Inside SOTW Mag: Formula’s Outboard Focus

Since embarking on a shift toward the outboard engine market almost five years ago, Formula Boats in Decatur, Ind., has made tremendous strides with the transition. That’s not to say you can’t get a twin sterndrive- powered Formula—far from it, really—but the 65-year- old company now offers both outboard and inboard power choices in practically every boat in its vast lineup. At least the ones longer than 30 feet.

Adapting to increased consumer demand for outboard power, Formula Boats has reinvented almost every model in its wide-ranging lineup of boats. Photo courtesy/copyright Formula Boats.

What started when the company introduced its first quad Mercury Marine Verado 350 outboard engine-powered 430 Super Sport Crossover model in late 2016, grew the next year to include Formula’s popular 350 CBR, 330 CBR and 310 Bowrider recreational sportboats. And since then, in only a few years, everything from the company’s Sun Sport, Super Sport Crossover and All Sport Crossover lineups has been adapted for outboard engines from Mercury Marine as well as Mercury Racing.

In fact, at the end of 2020, Formula announced its newest flagship—the five-engine 500 Super Sport Crossover, an impressive model that offers amenities and entertaining space unheard of in its class.

In 2017, Wayne Porter, the vice president of sales for Formula Boats, was clear that the company was all about the outboard evolution.

To enjoy the complete feature on Formula’s outboard engine power shift, subscribe to Speed On The Water digital magazine.