Formula Boats Introducing New Center Console Boats at FLIBS 2023
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Formula will be introducing two new models at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show this week. To be clear, detailed models of the 457 Center Console Fish and 457 Center Console Sport will be on hand while top management describes the mission, design and details of the new boats. This occurs Wednesday, October 25, 2023, 1 PM on H Dock at the Bahia Mar marina part of the show.
The actual boats are slated to hit the water at the Miami International Boat Show, in February 2024.
Last summer, while visiting Formula’s HQ in Decatur, Indiana, I was given a preview of the new boats, and tour of the plugs and preliminary mockups of the boat. The embedded video shows a little bit of the time, work, creativity and craftsmanship that goes into creating a new model from an idea.
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The 457 CCF and 457 CCS come in the wake of the success of the 387 CCF and 387 CCS which Formula debuted last year, and which I ran, side-by-side, from Florida to the Bahamas to test.
Like all Formula Boats, these new models are designed by John Adams, a man who draws sweet lines and hulls that ride smooth, fast and offer no surprises.
What follows is the press release for the new 457 Center Consoles. Look for our test reports sometime in early 2024.
The Formula 457 Center Console will be your offshore adventure destination! Coming soon to the Miami International Boat Show, the 457 Center Console Fish and Sport models will again push the boundaries of design, engineering and construction in the offshore center console world, celebrating the finish and amenities of Formula’s renewed entry into the CC market.
The center console world – media, builders, and consumers alike – were stunned and impressed by Formula’s recent introduction of the 387 Center Console Fish and Sport models, executing the ultimate in performance, ergonomics and amenities in the center console market.
At 45’7” LOA with a 13’9” beam, and powered by triple Mercury 600 Verados, the Formula 457 will impress all comers. Formula’s exclusive designer John Adams, joined by designer Michael Young, has delivered yet another new platform in the center console world which embodies the evocative yet instantly recognizable Formula masterpiece of form and function, while opening new vistas for established Formula boaters.
The aggressive yet reliable 22° deadrise FAS3TECH hull anchors the handling of this Formula-bred offshore performer. Sure-footed, solid and dependable, the 457 will confidently carry you to offshore fishing grounds or distant ports of call. The robust hardtop safeguards from blazing sun and torrential downpours yet melds into an organic synthesis of the hull and deck. Accented with multicolored LED lighting, center ladder and access hatch, the hardtop features a compound curved windshield with power-opening forward glass and washer/wiper combo that will protect you on canyon runs. Custom-designed triple helm seats feature folding armrests and electrically adjustable seats.
The captain and crew enjoy a standard 18,000 BTU air conditioning system plus an impressive electronics suite, including twin 22” Raymarine or Garmin widescreen color chartplotters, triple displays available, with depth sounder and available CHIRP transducer, Mercury DTS w/7″ SmartCraft® VesselView®, Mercury Joystick Piloting and Bennett trim tab system. A trove of upgrade configurations and offerings such as radar and FLIR options are available, and everyone will enjoy the Rockford Fosgate stereo with JL Audio speakers, along with 13 dual USB charging ports, 9 wireless charging mounts, and up to 42 drink and rod/drink holders throughout.
Just aft of the helm, the 457 offers second-row seating, either an expansive bench standard or triple helm seats with armrests, with a supplemental 18,000 BTU air conditioning option for extra companion comfort. The impressive mid station brings a trove of innovations for the CCF and CCS. Both feature a full Corian countertop and molded sink with removable cover that flips to a cutting board for bait rigging or refreshments. Below, the Plano® tackle box station and supply storage drawers organize tackle and gear in the CCF, or is cleverly reconfigured as a beverage center in the CCS for protecting glassware, beverage items and entertainment supplies. The CCS features an expansive, two-tiered galley with eight cupholders, hideaway flip- down panel with 120V GFCI outlet and available HDMI and coax connections, removable hardtop service ladder and full-width upper rail with available TV and mount. The CCF rigging station/wetbar features an aft- facing slide-away mezzanine bench, deeper drawer storage and dedicated fishing locker to port. On both the CCF and CCS, a large cooler with reFLEX decking powers out of the aft below the drawer storage, keeping your beverages cold and providing extra seating or leg rests. Both the models provide a standard stainless cockpit fridge to chill refreshments, plus trash container, fire extinguisher/paper towel locker to starboard and in-floor storage with YETI buckets to keep it all stowed yet within easy reach. If outdoor cooking is your choice, a 120V Kenyon electric grill can complete your aft entertainment zone.
The open bow features dual forward-facing sun lounges with outer armrests, a center flip-down armrest with drink holders and insulated storage below. Wrap-around bow seating includes removable cushions and fiberglass seat lids with storage below, a removeable center seat, two tip-out trash cans, plus a power adjustable table for snacks or meals, convertible to a sun lounge with filler cushion. An additional bench seat folds out from the sun lounges for dining in the round. Sidewall and cockpit deck storage abounds, and starboard washdown pumps and hoses are at the ready to keep up with the action.
The Center Console Fish is a superb battlewagon born to conquer the canyons. With dual 50-gallon, pressurized live wells aft, port and starboard fish boxes with macerators and available freezer plates, and premium GEMLUX® outriggers, this CCF is built to score your trophies! At the transom wall, the roomy, double-wide flip-down bench seat offers another place to sit and enjoy the adventure, and both port and starboard side doors plus starboard transom door allow for easy catch access or water activities.
Choose to add an upper helm station on the CCF if you wish to boost your angling game! Equipped with its own Mercury DTS and joystick JPO controls, a 7” Mercury VesselView display, 19” Garmin or Raymarine widescreen color chartplotter, and handsome yet sturdy stainless steel steering wheel with knob, you have all control from above. Portable devices remain powered up with a dual USB port and wireless charging mount, and an overhead Rockford Fosgate remote controls two 6 ½” speakers powered by a 200W amp to keep the ambiance while you’re on the hunt. Practical and comfortable, twin helm stations with pedestal seating give solid command while forward, the side-by-side reclining lounge with cupholders offers a comfortable space while scouting for birds and weed lines. The padded, full-width leaning post aft gives sure support, while a row of seven stainless-steel rod holders keep your rigs at the ready.
For those who prefer center console style with more of an emphasis on fun and entertaining, the 387 Center Console Sport offers the ultimate statement in crowd appeal. With the aft cockpit centered on good times, the expansive ergonomic lounge with armrests, cupholders and insulated cooler below with available freezer plates faces the galley for sharing and connecting. The available twin Corian aft cockpit tables with cupholders and dedicated storage, also available on the CCF, adds space for easy entertaining. The port and starboard transom and side doors, plus the roomier swim platform, trunk storage and available SEABOB, make for in-water fun for all. Let your imagination soar with color and graphic possibilities inside and out.
You will know you’re aboard a Formula when you experience the 457 Center Console cabin. Entering through the portside console door, three Corian steps lead down to woodgrain-finish flooring and 6’6″ headroom.
Enjoy the CCS Ultraleather or CCF Pro Series Sunbrella interior canvas for the U-shaped lounge/double berth with dual-height wood dining table and filler cushion, 32″ LED/LCD HDTV, galley in open-grain or high-gloss finish cabinetry with Corian countertop, concealed custom-molded sink with cover, stainless pull-out fridge and microwave, abundant storage, 8,000 BTU air conditioning and two opening portlights. A molded private head compartment with portlight, pressurized fresh water, open-grain or high-gloss finish vanity with Corian countertop, custom molded vessel sink, upper and lower cabinet storage, separate stall shower and Vacuflush head make for easy all-day and overnight adventure!
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