Many high performance boat lovers eventually feel the need for a boat with a little more comfort and convenience, without sacrificing performance or the joy of driving. Then there are cruiser fans who would like a more thrilling ride and higher cruising speeds, without losing onboard comfort. In the boating world, it’s hard to find the ideal boat that can make all our dreams come true.

It must be said that compromise models, which aren’t as popular with our neighbours to the South, have practically fallen off the map in the last few years. It’s become almost impossible to find anything but extreme powerboats or cozy cruisers. Formula is one of the few builders to offer a line that strikes a balance between the two, and many find themselves seduced by its SS line, which combines style, performance and comfort.

What’s more, all boats built by Formula are blessed with uncommon quality and finish. The only drawback is the price. The Formula line is praiseworthy on many accounts, but their prices are often higher than the competition’s. It’s an important consideration, unless money is no object to you.

Sporty Lines
Formula’s SS line includes several models ranging from 24 to 40 feet. We tested the 310 SS, which offers an excellent compromise for many people. It’s big enough to be practical, without being too pricy. At 31 feet (9.45 m) in length with a 9’6” (2.9 m) beam, the 310 SS is elegantly proportioned, a look emphasized by its inverted arch and two-tone colour palette. Its low profile is the biggest difference with classic cruisers, which are normally much stouter. This clearly contributes to the Formula 310 SS’s sporty style.

Formula built its reputation on quality, and that’s obvious from the exterior. At first glance, you can see the attention to detail and the quality of materials used. Abundant chrome trim enhances many of the features, including the side portholes and the edge of the windshield. Meanwhile the stern (everyone’s favourite spot to relax) features a large swim platform that extends the usable space with the help of its stern-facing seat. Another sweet spot to relax on  this boat is in the middle, between the deck hatches. However, an optional sunpad would have made it a bit more comfortable. A practical forward compartment holds the anchor, which is always a nice touch. Finally, a chrome rail around the bow distinguishes the Formula 310 from other, sportier boats, but it’s much more discreet than the rails you usually find on cruisers.

Well-equipped interior
The exterior of the Formula 310 SS is nice, but the interior is even nicer. No matter where you look, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the attention-to-detail, as well as the quality of the materials. The leatherette seats add a touch of softness in stylish colours. The same goes for the cockpit carpet with its unmistakable style and quality. If you like sporty cockpits, the Formula 310 SS provides everything you could hope for. It’s a tasteful combination of style and sportiness. I personally love its instrumentation and convenient layout, as well as the Livorsi chromed shifters and throttles, a feature normally found on high performance boats. In fact, the cockpit alone is worth the trip.

On the stern, a U-shaped bench makes it possible for several guests to come along for the ride or sit down for a snack. A wetbar with a fridge is another practical touch, making constant trips to the cabin unnecessary. Another noteworthy feature is the wide cabin door with moulded steps leading to the bow through a folding section in the windshield, providing easy access and maximizing on-board space.

Just missing the half cabin
The cabin doesn’t provide as much space and comfort as a cruiser, but it’s more than enough for short trips. There’s a good amount of headroom: at 5.5 feet, you get more than on many sports boats. There are also some practical storage spaces, a counter with a sink, extra fridge and a microwave. In short, everything you need for the weekend!

A v-shaped bow makes the most of the space, serving as a dining nook that can turn into a good-size bed when you need one. Combining these two features is a practical use of space. In fact, all you would need to make the interior more family-friendly is a half cabin sleeping two more. For that, you’d need the 35-foot model.

Irresistible handling on the water
At the wheel of the Formula 310 SS, you forget all about the little compromises on space. This boat is as dynamic and as much of a joy to handle as you could wish for. It all starts with a more-than-adequate twin engine. Our test model had the more powerful option, a pair of Mercruiser 8.2-litre V8 engines, each producing 380 hp and paired with Bravo 3 X drives. The 430 hp version of the same engine is the most powerful option. Our test model boasted a more-than-favourable power-to-weight ratio. Hit the gas and the boat is planing on the water within seconds. We reached a top speed of 56 mph (90 km/h), while its ideal cruising speed is around 37.7 mph (60 km/h) at 3,000 rpm.

Aside from its power, you’ll be seduced by the 310 SS’s sporty performance. Like a powerboat, it offers a low driving position and its cockpit has been placed a little further back. We felt like we were right on the water, something you don’t get on a cruiser. With its generous dimensions, particularly its wide beam, our test model felt quite stable as it smoothly rode the waves. This boat can clearly take it!

The Formula 310 SS is definitely a choice boat for those who like sportiness but want to take longer trips in comfort. The SS line isn’t offered at prices everyone can afford, but Formula certainly gives you a lot for your money.

Review boat provided by: Dubois marine