. That produced a fuel burn of 24.25 gph which the 350 could maintain for 6 hours and 28 min. and 188 miles with a 10% reserve.

Handling

As is typical with every Formula boat I've tested, the 350 CBR has the same characteristic sportboat handling that I've come to expect. She was very responsive to the helm and had no problem handling any aggressive maneuvers that I put her through. She came up on plane in only 5.2 seconds and once established only a couple of shots of up trim got her into a 5–degree cruising attitude. If you add additional trim you'll quickly get into operator induced oscillation.

I tried to get spray to come aboard but failed as the 350 simply slices cleanly through waves keeping the spray down low and wide. I couldn't even get a pounding through the wake of the camera boat on a high-speed pass.

Features Walkthrough

Stern

The aft half of the 350 Crossover Bowrider is largely identical to the SS series. A molded swim platform and a rear facing convertible aft sun lounge provides ideal places to relax while at anchor or nosed up to a private beach. If you plan on spending as much time in the water as on the water then you may want to consider the extended watersports swim platform ($7,130) which includes four drink holders and an under-mount stainless steel swim ladder. Low maintenance teak grain vinyl decking is offered for both the swim platform and the cockpit. A starboard transom trunk, two transom mounted 90 W speakers, a hot and cold transom shower and pull up cleats are all standard. Additional storage is under the sun lounge.

Cockpit

The cockpit is fabricated from a continuous molded fiberglass liner and features Formula’s contoured seating with additional supports in the lumbar area as well as behind the knees. No less than 24 drink holders are scattered throughout the bow and cockpit and storage is under most seats and in the deck. To port is a molded cockpit wet bar with an integrated sink, Corian countertop, trash receptacle, and a 17.5 quart (16.6 L) carry-on cooler. An optional dual-voltage cockpit refrigerator ($2,100) can be swapped out in place of the cooler. To starboard is J-shaped seating and a dual height table adds to the entertaining capability and filler cushions create yet another sunning area.

Helm

To the port side of the helm is a double wide lounge allowing one person to face forward or aft in chaise lounge fashion, or two people to relax and have a conversation with the captain and "admiral" at the helm.The helm features double wide seating allowing a second set of eyes to be facing forward. The dash has been completely redesigned from the SS series and includes Livorsi gauges against a liquid black dash with metallic accents. The steering wheel will be a new design and the entire panel will be accented by an upholstered dash eyebrow.

Walkthrough to the Bow

The walkthrough to the bow measures 1'10" (.56 m) across. As if there wasn't enough storage already on this boat the port console allows for a cavernous compartment. There are two doors accessing this compartment and inside is an opening portlight. Its sheer size, along with the portlight, had me questioning whether this was actually intended to be another berth. However, the only indicator that convinced me that it was not is that the doors were not able to be opened from the inside. But that should give you an idea of just how roomy this compartment is.

Bow

The bow is accessed from an offset windshield walkthrough and the deck is on the same level from the stern to the bow. A forward facing double wide lounge seat is immediately to starboard, and a pair of dual height tables will turn the bow into an ideal Al fresco dining area. With the tables lowered, filler cushions turn the entire bow into a third sun lounge. The starboard seating features an armrest that flips up when not in use and a removable bow cooler will save having to travel back to the cockpit for a drink or snack.

The seating area is huge measuring 7'8" (2.33 m) towards the stern and 4'5" (1.35 m) at the bow. The port seat has dedicated storage for the pedestal table. The forward seat conceals a carry-on cooler and trash receptacle. To starboard is another storage compartment and in a removable seat allowing for a two–across forward facing bench seat.

Cabin

The cabin is accessed from a centerline entryway next to the helm. Three solid wood floating steps lead to a woodgrain finish deck and a full 5'10" (1.8 m) of headroom. The cabin will be finished in high-gloss cherry or ash with cherry or Baltic Birch woodgrain finish decking throughout.

Several features of the cabin indicate that it's designed to primarily accommodate two people. Immediately to starboard is a double wide lounge. Directly across is a chest of drawers, storage cabinets, and an HD TV/DVD combo. Directly ahead of the stairs is a centerline mounted mini galley with microwave, concealed sink and pullout stainless steel refrigerator.

Just to starboard is a private head with a molded vanity, Corian countertop, sink, shower, and standard VacuFlush head. Thanks to the unique use of space, the aft end of the cabin is taken up by a full-size double berth with memory foam mattress meaning there is no need to convert a lounge to a berth.

Several options are offered for cabin amenities including an 8,000 BTU reverse cycle air conditioner with digital climate control ($5700) which will be connected to either the standard shore power, or the optional 7.5 kW gas generator ($12,705). For boaters on larger lakes a gray water holding system is offered ($420).

Observations

Normally when a company builds a crossover boat, it takes the easy route and makes it a transition between fishing and family fun. This is a new concept that combines the qualities of an overnight cruiser with galley and head with the added characteristics of a bowrider with its wide open bow space and seating that can accommodate entertaining or lounging. There is no denying the fun of a bowrider or the advantage of having two distinctly separate seating or entertaining areas on a boat of this size. (Adults and children, men and women, Red Sox and Yankees fans, etc.) With two café tables forward and one large table aft, this boat can seat 12 to 14 people for lunch or cocktails. That is something that few, if any, express cruisers can do. We think the Formula 350 CBR is compelling for people who want to do a lot of entertaining by day, and some cruising on long weekends.

Standard and Optional Features