If you can imagine an amenity, Formula has included it aboard the 330 CBR (Crossover Bowrider). With 900 hp on tap, the 12,500-pound 330 CBR reached 30 mph in just over 7 seconds. Top speed was a tick under 55 mph with the Mercury Verados making 6,500 rpm. While there’s a lot to contend with (triple engine throttles, triple trim systems, and trim tabs) Formula and Mercury make it easy with Active Trim, a Skyhook joystick, and synchronized digital controls.
Our best economy netted 1.2 mpg at 27.6 mph. That economy stayed fairly constant up to 4,500 rpm and 39 mph, so you can gallop home in a storm without burning much more than you would at a nice cruise. Formula’s 21-degree vee combines with 12,500-pound heft to tame waves. The ride proved solid and sure-footed. In tight turns, the 330 held its own.
Formula’s approach is to load the boat with features and execute perfectly. A polished stainless-steel anchor windlass and chrome-plated remote spotlight reside in the nose. The bowrider section is cavernous and comfy, with crisp yachting cloth and supple cushioning. We had the occasion to install the cockpit covers thanks to overnight showers, and they fit perfectly. The hardtop features mood lighting, stereo speakers, and an electric retractable awning that extends aft to shade passengers sitting in the stern. Amidships, entertaining is done with a clean portside counter with sink and a fridge with icebox. The pilot’s cockpit has enough controls and instruments for a 777, and it can be intimidating for a bit.
Aft, a power hatch lifts to reveal a well-arranged and neatly rigged underdeck area to access the genset and engine/power-steering rigging. This is where the engines would be in the sterndrive model, so there’s loads of room to move around and check things over when necessary. A large sun lounge with reversible seat back is mounted atop the hatch. At the transom, the triple Mercs are mounted to an Armstrong engine bracket. The aft deck is plenty large for swimming or watersports prep, and it’s covered with PlasDek for long-term wear.
High Points
* Triple Mercury Verado FourStrokes, optionally color-matched to the hull, provide the wow factor when pulling in at the restaurant.
* Well-appointed cabin with enclosed head provides more than adequate room to get out of the rain, spend a quick night aboard, or have a nice meal while watching some TV.
Price: $554,330 (as tested)
How We Tested
Engines: Triple Mercury Verado FourStrokes
Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Revolution 4 17″ x 14 5/8″
Gear Ratio: 1.75:1
Fuel Load: 127 gal.
Crew Weight: 375 lb.
More Information
Formula Boats – Decatur, Indiana; 800-736-7685; formulaboats.com
