Formula 380 SSC Outboard

There aren’t many brands in the marine industry that can boast a six-decade history.

Formula can. In 2021, the family owned company will celebrate its 65th year in business.

With its uncompromising approach to quality and an incredible variety of available customizations, Formula’s Super Sport Crossover (SSC) lineup is the ultimate example of the company’s commitment to its customers’ powerboating experience.

Now available in an outboard configuration, the Formula 380 SSC perfectly fits the wants and needs of today’s breed of boater. In the 21st century, we want everything and we want it now. We want to have our cake and eat it too, and the new 380 SSC Outboard delivers.

Tailor made

Instead of using an existing design and bolting on a bunch of engines, the 380 SSC Outboard hull was specifically created for the new configuration. Based on Formula’s FAS3Tech stepped hull design, the outboard model was built to ensure the boat’s performance and handling would meet Formula’s exacting standards.

Stepping aboard, the 380 SSC Outboard’s large swim platform provides easy access to the cockpit, even with the three big engines hanging off the tail end. There is also plenty of room to climb in and out of the water, and dual swim ladders make it easy.

Forward, the huge cockpit occupies the full width of the boat, as does the standard hardtop with its retractable roof. The cockpit is one single level, so from the moment you step through the transom to the farthest seat forward, there are no steps up or down.

Nautolex vinyl seating wraps completely around the cockpit, with hinged cushions hiding plenty of finished storage below. The starboard aft seat can also convert into a comfortable aft-facing sunpad.

The starboard-side U-shaped lounge seating can also convert into a large sunpad with the help of two cockpit tables. When not in use, the tables easily slide beneath the seats.

A switch raises the port aft seat to expose the mechanical room below. Without the sterndrive engines the space can be used for storage, and checking the oil on the 7.5kW generator is a painless operation.

Back on deck and to port, an outdoor galley includes a cold storage drawer and sink hidden beneath a large counter made for serving plenty of food and drinks. Just ahead, cabinet doors hide space for kitchen accessories, a real trash can and the cockpit-mounted TV. A transom-mounted grill is also available to accent the outdoor galley.

At the helm, seating for three converts into bolsters behind the adjustable wheel. Two 12-inch Raymarine Axiom touch panels control navigation and onboard systems, while Mercury’s VesselView provides engine and cruising data, and a Mercury Joystick gives the captain complete control.

Forward, the walkthrough windshield smoothly slides aside to provide access to the bow. Seating with storage below hinged cushions wraps around the bow, while plenty of cupholders and USB ports keep guests comfortable and connected.

Down below

Standing at the helm, the cabin door could be easily missed. Swing open the big portside door and step below to find (even with the single-level cockpit) that Formula did not compromise on cabin space in the 380 SSC Outboard either.

Headroom in the 380 SSC Outboard cabin is impressive at 6 feet, 5 inches. The roomy, well-lit space includes a cold storage drawer, sink, microwave and pantry. Another dinette table also converts the forward seating into a bunk with the help of a flip-up backrest that creates additional legroom.

To starboard, a roomy wet head is well-appointed with plenty of storage and a huge mirror. Just aft, the full-width stateroom was designed with enough headroom to climb in and easily sit up. There is space for two to sleep comfortably, and a 32-inch TV to port provides entertainment.

In a boat dominated by cockpit space, the cabin could feel like an afterthought. However, the 380 SSC Outboard cabin is easily accessible and big enough to spend a weekend away with no compromise on comfort or convenience.

Powerful performance

Available with a variety of power options in addition to the standard triple Mercury 350s, our test boat came with three Mercury Racing 450R engines. No longer the noisy, smelly beasts that outboards once were, today’s four-cycle engines are smooth and quiet.

At 38 feet long and 11 feet, 6 inches wide, the 380 SSC Outboard is a big boat. However, as we throttled up, the stepped hull lifted the vessel up on plane with minimal bow rise. The boat handled the lake’s not-quite-moderate chop with ease, while topping out at 67 mph.

Even with the big Mercury 450s running at 4500 rpm, which pushed the boat to 42 mph, there was no trouble talking over the engine noise without raising our voices. The ride and handling was exactly what I expected from Formula. The boat is fast and digs into turns like it’s on rails. There are no rattles or clunks whether running at top-end or fast-idling back to the dock.

Formula could easily create a standard graphics and design package and charge its buyers extra to customize their new boat. However, through the company’s FormulaFlex and MyWay programs, customers are offered nearly endless combinations of hull and trim colors, graphic designs, and interior base and accent color options. That means Formula owners can match their boat to their favorite colors, their car, or even Alma Mater.

The new Formula 380 SSC Outboard is a fun, fast, capable sport cruiser with the performance to pull wakeboarders and tubes, and still features plenty of room for entertaining and overnight trips.

Performance, style, quality and comfort — for 65 years, Formula has mixed them together without compromising on a single ingredient.