By: Scott Way
The rumours are indeed true as Formula Boats has announced the 380 Super Sport Crossover (SSC) will be available with Mercury's new 600 hp V12 Verado outboards. This latest collaboration between Formula and Mercury comes as a fitting choice for both parties as they recently paired up on the larger 500 SSC to rave reviews. The 380 SSC now joins the larger 500 SSC by offering a dual engine configuration packing 1200 horsepower.
Model testing for the new configuration will take place in South Florida in mid-August before heading to the Bahamas for further marketing events.
According to Wayne Porter, the VP of sales for the legendary company, “The Formula 380 SSC is currently offered in both twin stern drive and triple outboard power. With the 380 SSC retail customers choosing outboards over 50% of the time, the Mercury V12 600 HP option will be enthusiastically received expanding further the Mercury outboard take rate. The twin 600 HP version will excite any customer with 60 mph Formula performance fun. The new twin offering will not only reduce the transom by one outboard but will offer the latest in performance and maneuverability technology, reducing service intervals keeping you out on the water. The twin 600 offering also provides the Formula 380 SSC greater swim platform space for more family on water fun.”
The dual engine V12 setup will now serve as the top horsepower option for the 380 SSC, which is also available with triple Mercury 350 or 400 Verados, or triple 400R or 450R Mercury Racing engines. The boat is also available with a twin sterndrive option. Expectations for the 600 Verados are high as they offer reduced drag, better lower unit steering maneuverability (created by the 600's independent lower unit), a highly responsive two-speed transmission, and a "whisper-quiet" sound profile. The SSC series now boasts seven different model options from the 330 CBR to the 500 SSC.
Other standout features in the 380 SSC include it's trademark SmartZone design that maximizes entertainment possibilities. That includes a single level deck to provide full access from bow to stern and a full-width hardtop with top-to-bottom windshield.
The helm boasts triple command seating, single or double RayMarine Axiom+ 12" GPS widescreen displays, SmartCraft VesselView™, intuitive waterproof rocker switches, digital switching with chartplotter control, and blue LED accent lighting. With the twin 600 Verado configuration owners will also get instant response from electronic shift and throttle, Mercury® Joystick Piloting w/Active Trim, and a leather-wrapped stainless tilt steering wheel.
Two aft lounges and a complete outdoor kitchen maximize the back section, and a Rockford Fosgate® stereo with USB port, Bluetooth®, and 10 JL Audio® blue LED lighted chrome-finished speakers keep the party going. A convertible rear-facing sun lounge and oversized swim platform at the stern can also include an entertainment table or sport rail. Below deck is a full galley, convertible dinette/sleeping berth, a complete head compartment, and an aft stateroom bed.
In typical Formula fashion the 380 SSC packs trusted performance like the iconic FASTech® multi-step hull with molded structural grid and 21-degree deadrise.
You can check out interior layout and design of the standard 380 SSC with triple Mercury engines in the video below:
