Formula 500 SSC

In the spirit of Jerry Maguire, Formula had me at hello.

Four brawny 600-hp Mercury Verado outboards purred quietly like kittens as I stepped aboard for a maiden ride on Mercury’s famed Lake X somewhere in Florida. The world debut of both the V-12 outboards and Formula’s Flagship 500 Super Sport Crossover (SSC) had but one goal: Turn it loose and let’s see what this puppy can do.

Dual Raymarine Axiom XL 24-inch widescreen color monitors at the helm did all the talking, as the digital readout quickly zoomed past 60 mph and then ticked forward with gentle tweaks to the trim tabs past 65, finally a hair over 67 mph. All of this, mind you, with a full load of fuel, a paunchy collection of journalists and beaming company CEOs from both Formula and Mercury’s parent company, Brunswick.

“There is so much going on in this boat for us, it’s hard to focus on just one or two things,” gushes Scott Porter, president of Formula, who began a tour at the stern and the quad array of hardware.

Propulsion package

Two years ago, Formula began doing the float calculations and weight simulations (the engines weigh 1,260 pounds each), so there was no mystery that the transom would have to be strong and required a brand-new mold and mounting hardware eliminating a collection of cables and hydraulic lines common with other outboards.

The result, a boat that overachieves with both speed and efficiency despite the heavy motors, thanks to an innovative underwater steering gearcase consisting of two contra-rotating props per engine — in effect eight propellers.

Connected with a single button, sequential start Digital Throttle from Mercury, engine controls incorporate new benchmarks with this series from Mercury that blend functionality to an ergonomically form-fitting design that literally puts critical control at your fingertips.

Joystick control for advanced maneuvering skill in tight quarters at the dock, and an industry-first, two-speed transmission are just a couple more advantages of this propulsion package that sets the 500 SSC apart from the competition.

Dayboat DNA

“Way back in the Crossover days, we developed the 350 Crossover Bowrider, the dayboat bowrider with the full cabin, the one that naysayers — and there were a bunch of them — said would never succeed,” Porter says. “Well, that boat was our best-selling model for years, and it led to the 330 CBR on the lower end, to the 430 SSC and All Sport Crossover, the 400 SSC, the 380 SSC, and now here we are — our largest boat yet and our new flagship.”

I’d hardly call this a dayboat, since the cabin appeals to executives who turn every two-day weekend into a four-day retreat with ample room to spread out, relax and explore the most remote crevices of the Great Lakes.

Unconstrained by deck walkways or walk–arounds, Formula Exclusive Designer John Adams’ approach is to provide a residential experience through creative hull-to-hull utilization of space. The 6-foot, 7-inch headroom, aft stateroom with queen-size bed, lounge divan, convertible dinette/sleeping berth and full galley are all upscale accommodations.

Particular attention is paid to lighting with opening windows, a motorized blind system, a tinted skylight and a forward window with electronic privacy smart glass. Multicolor LED accent lighting is controlled through digital switching or from an onboard iPad. Sure beats getting out of bed to find a switch for that one light you accidentally left on.

In this day of sanitizing, you’ll be impressed with Formula’s 16,000 BTU air conditioning with UV purifier.

Culinary conveniences include a spacious stainless sink with a premium Elka swivel spout and a removable cover, an overhead microwave, a large pull-out Isotherm stainless steel refrigerator and a Keurig coffee maker. Entertaining is memorable thanks to a full bank of hardwood dovetailed drawers, dedicated wine storage and a beautifully presented multicolor LED-lighted cabinet showcase, complete with tempered stemware and tumblers.

Soak up the sun

As for dayboating, the 500 open bow concept refined by Formula is exceptional on this 50-footer. Wraparound seating offers multiple views. Forward-facing triple-wide loungers with fold-up armrests transition to full-length starboard-side seating. When shade is preferred, the bow sunshade with stainless supports is standard. Designated storage for the shade, seating covers and filler cushions is a Formula hallmark. At night, two pop-up LED accent lights forward extend gathering zones.

Moving back and forth from the bow to the cockpit or aft salon is a seamless experience. Everything is on the same floor level and Formula has perfected the slide-open windshield and glass wind door with Corian frame. This was one of my chief concerns on earlier Crossover models, particularly the larger boats where the windshield door was too heavy for some passengers and a bit unsightly.

In all there are seven distinct seating areas bow to aft, all featuring crisp, precision stitching Ultra-leather seating. Beneath the fiberglass hardtop with motorized glass sunroof, the salon and helm offer panoramic views. Fully air conditioned or heated when closed, this gathering area is so tricked out with useful features you may never want to leave. The impressive pull-out beverage center features three-tier storage with an adjustable bottle keeper, assorted tempered stemware and glassware, plus a blender or an optional 26-bottle dual-zone wine cooler. A concealed power lift 65-inch television with Bose soundbar raises from the starboard-side galley counter, and a full-width motorized glass bulkhead system allows you to choose your degree of salon zone separation from partial to full closure.

Relax on the portside lounge, at the U-shaped bar or help in the kitchen area. And if that’s not enough space, there are two more lounge areas aft, not to mention the swim platform.

Formula’s flagship 500 Super Sport Crossover has a lot of personality and is only offered with the revolutionary new quad Mercury 7.6L V-12 600-hp Verado Outboard with two-speed transmission and steerable gearcase.