Southern Boating enjoyed a beautiful day on Formula’s latest model in the Super Sport Crossover (SSC) series, a 50-foot powerhouse that provides a private escape pod for family and friends.
The Formula 500 SSC (53’ 4” LOA, 14’ 6” beam) is more than your typical bow rider. This one can take you beyond local boundaries with an open living area that starts at the swim platform and carries up to the bow with accommodations below along with all the amenities and entertainment space necessary for an incredible day on the water with family and friends.
Formula’s SmartZone concept offers separate social areas for a variety of activities, yet allows uninterrupted connection on one level, especially when the salon sliding door and galley counter window opens to the cockpit. The U-shaped galley features Corian countertops, a high-capacity, dual-drawer stainless Vitrifrigo pullout fridge, two-burner range, convection microwave, sink, and plenty of drawers for storage, including a pull-out beverage center to the port side.
There’s plenty of seating with the L-shaped settee in the salon, a U-shaped lounge with stationary Corian table in the cockpit to port and L-shaped seating to starboard. The port lounge continues to the swim platform with a backrest that flips to allow an aft-facing sunpad. In the bow, wraparound seating with a telescoping table from the floor that can position into a sunpad or set as a table.
Accommodations belowdecks is accessible from the sliding door next to the helm. A forward U-shaped lounge has a Corian table that, with a flip of the switch, lowers to become a comfortable berth. The aft area is a cozy retreat with a queen-size bed with an upholstered headboard and a sofa. A well-appointed galley to port and enclosed head with separate shower to starboard separate the two zones, not to mention a dedicated wine storage cabinet and abundant storage areas.
Throughout the boat, there are numerous 120V outlets, USB charging ports, inductive charging stations, and plenty of JL Audio speakers, 16 to be exact, powered by the Rockford Fosgate AM/FM stereo system with Bluetooth and USB port. Multi-colored lighting throughout, including underwater lights, really set the mood. Yes, there is air-conditioning to keep it cool.
The 500 SSC was designed for the new Mercury V12 600-hp Verado outboards that have two-speed transmission and an innovative steerable gearcase. The engines are so quiet, we were able to carry on conversation with all the windows open, even when we reached 60 mph. Formula’s new flagship, with the FAS3Tech multi-step hull, was quick and extremely stable and the wide beam made us feel comfortable and safe. It really was a beautiful ride on a beautiful day.
A full review of the Formula 500 SSC is forthcoming in Southern Boating
