Formula just launched its new flagship, the 500 Super Sport Crossover, and it’s powered by four of Mercury’s new V12, 600-hp Verado outboards. Formula was one of Mercury’s partners in the introduction of the giant outboards at Mercury’s famed testing facility at Lake X in Florida.
The new luxurious Formula takes advantage of the new 7.6 liter outboards by enlarging its swim platform so it becomes both a social and a watersports center. On the new Mercs, only the underwater gearcase moves to steer the boat; the powerhead remains stable. That means you can mount several of them closer together, giving boat designers more room aft to play with.
John Adams, Formula’s long-time and multi-talented designer, took advantage of that space, so now the swim platform becomes part of the aft cockpit of the boat. And it’s clean; there are no outboard rigging lines to trip on or step around.
The new Formula has the company’s legendary deep-V hull, with a 19-degree deadrise at the transom. With the four Mercs producing a total of 2,400 horsepower, the Formula tops out at about 70 mph, or 60 knots; it has a range of 322 miles at 47.9 mph. It’s also agile. The new Mercs move through a wider arc than what is possible on previous outboards, so the turns are sharper and maneuvering more exact. A Mercury joystick is at the helm.
The Formula is made for both offshore performance and entertaining and easy living on board. Various social zones are located from stem to stern. A full lounge is forward, providing room for a private space or a party. The salon is protected by a hardtop (with a full-width motorized sunroof), and it has a glass bulkhead aft that, with the press of a button, can be fully opened or closed.
The helm console, with three adjustable seats and powered footrests, faces twin Raymarine Axiom 24-inch chartplotters, a 48-inch Raymarine radar, and a FLIR thermal camera. On the port side, there’s a L-shaped nook with a fold-out Corian dining table and two barstools; an ice maker and wine cooler are built in. To starboard, a 65-inch TV lifts up from the galley counter. Twin lounge areas are aft.
Below, a complete galley is at the base of the stairs. A large convertible U-shaped lounge is forward. The master stateroom, with a queen-size bed, a sofa and an entertainment suite, is aft. There’s a full 6’ 7” of headroom in the cabin. The head, and its shower, are large.
Specs.: LOA: 53’4”; Beam: 14’6”; Draft: 4’3”; Disp: 43,400 lbs.; Fuel: 650 gals.; Water: 100 gals.; Power: 4×600-hp Mercury Verado outboards. Read more:
