Formula 360 Crossover Bowrider (2025-)

• Stepped FAS3Tech® hull
• Concealed electric windlass w/150´ chain w/counter, polished stainless anchor, remote & freshwater anchor washdown system
• 24 polished stainless drink holders
• Motorized hardtop glass sunroof
• Mercury DTS w/SmartCraft VesselView™ or Ilmor electronic shift & throttle w/MERLIN Digital Dashboard
• Dual position triple helm seats
• U-shape aft lounge seating area w/storage
• Electronic shift and throttle control
• Dedicated portside storage locker for bow filler cushions
• Color-coordinated molded wet bar w/integrated sink, Corian countertop & chrome refrigerator w/stainless front, trash container
   

• 7.5-kW Westerbeke gasoline generator
• 8,000 BTU Reverse Cycle Air Conditioner w/Digital Climate Control, 120V
• 16,000 BTU cockpit air conditioning
• Aft cockpit electric grill
• Sun shades for bow, SureShade™ Electric Power Retractable Sun Shade aft
• Front Connector, Sides & Aft Cockpit Enclosure
• Extended water sport swim platform w/powered swim seat 
• Stainless LED docking lights
• Remote controlled LED spotlight
• Vacuum head w/holding tank and macerator
• Electronics packages including Raymarine® Twin Axiom®+ 12 GPS Chartplotters; Raymarine® Twin Axiom®+ 12 GPS Chartplotters w/HD Radar; Raymarine® Twin Axiom® 2 XL 16 GPS Chartplotters; Raymarine® Twin Axiom® 2 XL 16 GPS Chartplotters w/HD Radar; VHF radio
• Entertainment group includes aft cabin HD television with HD Smart TV in cockpit
• Underwater lighting
• reFLEX foam decking on swim platform, full cockpit or woodgrain vinyl decking on swim platform
• Engine packages include triple Mercury Verado V10 350- or 400-hp w/joystick piloting, twin Mercury 600-hp w/joystick piloting, twin MerCruiser 8.2L MAG ECT Bravo Three w/joystick piloting, Twin MerCruiser 8.2L MAG HO ECT 430 Bravo Three X w/joystick piloting, and Ilmor twin 74.L MPI-s 520
• Seakeeper 3 Gyro

The design and engineering teams made sure that Young’s vision for the Formula 360 CBR enabled a clear, unobstructed, bow-to-stern path on the single level main deck while providing plentiful seating and storage areas. In addition, the below decks accommodation space, as seen in the top figure, has been outfitted with a full stand-up stateroom and head, making this open-bow day boat more than able to provide overnight or even extended weekends away.

Bow

Helm

Living Accommodations

Aft Section

With performance part of the DNA of Formula boats, the 360 CBR, riding on her stepped FAS3Tech® hull, is a spirited, high energy day boat sure to give her owners and guests an exciting time out on the water.

Our test boat was equipped with a pair of 380-hp, 8.2L Mercruiser sterndrive inboards turning Bravo 3 24 pitch Solis props. Weight was estimated at about 20,252 lbs. with 60% of the 200 gallon fuel capacity and five passengers. We had a 10 knot wind and less than a sea state of less than a foot. Air temp measured 92° with 68% humidity. We topped out at 5000 rpm and after two speed runs, averaged 47.7 mph. Settling down to our best average cruise speed of 41 mph at 4500 rpm, resulting in a range of about 161 miles with a 10% fuel reserve. She was quick to plane and went from 0 to 10 mph in 4.5 seconds, 20 mph in 9.5 seconds, and 30 mph in 15.5 seconds.

She quickly responded to all helm commands and showed steady confidence and control on all maneuvers including a series of S-turns, tight port and starboard turns, and ran straight and true during our speed runs. 

The Formula 360 CBR is the seamless heir apparent to the company’s highly successful 350 CBR. With talented Michael Young at the helm of its design, his first iteration is off and running. From her stylish glass sunroof hardtop to her proven FAS3Tech® hull stepped running bottom, she is more than ready to assume her position in the Formula model line-up.

Given his background and vision rooted La Mans car design, optimized for not only speed but in impressive and dynamic profiles as well, Young and his team have presented those who desire an open-bow day boat with an exciting pedigree. Offering a wide-ranging list of luxury options, including the choice of either outboard or inboard power, and appropriate accommodations for overnight or extended time away, this is a spirited performer in true Formula fashion.

Remember, life is better on a boat!

Overview

The Formula 360 Crossover Bow Rider combines the entertaining features of a sporty day boat with below-deck accommodations typical of a weekender.

Below-Deck Accommodations

Accessed via steps down, with ample headroom noted overhead. A berth is located behind and underneath the helm, featuring a TV and accent lighting on the port side. Additional features: storage, a refrigerator, and a microwave.

Head: Includes a large mirror with storage underneath, deep additional storage, a sink with hot and cold controls, and cup holders — Captain Boomie noted the cup holders as an unusual head feature: "I find very interesting for a bathroom, but I get it." Also includes an adjustable shower/head and more storage.

Phone charging in the head: A Scanstrut charging mount is fitted specifically for phone charging while in the head. Captain Boomie's assessment: "I mean it's silly, but it makes perfect sense."

Bow Pass-Through / Windshield

A pass-through area with cushioned upholstery on either side protects passengers moving forward in rough conditions. Captain Tripp explained the protective function: "If you're moving forward and it's a little rough like it was out there, it's gonna kind of protect you and your passengers, keep 'em safe." An air dam door can be opened and secured, or the windshield closed, to protect passengers remaining in the cockpit.

Bow Storage / Seating

A forward hatch reveals a large storage space, currently holding filler cushions that convert this area into a large sun pad.

Upholstery detail: Captain Tripp noted extensive engineering in the seat cushions: "Formula has a lot of engineering just in their cushions. There's more than three different types [and] ties of foam in the bottom of this seat alone, and even more in all the sides."

Bow — Additional Storage / Dock Prep

Dedicated storage is provided for bow-mounted tables and a sunshade. Under one seat, storage also holds poles intended for use with the boat cover — designed to "pitch a tent" under the cover so water doesn't pool and add weight or cause tearing.

Concealed features: Black fabric panels beneath the cushion backs along the sides conceal USB ports and JL Audio speakers, which Captain Tripp noted the crew had been enjoying during the outing. Additional bow storage accommodates inflatables suited to sandbar use.

Anchor System

Located at the very forward point. Captain Tripp noted the ground tackle spec specifically: "This boat I found out has 150-foot all-chain rode." He characterized this as more typical of larger cruising boats than a bow rider: "That just shows the extra step that Formula has gone with this boat." A chain counter is also fitted at the back of the helm, which Captain Tripp noted is valuable for an owner-operator or captain to track rode deployed.

Helm Seating

Triple helm seat configuration, with a designated phone-storage spot used throughout the outing. Captain Boomie described the additional seating positions, including what she nicknamed "the princess palette" — offering her own cup holders, underneath storage, USB charging, and a concealed hanging locker just forward.

Hardtop

Sliding skylights and a push-button sunroof. Captain Boomie noted a locking feature: when forward, the panels can be locked in place to prevent drifting back while underway.

Summer Kitchen (Port Side, Under Hardtop)

Opens to reveal an electric Kenyon grill and a sink. Captain Tripp explained a specific safety-oriented design detail regarding the venting angle: "In order for this [column] of heat... to exit, they don't want it to be against this surface here. A little safety feature by Formula." A pull-out fridge and dedicated trash storage are located underneath.

Additional Lounge Area (Comaraderie Zone)

Fitted with two table mounts for setting up a table in this area.

Hidden cooler: A Yeti cooler is tucked beneath a spring-hinged Corian lid — Captain Tripp noted the mechanism: lifting the lid to access the cooler, then releasing it, causes the lid to spring outward and close cleanly without catching on the cooler.

