The perfect formula

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The 310SS sporty lines are well balanced by the solid hull and speedy uptake, as driven by Formula dealer, Chris Macky. (Dmitry Dolzhanskiy/ITP)

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Simple dash. (Dmitry Dolzhanskiy/ITP)

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Livorsi throttles and shifts. (Dmitry Dolzhanskiy/ITP)

Straight out of Formula's new 2008 range, the 310 Sun Sport brings the same Imron graphics and sense of speed that made the FasTECH such an eye-catcher. Certainly, for those looking for a compact day sportsboat, with all the amenities of a larger cruiser, this model is a perfect solution to consider.

Lying at the dock it is hard for the contrasting hull and stripe graphics not to draw attention, emphasising the flat sheer and forward leaning styling that gives the indication of a boat that likes to speed. Eschewing a step for a more solid ride, the purposeful chines follow the rubbing strake in emphasising the 9.45-metre length, from its rather blunt stem to the small teak bathing platform aft.

Stretching a leg up to step over the low, firm guardrail, the foredeck is broken only by two white-tinted hatches for the small cubby below, and the recessed anchor locker hatch, which opens to reveal a well laid out electric anchor winch and chain locker, feeding the through-prow roller for the polished stainless Bruce anchor. Having untied the bow line and pushed down the flush-mounted pop-up cleat (standard on all quarters), stepping back through the windscreen hatch and down into the cockpit is aided by small and grippy steps moulded into the dash console, with a polished grabrail to aid balance at sea.

Passing through the carpeted deck area to the stern, a teak platform provides an adequate space to stand and guide the boat as she leaves the dock, retrieve and store fenders under a transom seat and prepare any watersport toys. A solid chrome tow rail is set low on the transom and a further locker in the transom can hold towing lines or toys. While the two-step walk-through to the cockpit is on the port side, the transom holds an innovative rear-facing two-person seat, which allows observation of anyone being towed, though safety must be considered if underway at speed or in bumpy weather as to seating securely. However, for a more relaxed time, this seat turns into a small sunpad.

The cockpit is set up with a J-shaped lounge aft, a starboard-facing bench to port by the helm and a twin-seated helm position, giving easy seating for ten guests. A wet bar, basin and space for a large cool box is set into a console under the solid bimini arch to port, a good position for serving those seated in the aft area, especially when the table (stored under one of the benches) is erected.

Storage is to be found under the benches, with all seats using Formula's double-hinged technique so that the seats will stay put when delving under them. A space in the insole provides room for a 4kW generator to power the air-conditioning and microwave, while under the forward bench, an extra deep locker also has space for dive cylinders, placing the weight low in the boat so as not to disturb its balance.

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