This is one high-performance sportboat that has plenty of luxury, too.
When it comes to combining the excitement and speed of a true high-performance boat and the comfort and luxury of a family cruiser, no one does it better than Formula. As proof of that, you need look no further than the new 400 Super Sport.
As with all Formulas, there is an undeniable emphasis on speed. No wimpy standard engines here. The base motors are twin 425-hp MerCruiser V-8 Bravo Three stern drives, with twin 525-hp HP525s available from Mercury Racing. Twin 370-hp Volvo Penta diesels are also available for those more interested in fuel economy and range.
Handling all that horsepower is the job of Formula’s proven FAS[3]Tech stepped hull form, which features 22 degrees of aft deadrise for superb rough-water handling. A beefy, foam-filled, internal grid and a bonded and through-bolted hull-to-deck joint ensure that the 400 can endure whatever the sea throws at her.
But this boat isn’t just about speed. There’s plenty of stretch-out room inside, since Formula wisely chose to outfit her with just one stateroom, an athwartships midcabin. The large V-shape dinette area all the way forward can convert into a big berth for occasional guests or younger family members. Between the two and to port is an expansive galley with a stacked stainless steel refrigerator and separate freezer. The entire interior is finished off in sparkling, well-crafted, high-gloss American cherry for a truly upscale look.
Of course, on the 400, the real fun is to be had outside. A standard bimini top shades most of the bridge deck, but the hot setup is the optional hardtop with Bomar gullwing hatches (shown here). A molded-in wet bar to port features a Corian countertop and dual-voltage ‘fridge. Directly to starboard, a large U-shape settee with an adjustable-height table provides plenty of room for either sunbathing or alfresco dining. More lounging is available on the expandable aft sunpad. And when it’s time for a dip, you’ll be able to access the integral swim platform via a Star Trek-y pneumatic-assist transom door.
All Formulas are designed with the enthusiast in mind, and the 400 is no exception. At the helm you’ll find standard Livorsi instruments with chrome bezels, Livorsi chrome shifters/throttles with integrated trim switches, and a sporty Dino wheel connected to standard power-assisted steering. Standard electronics include a Garmin GPS/chartplotter, Raymarine ST60 digital depthsounder, and iPod/MP3 port. There are no fewer than 12 polished stainless steels drinkholders strategically arrayed around the exterior.
If you have a need for speed and a taste for luxury, the 400 is your boat.