Formula 457 CCS

Wait! Don’t turn the page without seeing what is right in front of you.

Sure, you’re thinking it’s just another center console. But wait — there is so much more to the new Formula 457 CCS than meets the eye.

What’s in a name

First, CCS stands for “Center Console Sport” — and there will be a fishing version out soon with a tower, more rod holders, etc. — but the CCS is very capable of chasing, wetting and landing fish in its own right. Don’t dismiss the “Sport” title. In fact, maybe it should say “Sporty,” because this is one mean running boat that handles like a sports car and can make the speed to dodge weather or get to the sandbar first.
Press on

Bolted onto the transom are triple Mercury V-12 600-hp engines and, boy, are they impressive. Our test day had crappy weather, but we had to run the sea trial as the boat was headed to a show. My Formula wheelman, Vic Spellberg, deftly maneuvered us out from between two other yachts to head into the snotty chop. Also along for the ride was Abe Haines, product specialist for Formula Boats, ready to answer the multitude of questions I had.

The cool thing about the humongous Mercury outboards is that the engines themselves do not move; it’s only the lower drive unit that pivots and gives direction. That means no more strewn cables and gear across the transom. A boat builder can also use that space where the engines used to swing as platform space or to extend the aft deck area. Formula uses the saved space and created wider side platforms that run alongside the engines. It’s a larger` platform for those entering/exiting the water and gives more access around the engines for maintenance. The starboard side has a power swim seat that lowers into the water to assist in exiting the water or to sit and relax.

Spellberg put the 457 CCS through the paces, running at varying RPMs while I noted the speed and fuel burn. I’m telling you that in a 2-3 foot chop with 20-knot wind, we experienced speed at wide-open breaking the 60 mph mark. More impressive was that the boat was as steady as a rock — no pitching, chine walking, porpoising, just a better than expected smooth and safe ride over the cap tops. Even at 4500 RPM, we saw 42 mph — a comfortable cut of speed.

Control central

Protecting the helm is a three-sided enclosure, ensuring the triple Raymarine 22-inch multifunction displays and other electronics don’t take a bath. The dash is essentially a “glass helm,” as the displays can run and switch just about everything onboard. Back-lit push buttons are below the displays, and extra electronics are mounted in the overhead console. Everything is within arm’s reach. And on those fabulous weather days, open up the forward windshield. The big single pane is attached by two beefy actuators that hold that glass in place even when running at low speeds, great for a breeze at the helm.

Complementing the helm are three individual bucket seats, with armrests and bolsters. A second row of triple seats allows the guests to enjoy the ride in comfort. Note that each seat has a cellphone charger and USB port, keeping your devices secure and charged when running. Air conditioning is standard in the first row of helm seating and optional for the second row/galley seats. Don’t worry about being steady, as grabrails are everywhere on the 457 CCS.

Ride on

You’ll like the open bow area. From the full walk-around decks you can access the bow, complete with U-shaped bench seating, thick coaming and backrests. Sit facing each other or stretch out those legs. Each side has a compartment for phone charging, stereo controls and cupholders. You can count them but I’m told there are 36 cup holders, 24 phone chargers and USB ports and speakers tucked into every corner. From the deck you can raise the table to make a larger sunpad area or go all the way up for dining.

In front of the console is an interesting seat. At first glance you see an oversized sun lounger (not a flat pad but like a chair). Reach in the center and the seat divider pulls down, offering an armrest and cup storage. There’s also a window behind it, the skylight for the cabin. In front is a pull-down bench seat; this is a fun location when cruising and taking in the sights.

Creature comforts

From the portside of the console is access to the cabin, and not just a tiny cube either — it boasts 6 feet, 6 inches of headroom. There’s a U-shaped dinette forward with a hi-low table that converts into a double berth (filler cushions are in a secret drawer forward). Add in a microwave, fridge, sink, drawers and cabinets and you have a bona fide overnighter. Aft is a head with sink and separate shower. There’s a large skylight and a 43-inch TV. One thing about the 457 CCS is that there is storage everywhere. Inside and outside, up and down, everything has a place. This results in clear decks, essentials tucked in place and nothing flying away.

Let’s not forget about the cockpit, with the transom bench seat that covers a two-compartment cooler with optional chiller plates, or the power-out cooler at the base of the console that can hold almost 200 cans of your favorite beverages. The cooler can also act as additional seating.

There are port and starboard boarding gates with fold-down steps for boarding ease. The exterior of the transom has a SEABOB garage (you can have it painted the same color as the boat) and there’s a grill for cooking up the catch with a tray table that holds the grilling utensils.

There’s more to the Formula 457 CCS that you need to see. Get on one and be impressed.