Formula 350 Crossover Bowrider (2023-)

Brief Summary

From stem to stern, everything about the Formula Crossover Bowrider series is designed to meet the needs of those looking for a large, luxurious Bowrider with comfortable overnight capabilities. The Formula 350 Crossover Bowrider is the pinnacle of this innovative combination.

Test Results

Specifications

Length Overall	35' 10.67 m
Beam	10' 9" 3.28 m
Dry Weight	14,050 lbs. 6,373 kg
Tested Weight	15,507 lbs. 7,034 kg
Draft	39" .99 m
Deadrise/Transom	21 deg
Bridge Clearance	6' 10" 2.08 m
Fuel Capacity	252 gal 954 L
Water Capacity	29 gal 110 L
Total Weight	15,507 lbs. 7,034 kg

Acceleration Times & Conditions

0 to 30	5.9
Props	REV X 22"
Load	3 persons; 100 gal. fuel; 50 lb gear
Climate	75 deg., 60 humid; wind: 5-10 mph, seas:<1

Engine Options

Tested Engine	3 x 350-hp Mercury V10 Verado
Std. Power	3 x 350-hp Mercury V10 Verado

Captain's Report

Contents of Report

• Mission Statement
• Distinguishing Features
• Performance
• Handling
• Power
• Features Walkthrough
• Cockpit
• Helm
• Price
• Observations

Brief Summary

The Formula 350 Crossover Bowrider OB is every bit the upscale sport boat in combination with Formula prestige and plus an owner's personal touch and is now available in twin sterndrive and triple outboard power. She capitalizes on two strong trends in boating today: the move from sterndrive power to outboard power and the added utility of creating cuddy accommodations in a boat that is otherwise a large bowrider. Since the 350 Crossover Bowrider helped to start the trend to accommodations in a traditional bowrider, it’s fitting that it should help lead the way with outboard power in class, as well. 

We first tested her in 2017 with triple 350-hp 2.6 L V6 Mercury Verados, which got a big boost from their superchargers. Turning  4-blade 14 1/2"D x 19"P props, that combo planed in 5.4 seconds, reached 30 mph in 9.0 seconds and had a top speed of 58.2 mph. Best cruise was at 3500-4000 rpm: at both settings, she got 1.2 MPG.

Given these impressive results, we were particularly interested to get our hands on a 2023 model equipped with Mercury’s muscular new-generation, naturally-aspirated V10 350s. The 695-lb. motors are a bit heavier than the V6s they replace, which weighed 668 lbs. each. 

The advantages of the new V10s are detailed in our report charts below, but basically, the new motors were faster at the top end with a top speed of 60.7 mph vs. 58.2 mph for the V6s, likely the result of the added pitch in the Mercury Revolution-X 22” pitch props as well as the added displacement of the outboards. 

The new motors planed the boat a bit slower at 5.9 seconds, again likely the result of turning the 22” props, 3” more pitch than with the earlier model of the 350 Verados. 

Most economical cruise was at 3500 rpm, at which she got 1.07 mpg and ran 30.8 mph. Interestingly, the earlier supercharged V6s had a slight edge here, delivering 1.2 mpg at both 3500 rpm and 28.3 mph and at 4000 rpm and 36.4 mph.

In addition to the sheer size of the Formula 350 Crossover Bowrider is the creative cabin below the bridge deck. She combines the overnight accommodations of a pocket cruiser, a huge seating area forward like a mega deckboat and an express cruiser bridge deck.

Mission Statement

The Formula 350 Crossover Bowrider provides her owner with a versatile boat that can be used for entertaining, sunning and beach outings, plenty of speed to cover long distances fast, and an overnighting capability for weekend cruising. Powered by triple outboards instead of conventional sterndrives, she offers the performance and ease of maintenance that consumers want, and the bracket-mounted outboards can be trimmed completely clear of the water, a plus for boats left in the water for extended periods.

Our test boat was powered by three Mercury 350-hp V10 outboards attached to Armstrong brackets. The new engine design, with lots more displacement and elimination of supercharger components, is expected to be a fast and highly dependable power system for boats like this one. 

