2022 Formula 380 Super Sport Crossover (SSC)

Boat Reviews

Boat Review by: Richard Crowder

Before we get too deep into this review, a bit of Formula model nomenclature is warranted. Formula has six model series, and three of those series encompass seven boat models with the “Crossover” label.

There are two models of Crossover Bowriders -- the 330 and 350. There are four models of Super Sport Crossovers (SSC) -- the 380, 400, 430, and Formula’s incredible flagship 500 SSC. Then there is the single model of an All Sport Crossover (ASC) -- the 430.

All Formula Crossover models, by definition, provide features that cross over two primary categories of pleasure boating; day tripping and overnighting. The 430 ASC crosses over into a third major boating category by providing additional features desired for offshore fishing.

Thus the 380 SSC, subject of this review, is slightly larger than the 350 Crossover Bowrider, which itself is intended as a day tripper with overnight accommodations. This larger 380 SSC is designed and equipped for comfortable overnighting for four with all the amenities that entails. It may be the smallest of the four SSC models, but it offers most of the amenities of its larger siblings on a slightly smaller scale.

For example, the 380 SSC rides on Formula’s proven deep-vee FAS³Tech® multi-step hull design with an unusually deep twenty-one degrees of deadrise for a smooth ride with sure-footed performance. Even more impressively, you can choose from arguably the largest selection of factory power of any cruiser of this size.

Would you like sterndrive power? Select a pair of MerCruiser® 8.2L MAG HO ECT with Bravo III X outdrives with JPS (Joystick Piloting for Sterndrives) with 430 horsepower each, or perhaps a pair of Mercury Racing® 520 with Bravo III XR outdrives with JPS and 520 horsepower each. This second choice of sterndrives delivers 48 to 51 MPH top speed for this 21,200-pound boat in factory testing. Both sterndrive packages include Active Trim.

Would you prefer outboard power? Then make your choice from triple Mercury ® Verado® 350’s or 400’s, or Mercury Racing® 400R or 450R, all with Joystick Piloting. Want four outboards? Choose Mercury® Quad Verado® 350’s with Joystick Piloting. This last choice provides 51 MPH top speed in factory testing with an optimum cruising speed of 32 MPH at 3500 RPM. The range at this cruising speed was 186 miles while consuming 39 (US) gallons (148 litres) of fuel per hour. To increase your pulse rate a little more, the 380 SSC has also been tested with a pair of Mercury® V-12 600 horsepower outboards!

The cockpit is where you will spend most of your time, so let’s start our tour there. A tinted and tempered windshield with wiper is molded to the hardtop, and Formula’s unique port side sliding section provides walk-thru access to the bow. A large motorized glass sunroof with sunshades and soft panels is provided within the hardtop.

The molded dash comes in Charcoal or Mocha with a Raymarine® Axiom 12 plotter with depth sounder and remote keypad. Mercury® SmartCraft® VesselView® is provided in the dash, as are Bennett® tab controls with indicators, a Rockford Fosgate AM/FM SiriusXM® capable stereo controls with Bluetooth and iPod/USB port feeding through JL Audio blue LED lighted chromed speakers with a subwoofer.

A leather-wrapped tilting wheel, along with adjustable sit, stand, or rest positioning triple helm and companion seats with full width footrests and a multi-port in-dash air boost ventilation system coddle the driver and passengers. A lockable dash storage compartment is provided, as well as a mobile device station with wireless charging, a dual USB charging port, and a 12-V outlet.

Opposite the helm seat is a colour-coordinated cockpit galley with Corian countertop with glide-away self-cover molded sink, pullout refrigerator, and pantry with Cuisinart blender and storage. Aft of the galley is a portside lounge facing a huge U-shaped lounge on the starboard side. Two colour coordinated dual-height Corian tables complete with filler cushions and storage service this lounge, which also converts to a sunlounge. Aft of this is a stern-facing lounge with a multi-position backrest.

The swim platform is larger than you would expect with sterndrive power, it is akin to a small dance floor. A transom shower is also provided with a stereo remote and pair of speakers. Woven cockpit mat is standard as is blue/white remotely controlled cockpit and swim platform lighting. A colour coordinated Sunbrella® aft cockpit enclosure is also standard. An electric engine room (or storage compartment) hatch is provided, as is an in-floor portside day access hatch.

Past the sliding windshield section leads to a modular wraparound bow seating area which, when utilizing the standard dual-height bow tables with filler cushions, converts to a bow sunpad. Dedicated under-seat storage is provided for the tables and cushions. A molded-in cooler is also provided. Up front is a concealed electric anchor windlass with thru-hull anchor, chain, counter, and fresh water washdown.

A dash-integrated cabin door leads to a large cabin with its 6’5” (1.96 m) of headroom. Straight ahead is an Ultraleather™ convertible lounge with dual-height wood dining table with filler cushions. Custom décor pillows are provided as are draperies and pleated blind systems for the several natural light sources. There are four speakers, four dual USB charging ports, 12,000 BTU reverse cycle air conditioning, and a 32-inch LED/LCD HDTV with Blu-ray player with WIFI.

There are many available factory options for personalizing your 380 SSC. Choose windshield side wings, bow LED docking lights, underwater lights, fender clips, searchlight, portable bow sunshade, or a SureShade ATF™ power retractable cockpit sun shade.

Other options include a swim platform entertainment table, upholstered sport station, or removable dual stand up paddleboard (SUP) rack system. While you’re at it, choose the extended swim platform, or make it hydraulic, and perhaps add woodgrain vinyl decking throughout the cockpit.

At the helm you may choose Livorsi DTS shifters, Raymarine® twin Axiom 12” or 16” plotters with or without radar, VHF radio, FLIR™ thermal camera, Mercury Theft Deterrent System, and a YETI® Tundra® 35 pullout cooler under the helm seat. You may also want cockpit air conditioning/heating, a cockpit 32-inch TV above the galley, cockpit stereo upgrade, plus a selection of canvas protective coverings.

In the cabin you may want to add custom bedspreads, linens, and towels, another TV in the aft-cabin, a Keurig® coffee maker in the lower galley, a built-in WalVac® sweeper system, or an electronic security safe. You may also want the 7.5 KW Westerbeke™ generator and the comfort of a Seakeeper® 3 gyro stabilization system. Choose from several choices of outboard engine cowl graphics if you first select to have white engine covers.

As you can readily see, the Formula 380 Super Sport Crossover (SSC) falls neatly and completely in the footsteps of its three larger SSC sisters, providing all of the amenities for comfortable and sumptuous day tripping and overnighting.

2022 Formula 380 SSC Photo Gallery

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