Though Formula Boats now offers 38- and 45-foot center consoles, the Decatur, Ind., was the among the last, formerly thriving V-bottom sportboat builders to embrace the center-console segment. That’s because when the traditional V-bottom go-fast boat market hit bottom after 2008 and mostly remains there, Formula already had several good things going with its robust Sun Sport and Super Sport powerboat lines.
Continuing along the vein, Formula’s line-up currently includes multiple models in its Crossover Bowrider, Super Sport Bowrider and All Sport Bowrider Crossover families.
So there was no rush. The company’s survival didn’t rest on a rapid transition to the center console production and sales.
Little-fact? Formula did offer a center console in the 1970s. But the builder release the 387, its first center console of the modern era, in 2022. And in typical Formula fashion, the 37-footer offered in sport and angling versions the 457 that followed didn’t follow currently center-console styling. Formula has taken a brawny, angular approach with its designs, whereas most other builders have gone with softer, sultry curves.
But the company was quick to embrace the outboard-engine power trend with all lines that came before its center-console series.
As it happens, I’ll be taking a test ride on the latest Formula—equipped with outboard power of course—this month in Miami. Dubbed the 360 CBR (shorthand for Crossover Bowrider), the 36-footer rides on FAS3Tech stepped hull and is offered with triple-outboard and twin stern-drive engine power. Though the 36-footer is offered various twin and triple-engine power packages, my ride for the day is set up with a trio of 400-hp V-10 outboards from Mercury Marine.
From the late-1990s through the mid-2000s, I logged a bunch of hours on Formula FAS3Tech V-bottoms across its now-retired sportboat line, and I enjoyed every one of them. They were never the fastest of their breed, but they were among the best built and most comfortable.
So I am looking forward to experiencing the very latest of what Formula has to offer. It’s not a center console, but it is part of major part of what has kept the company thriving.