Distinguishing Features

• A Large, Versatile Bowrider — The bow seating was designed for riding, sunning, and entertaining and is huge and innovative.
• Offset Access to the Bow — A passageway to the bow on the port-hand side, a departure from most bowriders.
• Cabin to Accommodate a Couple on Overnights — With a double bed below, mini galley, stand-up wet head, and storage, this bowrider is also a functioning cuddy or pocket cruiser.
• Copious Storage — By putting the engines outside the boat, the 350 Crossover Bowrider OB has opened up a large area in the stern for all sorts of storage and added equipment.
• Formula Painted Exterior — Formula remains the only builder in class that paints its hulls which is why they always look like the shiniest boats in the marina.
• Highest Quality in Class — Formula is at the pinnacle of quality in class in virtually all areas of boat construction.

Performance

The Formula 350 Crossover Bowrider 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 14,050 lbs. (6,373 kg), 100 gallons (378.54 L) of fuel, three people onboard and test gear, we had an estimated test weight of 15,507 lbs. (7,034 kg).

Top Speed. With triple 350-hp Mercury Verado engines driving SS Revolution-X 4-blade 14-1/2” x 22” props, we reached a top speed at 6422 RPM of 60.7 mph.

Best cruise came in at 3500 rpm and 30.8 mph. That produced a fuel burn of 28.7 gph which the 350 could maintain for 7.9 hours and/or 243 statute miles in flat water, with a 10% reserve on her 252-gallon (954 L) tankage.

Handling

As is typical with every Formula boat we’ve tested, the 350 Crossover Bowrider has the same characteristic nimble sportboat handling we’ve come to expect. She was responsive to the helm and had no problem handling any maneuvers that we put her through. She handles every bit as well as her near sister does with sterndrives.

Offshore. With 3’ to 4’ seas offshore during our sea trials, she tracked perfectly in head, beam and following seas. She had a solid, comfortable feel at all reasonable speeds, thanks to her 21-degree deadrise at the transom. We heard no creaking or squeaking of interior bulkheads or cabinetry at speed as we crashed through waves.

We ran the inlet several times and were amazed that not a drop of water got on the windshield. We have tried in previous tests of the 350 Crossover Bowrider sterndrive versions and were never able to get water on the windshield. This is a dry boat with outboards or sterndrives.

She went from a standing stop to 30 mph in 5.4 seconds, considerably quicker than the V6-powered version we tested earlier, which took 9.0 seconds.

Comparison with Sterndrive Power

We have made two tests of the Formula 350 Crossover Bowrider with sterndrive engines, one powered by twin MerCruiser 430-hp 8.2 L H.O. sterndrives with Bravo III props, and one powered by twin 430-hp Ilmor 6.2 L engines driving through Ilmor’s One Drive with dual props. These two boats had a top speed of 56.6 mph and 56.0, respectively, in our tests.

So, the 860-hp sterndrive-powered boats were not quite as fast as the 1200-hp outboard-powered 350 Crossover Bowrider by about 2 mph. But there was a big difference between the 350 Crossover Bowrider sterndrives compared to the OB version — the outboard-powered boat was about 6,000 lbs. (40%) heavier!

Not Apples-to-Apples. Boats this size are remarkably weight sensitive. While tests such as these are never apples-to-apples, it is clear that the 350 Crossover Bowrider with triple outboards has a lot more grit than her sterndrive near sisters.

Our outboard boat had a hardtop, which was not only heavy but also presented more windage than the sterndrive half-sisters we tested.

Other things might change, too. For example, Formula has increased the size of the fuel tank to 252 gallons (954 L) from 172 gallons (651 L). All that empty space in the stern can be filled with more amenities, such as a 5 kW Kohler generator. Plus, the beefy Armstrong bracket is not light. It all adds up. In light of all of this extra weight, the 2 mph improvement with the extra 340 horses does not seem inconsequential.

Best Cruise Comparison. The 6.2L Ilmor rig was slightly more fuel efficient at best cruise compared to the MerCruiser 8.2 L H.O. power. It burned 19.6 gph getting 1.3 mpg at 30.8 mph at 3500 rpm compared to the MerCruisers’ 24.3 gph getting 1.2 mpg going 29.4 mph at 3000 rpm.

The triple Mercury V10 outboards burned 28.7 gph at best cruise, getting 1.07 mpg going 30.8 mph at 3500 rpm. On a miles-per-gallon basis, all three models were remarkably close. For this reason, engine selection and type of power will likely be based on other factors for most buyers.

Noisy? – Not! Traditionally, one of the objections to outboard power is that they are noisy compared to sterndrives or inboards.

Our test data indicates that the triple Mercury Verados were actually quieter than both of the sterndrive 350s that we tested.

Features Walkthrough

A handy detail on the sterndrive version is a stainless steel rail along the aft edge of the stern platform where swimmers can hang on. We’d like to see small versions of that port and starboard on the platform sides. 

Stern

This is where the 350 Crossover Bowrider differs from the sterndrive version. With three big outboards hanging on the Armstrong brackets nestled under the swim platform, important real estate is occupied. For most people, this is the biggest negative of the outboard option. Formula has done its best to ameliorate the situation with its existing tooling by making the swim platform 2’6” (0.76 m) fore and aft and 9” (0.23 m) wide. This deck is kept clear of hoses and other outboard rigging, thanks to the Armstrong brackets and the fact that all outboard rigging is run through three large openings in the transom under the swim platform.

Nevertheless, the only entry points off the stern platform are at the ends, port and starboard. There is no integral boarding ladder as we might find on a sterndrive version, except for an emergency slide-out ladder that is an ABYC safety requirement. The boat’s main swim ladder is stowed in what would otherwise be the engine compartment.

The aft sun pad measures 74” x 44” (1.88 m x 1.12 m), which is almost the size of a double bed and offers plenty of space for two or three people to sun and lounge. The backrest for the settee in the cockpit is articulated and serves triple duty as a backrest for the cockpit, chaise rests for the sun pad or sun pad extension.

Stern Amenities

It is hard to think of any amenities that have been left off the stern of the 350 Crossover Bowrider. To port is a stereo remote that can be reached from the water, as well as a shower wand with hot and cold fresh water to port next to the transom entrance gate. Here, too, is the freshwater engine flush — one fitting handles water to all three engines.

Cockpit

Under the aft seat is a cavernous storage locker where the engines are located in the sterndrive version. In our test boat part of the space was used for a 5 kW Kohler, Low-CO gasoline generator. The hatch lid was well insulated for sound deadening. Located on the lid is the ss boarding ladder. Batteries and pumps can also be accessed here, but most of the area was empty and would be an ideal place to stow water toys.

A large table inside fits into a deck mount. This table along with one in the bow permits two groups of guests to have lunch or have cocktails at the same time. As such, it becomes an ideal day boat for picnics. Filler cushions create yet another sunning area when the table is lowered and used as a foundation.

Wet Bar. 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. A dual-voltage cockpit refrigerator is also standard. To starboard is J-shaped seating around the table.

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, itself, features double-wide seating, each with its own bolster, allowing a second set of eyes to be facing forward. The steering wheel is wrapped and is the sport model. The dash fiberglass is dark and an upholstered dash eyebrow is a similar color reducing glare in the windshield.

Walkthrough to the Bow

The walkthrough to the bow measures 22" (.56 m) across, which is wide, as these passages go. As if there wasn't enough storage already on this boat, the port console allows for a cavernous compartment, ideal for cushion storage and life vests. There are two doors accessing this compartment and inside is an opening portlight. Its sheer size, along with the portlight, had us questioning whether this was actually intended to be another berth. But it is not, and the portlight provides some external visual symmetry as the portlight on the starboard side is in the cabin and is used.

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 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 a removable seat allowing for a two-across forward-facing bench seat in front of the helm console.

Cabin

The cabin is accessed from a centerline entryway next to the helm. Three solid 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 Bourbon Cherry or Ash with Cherry, Baltic Birch or Wenge woodgrain finish throughout.

The cabin is designed to primarily accommodate two people. It is an ideal spot to place children for their afternoon nap, to say nothing of adults. Our test boat was equipped with an optional 8,000 BTU reverse-cycle A/C system.

To starboard is a loveseat upholstered in Ultraleather. 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.

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 a memory foam mattress.

Several options are offered for cabin amenities including an 8,000 BTU reverse-cycle air conditioner with digital climate control, which will be connected to either the standard shore power or the optional 5.0 kW gas generator. For boaters on larger lakes, a gray water holding system is offered.

The Price

Visit here for up-to-date pricing.

Observations

The Formula 350 Crossover Bowrider is — for many people — the best of several worlds. She has outboard power for easy maintenance, two large entertaining venues for day boating with friends, can be used for watersports and towing, has three large sunning locations, and can overnight a couple.

All of this provides a lot of utility, and for many people, this is all the boat they need. We should add that because of the boat’s 21-degree deadrise and the transom and offshore racing-proven hull, she can be taken offshore in decent conditions to places such as the Bahamas, Nantucket and down the Florida Keys with confidence.