I remember when Formula Boats debuted its first Crossover Bowrider, the 350 CBR. It was June 27, 2012—I keep my notebooks from boat tests—when we got early access aboard the new 2013 model. I tested the boat myself, lauding its performance and the innovation of creating a 35-foot open-bowed boat, using a side-console format, for its great ride (in 30 years of testing boats, I never ran a Formula that didn’t ride great) and for details, such as plumbing the through-hull fittings under the swim platform to provide a cleaner topsides look. In fact, the boat graced the cover of our February 2013 issue (the base price of our test boat, powered by two 430-hp MerCruiser Bravo Three sterndrives, was $355,780).
Public sentiment was enthusiastic. Boaters are traditionalists, on the whole, though, and so there were the expected naysayers. Social media wasn’t as fervent then, as today, but still Doubting Thomases had their say about “nobody” wanting a boat that big with an open bow and an abbreviated cabin, designed mostly for day use.
Boy, I hope those folks had some good crow recipes because, as we now know, large, fast dayboats have become one of the most popular segments in recreational powerboating. And, Formula Boats was there at the start of the dayboat boom and remains a leader today.
That brings me to the new Formula 360 CBR which is launching as a 2026 model year boat now. This is Formula Designer Michael Young’s first opportunity to direct creation, the torch having been passed from the estimable long-time designer, John Adams.
The 360 CBR sports a rakish new, yet familiar Formula profile, with a FAS3Tech ventilated stepped hull, reimagined forward-head CBR cabin layout and improved single-level cockpit floorplan. With its performance heritage and proven FAS3Tech bottom coupled with impressive power from twin 380- to twin 520- horsepower with sterndrive offerings from MerCruiser or Mercury Racing, or Ilmor (with an outboard version in the works), this boat will prove itself as a future benchmark in the Formula line.
We’ve already got our test team and video crew scheduled to bring you a full report about this latest Formula Crossover Bowrider. Look for that on-water coverage coming soon. Until then, enjoy this photo gallery of the new 360 CBR.
