

Jan 29
Updated: 2 hours ago
Formula is redefining the future of dayboating with the launch of the 360 Crossover Bowrider.
The longstanding Decatur, Indiana company has released its latest evolution in the Crossover Bowrider lineup with the the all-new 360 CBR, a 36-foot dayboat blending Formula's signature details -- performance, luxury, and versatility in a next-generation design.
The original 350 CBR concept was first introduced in 2013 and has been a signature design in the Formula lineup since its debut.
Built on the well-known stepped FAS3Tech hull and featuring a sleek glass-sunroof hardtop, the 360 CBR is the first design to reflect the vision of Formula designer Michael Young, a protégé of renowned designer John Adams.
Young told BoatBlurb, "I've been training with John Adams, the creative mind that has built Formula boats to what it is now. He and I first worked closely together on his vision for the 387 center console, then he looked over my shoulder as I designed the 457 its bigger brother. Now with this all new 360 he took a fully hands off approach while still being accessible for any guidance and answers to any questions I had for him. This has been really my first opportunity to begin to carve out and define what is the look of Formula's sport boat line moving forward."
"The 360 CBR is an exciting project for us, not only in that this is our new designer Michael's first crack at helming design and development from the genesis, but also in that it's our first 're-do' in the Crossover Bowrider line," said Formula marketing manager Scott Smith. "You'll see that there are reflections of the new CBR's and Super Sport Crossovers that came later, and it is a fitting successor to the original, the 350 Crossover Bowrider that set the dayboat world on its ear, what... 13 years ago? Hard to believe, but we are jumping feet first into the future and are confident that the 360 CBR will be as big, or a bigger, hit."
The new design will carry an LOA of 36'0" (38'6" with extended swim platform) and a 11'3" beam. She will carry a fuel tank for 200-275 gallons (760-1040 Liters) depending on power setup. There is also a 36 gal (136 L) freshwater capacity and a 36 gal (136 L) holding tank.
The 360 CBR keeps Formula’s classic open-bow design with a flush, single-level cockpit and a true stand-up cabin. The helm includes a unique triple sit/stand/lean seating configuration with a dash equipped with Raymarine Axiom +12 chartplotters (dual available) or optional Axiom 2 XL 16" dual screens. Owners will have the choice between Mercury DTS with SmartCraft VesselView Joystick Piloting or Ilmor One-Touch PRO joystick control with MERLIN display.
"I have a background in supercar and race car design, so I have been very excited to bring what I have learned about form and shape into the world of boats and blend them together," said Young. "I was most recently head designer and stylist of the Glickenhaus hypercar program at Lemans. When designing the exterior of a performance car, it is all about using form to suggest the function and power of the car within, all while creating a dynamic forward moving feel. If it is a bull it should be leaning forward ready to charge. If it is a fish it should look like its going to leap out of the water. We use terms like "gesture" to suggest the movement of the form - where the visual weight of the design is leading, and how all lines work together under that vision."
Some of the 360 BR's standout tech features include dual inductive phone chargers, digital switching via the chartplotter, and a Rockford Fosgate dash-mounted stereo remote connected to a premium sound system -- twelve 6½ʺ JL Audio multi-color LED lighted speakers, a 600W amplifier, and a 200W lighted subwoofer. An optional 16,000 BTU cockpit air conditioning system is also available.
Power options will include MerCruiser or Ilmor sterndrives from 380 to 520 hp, as well as upcoming outboard packages set to debut at the 2025 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show -- Mercury Verado twin 7.6L V12 600s, or triple 4.6L 300 engines, triple 5.7L V10 350 engines, or triple 400 engines.
The cockpit features typical Formula flexibility with contoured seating, upscale stitching, and bold color accents. A U-shaped starboard lounge incorporates a Yeti Tundra 35 cooler beneath. Two dual-height Corian tables allow for easy conversion between dining and lounging. The portside wetbar includes a Corian countertop, stainless-front refrigerator, and trash container. Optional upgrades include a 120V integrated cockpit grill and a 24ʺ LED/LCD Smart HDTV.
"At the dash, I am excited on this boat to have harkened to some of the excitement and performance feel that has existed at our FAS3Tech helms" Young told BoatBlurb. "If you picture the helm of a two seat go-fast boat slicing through the water, both occupants have a pretty exciting and involved piece of the action. On this new 360, the large sweeping touch screen monitors and ample controls at the helm extend, in a way, all the way across the boat, so that everyone up at the dash has that feeling of involvement in the action. Clean black Corian from the dash, and a continuous brow shape extend from the starboard all the way over to the port to bring everyone together."
At the stern, a convertible sun lounge with multiple backrest positions overlooks an oversize swim platform. An extended watersport platform with four drink holders and a motorized swim seat/step is also available for sterndrive configurations. Storage compartments are located throughout the boat, including deep storage under the aft lounge featuring two standard fenders, an accessory outlet, and an available 12V inflator. Both the cockpit and swim platform can each be finished with optional reFlex decking, or platform only with PlasDECK woodgrain vinyl decking
The hardtop includes a powered glass sunroof and can be enhanced with an optional motorized SureShade canopy. Forward, the walkthrough windshield leads to a roomy bow lounge that wraps 330º and seats up to seven passengers. Dual-height tables, standard filler cushions, and a molded-in cooler support both sunbathing and entertaining.
"A lot of thought went into what the character of the Formula sport boat line should be moving forward," said Young.
"We have a strong heritage in performance speed boating. Our FAS3Tech line and race boats enabled us to develop a trademark hull shape and high performance qualities that we now carry with us and bring into all of our boats. Simply put, we make boats that are fun to drive, no tall cabin cruisers plowing the water here. I really wanted to carry that character and heritage through into this boat, but bring some ingenuity to the amenities in the deck and cabin. Many layers of prototypes and mockups were used to refine, and refine again our cabin and deck as I worked with our entire team to clarify the final vision."
Below deck, the 360 CBR features a woodgrain floor and 6ʹ2ʺ headroom. The starboard lounge includes custom décor pillows and a cedar-lined hanging locker. The galley features a stainless-front refrigerator, microwave, Keurig coffee maker, and Corian countertop. An additional optional galley unit includes wine storage, sink, and a lower cabinet. A Rockford Fosgate AM/FM/Bluetooth stereo with full color display, phone/USB docking port, two 6 ½ʺ speakers and USB-A/USB-C charging port are to starboard. A standout feature is the transverse-oriented private head compartment with a molded vanity, Corian countertop, Vacuflush toilet, custom sink, full shower, and ample storage. A full-size double berth with a Sensus memory foam mattress (with optional linens and 24ʺ Smart HDTV) is tucked aft, providing a true overnight solution without the need to convert lounge seating.
A 7.5 kW generator is available for those requiring AC power away from the dock, and optional underwater LED lighting can sync with the audio system.
"The whole team at Formula has done an incredible job crafting this boat, engineering the performance stepped hull, the fully composite grid structure within, and the many quality elements and accents across the boat. I can't wait for it to be experienced on the water," said Young.