Aft-Facing Lounge

A convertible seating configuration allows an aft-facing lounge with adjustable shade coverage, cup holders, and an additional USB charging spot.

Swim Platform

The test boat was optioned with an extended swim platform, approximately 3 feet larger than the standard platform. (Note: an outboard-powered configuration eliminates the swim platform entirely, per the captains.)

Features: Integrated grab handle at the back with four cup holders. Beneath the platform is a swim seat, which also functions as a swim step for boarding from shallow water. A telescopic swim ladder is located under the platform on the port side for deeper water use.

Additional swim platform equipment: A radio head unit, and a fresh water hot-and-cold pressurized shower — used earlier in the outing after snorkeling.

Design Background

The Formula 360 CBR is the first boat designed by Formula's new designer, Michael Young, previously a race car designer. Captain Trip's framing: "This boat is the first boat designed by their new designer at Formula, Michael Young. So you're gonna see some styling here that is totally race car... these design changes are not only beautiful, they are functional, and they're gonna make a difference to the performance."

Specifications (Test Boat)

• Length overall: 36 feet
• Beam: 11 feet, 3 inches
• Draft: 42 inches, stern drives
• Test weight: 20,252 pounds, with 60% of the 200-gallon fuel capacity aboard and five passengers

Test Conditions

• Wind: approximately 10 knots
• Sea state: less than 1 foot
• Temperature: 92°F
• Humidity: 68%

Hull Finish

Captain Trip's assessment: "Formula has absolutely the best painted hull finishes in class." Hull color is an option, selected on virtually every Formula regardless of size; the test boat's color was Midnight Sapphire Metallic Blue. He described the process: "Formula's 32-point protocol of preparation, application, curing, and its remarkable regimen of sanding and buffing, compounding and buffing, is repeated again and again until the finish has the translucent depth of a custom show car."

Engine Room

Engines: twin MerCruisers with Bravo Three outdrives and twin props. Captain Trip noted this configuration: "It's gonna give this thing a lot of bite in the water."

In-water engine drain procedure equipment: A hand-pump device (initially likened by Captain Trip to a bicycle pump) used specifically for the in-water engine drain procedure.

Sea chest: Fitted with two transom water intakes both leading into the sea chest — Captain Trip explained the relevance to this hull type: "Whenever you have a stepped hull, that's kind of important to have the sea chest to keep a good prime on all of your water intakes." Emergency shutoff for these intakes is handled via custom stainless steel levers, allowing shutoff without crawling under the hot engines while underway.

Service access: Captain Trip praised the layout for owner-operator maintenance: "Everything is clean and open. They didn't just pack everything in here in a crazy wild way. They thought things out well. So if you're owner-operator and servicing your own boat, you can do so without too much trouble."

Acoustic treatment: Acoustic foam is fitted on top of the engine hatch, serving to deaden engine noise underway and cushion impact if someone bumps their head while working in or exiting the space.

Generator: 7.5 kW generator, positioned just forward of the engine space, used to run systems such as the air conditioner.

Helm

Captain Trip's characterization: "This helm is laid out like a race car." Equipment includes throttles and a Skyhook joystick, plus a chain counter, which he specifically noted as useful when getting underway/anchoring.

Seating: A flip-down bolster in "sports car style." Captain Trip's overall assessment: "It's a very comfortable helm, very responsive. Everything I would expect from this Merc setup."

Engine Options

The test boat carried the smaller MerCruiser package; larger MerCruisers are available, as is an outboard-powered version of the same hull, with "quite a few options" across the range. Captain Trip noted Formula's general philosophy: "They're going to not limit you on your horsepower. You can have more than you probably need."

Captain Boomie's take on the smaller package: "I'm pretty comfortable when she gets up on plane, but I might want a little bit more... it's my fantasy life, I want the bigger outdrive." Captain Trip's response regarding the largest inboard option: "I think [it's] great, 'cause you have — it is gonna give you plenty of power. You're gonna get that big swim platform on the back, so you can enjoy things."

