Formula 380 SSC

Let’s admit it, there are some ugly boats out there. Sure, they may have the functionality you desire, but you may also get those dockside head-scratchers who just can’t figure out what you see in such an unattractive ride.

I’ve witnessed more misplaced hull windows than I care for. And huge, bulbous hardtops (I’m sure they have great interior headroom) remind me of the character Igor in the movie “Young Frankenstein” saying, “Hump, what hump?”

You don’t have to worry about any of that with the Formula 380 SSC. It has function, seaworthiness, nice accommodations and, yes, it’s attractive. The 380 SSC exudes character and style through masculine lines, so you’ll have bragging rights at the dock and be the envy of the waterway.

From the beefy side profile, proportionate house-to-hull size ratio and a generously spacious swim platform, the 380 SSC stands out from every other boat at the dock. I just had to see what it was all about.

Best of all worlds

My appointed captain for the day of my sea trial was Vic Spellberg, a seasoned boater who is like a walking Formula encyclopedia. Spellberg’s experience on this boatbuilder is lengthy and duly evident early on, as our conversations and my constant questions had him teaching me everything I needed to know about the 380 SSC.

The name reveals a lot about the 380; Spellberg explains that the “SSC” stands for “Super Sport Crossover,” which in Formula speak means that this boat — like the rest of the SSC models — can do just about anything you wish. Formula’s mission for the SSC line is to offer the best of all worlds, from dayboat versatility and watersport enjoyment to overnight or weekend comforts. Add in reliable performance, exceptional seaworthiness and fantastic speed along with those good looks and it’s apparent that Formula has created a very attractive vessel in the 380.

With a single-level main deck that is surrounded on three sides by an integrated framed windshield and side windows, the structure supports a stout hardtop with an electric sunroof. There’s great protection from the elements here, with plenty of sunning areas fore and aft.

Take a bow

While many boats offer access to the open foredeck via a center walkway, Formula offsets the path to the port side for several good reasons. Not only does this create a nearly perfect circular seating area up front, but it also maximizes usable space in the lower cabin — that’s right, a lower cabin in a bowrider.

No more fighting a floppy hinged window, as the walk-through has a sliding windshield panel with a clear lower door. This configuration offers easy access to the bow area and results in a much cleaner look.

The bow seating starts with a C-shaped settee offering comfortable lounging for at least six adults. Two Corian-topped pedestal tables can be dropped into the floor mounts, with one or both utilized at any time. The tabletops can also be used to fill the open area, whereby filler cushions can be installed to make one large sunpad. Stereo controls with speakers and a subwoofer, a dedicated cooler, six drink holders and a sunshade with stainless supports are all available. A cutout in the helm’s front seat backrest contains a fixed window to the lower cabin, and a blackout screen is included to keep the morning sun out.

The main attraction

The cockpit is a well-designed social area that exemplifies the boat’s crossover DNA, thanks to the U-shaped settee to starboard. There are two separate Corian cockpit tables, used together or individually. For ease of access to the tabletops, store them in dedicated slots under the seats. The tabletops also can be used to support the filler cushions, making the settee area another large lounge area. The two aft seat backrests flip forward, creating an additional sunpad/lounger oasis with an aft-facing view, perfect for watching those in the water. Additional seating is to port.

Closer to the water, there’s a boat deck that steps down to a fixed swim platform integrated into the hull. Formula takes it one step further with an optional hydraulic platform right behind the swim platform, which allows for easier access to the water and creates a mini beach area.

At the con

Midship is the starboard-side helm, which is smartly laid out so key components are within easy reach of the captain. The standout feature is the angled dash that houses twin 16-inch Raymarine Axiom MFDs in a Liquid Black floating panel. The console houses the leather-wrapped tilt steering, Mercury Marine SmartCraft VesselView engine monitoring display, several banks of switches, ICOM VHF, Rockford Fosgate stereo controller, three AC vents, four cupholders, USB ports and more. To the right are the Mercury digital throttle controls, Mercury joystick and Bennett trim tab actuator. Wide enough for three people, the helm seat offers exceptional support and adjustments for standing or sitting. A grabrail is mounted across the front of the dash and will come in handy as this is a very spry vessel.

Lighting up the twin Mercury Racing 520-hp gas engines with multiport electronic fuel injection connected to Bravo Three sterndrives, you can hear the throaty rumbles of the high-performance powerplants just loud enough to let you know there’s something special under the hood. The cruising sweet spot comes in at 3000 RPM, with a speed of 22.6 mph (average from reciprocal runs on flat water), burning 33.4 gph. At wide-open, we were flying at 50.1 mph and a burn rate of 81.2 gph. The ride was effortless as we skimmed the light chop, and bow rise was minimal.

Understand that Formula also offers this boat with triple Mercury 350 or 400 Verado outboards, or Mercury Racing 400R or 450R outboards. Any package will respond instantly thanks to the electronic shift/throttle controls.

With his kill switch safety cutoff clipped in, Spellberg performed a few tight turn maneuvers at near top speed. The 380 SSC heals over and really digs into the water thanks to the sharp entry, lifting strakes that keep the bow up and a 21-degree deadrise at the transom that holds a true course. The 380 is surprisingly responsive and agile — not bad for a 20,500-pound boat.

Coolness counts

To port is an outdoor kitchen with a molded sink that includes a glide-away self-cover, Elka faucet, Isotherm fridge with drawers and trash compartment with garbage pail mounted to the door for easy access. Storage compartments forward of the kitchen house a Cuisinart blender and flat-screen TV, cleverly keeping it out of the elements or prying eyes. Aft to port is a grill station with a Kenyon electric grill.

Hidden under the helm seat is a dedicated space for a Yeti Tundra 35 cooler, complete with slide-out guides and a recessed insert. Additionally, the bow’s sunshade stainless supports fit into the forward railing posts; just remove the plug from the stanchion and the support fits right in, so there’s no need to drill extra holes.

Cabin comforts

As mentioned, yet surprising nonetheless, there is a lower, full-beam cabin that is mainly situated underneath the helm station. Able to accommodate four people in a cabin with 6 feet, 5 inches of headroom, it adds another level of opportunity to enjoy the 380. Forward is an Ultraleather lounge seat that converts into either a dining area with high-gloss wood table or a berth area. More sleeping space is found aft under the deck; it’s a crawl-in queen berth but is roomy for adults and kids.

To port is an Isotherm fridge with drawers next to a pull-out pantry. Across is a Muave microwave oven, 32-inch LED TV and Corian recessed sink with glide-away cover. There is a single head, with Corian countertops, molded sink with Moen faucet, Dometic Vacuflush toilet and wet-head shower wand with spray curtain.

Chock full of features, the 380 also comes with USB dual charging ports seemingly everywhere, 26 cup holders, 10 JL Audio lighted speakers, precision stitching and recessed lumbar areas in all seats, 13 separate storage compartments, a SureShade extendable shade from the aft hardtop and much more.

Take a look at the Formula 380 SSC. You’re going to admit that this is one good looking boat.

• Roomy, fast, well-handling boat • Great response from the Mercury Racing engines

• Slide-over blackout screen on cabin forward window should be on the inside, not the outside