We’ve seen Formula’s flagship 310 bowrider before, but this year something was decidedly different about the boat we discovered dockside — a pair of powerful Mercury outboards mounted to an Armstrong bracket at the transom. This choice of power has several advantages, not the least of which is ease of maintenance. Not having to house engines within the hull also opens up considerable space. On the 310 BR OB, the former engine compartment now becomes a spacious lazarette, ready to handle a whole crew’s supply of gear for a season’s worth of fun.
How do outboards compare to sterndrives in terms of performance? Our test boat’s twin Verado 350s leveraged the hull onto plane in less than 8 seconds, reaching 30 mph in just over a second more. Top speed was a respectable 53.3 mph. That’s slightly better performance than the 310 outfitted with twin 300 hp sterndrives. The outboards consumed marginally more fuel at cruising speed. Handling remained nimble and precise. Rougher waters did little to keep this boat, with its sizable hull and deep 22-degree deadrise, at the dock. Speaking of the dock, returning there was child’s play thanks to the precision provided by the standard Mercury Joystick Piloting. Controlling this boat was straightforward and intuitive, and it proved most welcome due to the powerful crosswinds we experienced on test day.
Formula opts for classic bowrider styling forward, with a U-shaped lounge. Remove the center cushions in each lengthwise section and passengers can face forward with their feet on the floor. The main cockpit features a true double-wide helm seat with an L-shaped lounge directly behind. To port, find a loveseat with both forward- and rear-facing backrests. Both helm seat and transom bench backrests can flip to face forward or back. Behind, sun lovers will enjoy a spacious 5-foot-by-3-foot-6-inch sun pad.
A portside wetbar features sink, dry storage, Corian countertop and an Igloo cooler. Or replace the cooler with a slide-out fridge, a popular option. The molded head compartment adds a Vacuflush toilet, molded vanity, stainless-steel sink and Corian countertop.
High Points
- Multiple USB charging ports throughout bow, cockpit, helm, sun pad.
- Bennett hydraulic trim tabs come standard on the boat.
- Clarion stereo with USB docking station, dash control, transom control, eight speakers.
Price: $362,290
How We Tested
Engine: Dual Mercury Verado 350s
Props: Mercury Rev 4 145/8″ x 18″ 4-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.75:1
Fuel Load: 71 gal.
Crew Weight: 650 lb.
Formula Boats – Decatur, Indiana; 260-724-9111; formulaboats.com