Saltwater Corrosion Protection (Option)

Captain Trip specifically recommended this option for saltwater-slip owners: "For owners who like to keep their boat in a saltwater slip, I would definitely recommend Mercury's SeaCore saltwater system. It's a closed-loop cooling system filled 50/50 with fresh water and propylene glycol. It does a better job of transferring heat away from the engine block. It's anti-corrosive and lubricates water pumps and metal parts."

Additional stated details: Mercury hard-coat anodizes a patented low-copper aluminum alloy to shield against galvanic corrosion; a fresh water flush is provided for the heat exchanger, along with additional corrosion-fighting details. The system is backed by Mercury's four-year limited warranty on its saltwater anti-corrosion system. For lift, dry-stack, or freshwater storage, Captain Trip noted the SeaCore system isn't necessary and a standard freshwater engine flush suffices.

Additional Options Discussion

Display screen size: Captain Trip noted the test boat's screen size was adequate for him personally, though a larger screen could aid resale value.

Radar/FLIR: Captain Boomie's assessment: "Those are expensive options, and if you are only gonna be day-tripping, I don't think you need them. Or even short weekends — we have a cabin on board, so it's easily doable for a short weekend. And again, I don't think that's necessary for the majority of the owners of this boat."

Handling — Turns and Wake

During turns, Captain Boomie asked Captain Trip (as driver) how it felt: "I love making these big turns. They feel great." Captain Boomie, as passenger, reported not spilling her drink through the wake-crossing test, which she offered as a handling benchmark: "Well, that's the mark of a good bow rider to me."

Hull design factors cited: Captain Trip noted this is the first CBR Formula has built with a stepped hull. Captain Boomie added: "That 21 degrees of dead rise is not hurting either." Captain Trip elaborated on the deadrise choice: "It's right in that sweet spot — it's not so aggressive an angle that you should be out in the ocean, but it is just enough that you can handle the chop of the wake of a boat going by," with Captain Boomie adding, "and you're still gonna get that comfortable, stable ride."

Visibility

Captain Trip: "I've been running like this — I can see everything." Captain Boomie: "This is great visibility. These curved windows, the wraparound — the only spot that's a little bit blocked from my vision is here, but the angle is so steep and aggressive that I'm not losing any visibility there. This windshield's angle is so aggressive and gorgeous." She noted a tradeoff: "It doesn't really give me any protection from the wind, but right now I love it," with Captain Trip noting the angle also helps direct air conditioning airflow onto occupants' backs.

Performance Numbers

Engines: twin 380-horsepower, 8.2-liter MerCruisers

• Top speed: 48 mph at 5,000 RPM (wide-open throttle)
• Best cruise: 41 mph at 4,500 RPM, burning fuel at 0.8 miles per gallon
• Range at best cruise: approximately 180 statute miles, holding a 10% reserve from the 200-gallon fuel capacity
• Hole shot 0–10 mph: 4.5 seconds
• 0–30 mph: 15.5 seconds
• 0–40 mph: 23.5 seconds

Engine Air Intake Design

Captain Trip noted the MerCruiser engines require substantial airflow, and Formula addressed this with the boat's styling: "The way they've solved the airflow issue on board is with serious sports car design." Captain Boomie's reaction to the intake styling: "The size of this boat have the coolest looking intakes, and it makes me wanna get a poster for my bedroom... I love looking at them." Captain Trip noted the larger optional Mercury engines would require even more airflow, which factored into the design.

Closing Assessment

Captain Boomie: "I am so wind blown and absolutely thrilled. I love getting to test brand new boats. Performance tests are my favorite." Captain Trip noted the test boat's status specifically: "This is hull number one. This is their prototype." He added he would like to see the boat's performance with the larger MerCruiser option or outboards fitted.