cruisers yachts vs formula

• Oct 1, 2020

Inside Formula Boats- Past, Present, and 2021 Preview

Formula Boats has a staunch reputation for performance and quality built over six and a half decades, and that perception isn't going anywhere. Their history speaks for itself , and with their continued ability to build upon their legacy they an ardent fanbase full of lifetime Formula owners.

Even from the pre-Formula days with Thunderbird Boats (which is a story unto itself), to their enduring position as industry stalwarts, suffice to say, Formula knows what they're doing. T hey reside firmly among the leaders in boating with respect to product quality and reputation. This puts them in a position of being, through some welcome fault of their own, partially responsible for identifying trends to advance the industry. As it stands, 2021 will show their keen eye for consumer needs is still sharp. While companies continue to ride waves of uncertainty cresting throughout 2020, Formula has taken their famously strong hulls and hunkered down to orchestrate enticing new offerings for 2021. The new year will see them continue to reshape the parameters of the growing outboard-powered market beyond the conventional wisdom, and Formula fans will undoubtedly be pleased.

The 380 Super Sport Crossover (SSC), which Formula has teased for months through public testing and a media release, is ready to go. As one might expect, the new model synergizes several classic design features that make a Formula... a Formula. The construction incorporates features of the classic FASTech multi-step hull and a molded structural grid which, based on testing feedback, gives the balanced ride that Formulas are renowned for. The boat also presents as a full-cabin open-bow dayboat, which adds to the growing trend within Formula to amalgamate full-length deck space with a full cabin below deck. The Crossover series, which also includes the 330, 350, 400, and 430, has been Formula's cornerstone in recent years, and their ability to harmonize the multiple features that boaters desire has been the key to its success. The new Crossovers embody high performance, quality, a smooth ride, and the functionality of being a dayboat or an overnighter.

As the company reaches the halfway point of its sixth decade, we interviewed marketing Manager Scott Smith to discuss the evolution of Formula boats from Thunderbird to present day. We talked about what's in development for 2021, and what the future will hold for the legendary brand.

So Scott, 2021 will mark the 65th anniversary of Formula. That's a big moment for a legendary brand. Are there plans to build something special to celebrate the anniversary?

We’re not building any special 65th anniversary edition boats outright, but it’s funny, these 5 year anniversaries seem to come closer and closer (laughs). We’ve got a logo we’ll be releasing soon, and some gear as well. We’ll certainly remind people that we’ve been around for 65 years. We still feel young. I can’t go into details, but I can tell you we’ve got a big product coming out this year that will be memorable. It’s not specifically tied to the 65th anniversary, but that’s all I can say for now (laughs). You should see it by the Miami Boat Show.

(Naturally, this got my hopes up for a return of the legendary FASTech performance line. With the recent trend of heritage revivals among classic brands, I thought Formula might be following suit. I didn't get my wish, but I did get some good news.)

You're getting my hopes up! But I heard the FASTech performance line has been discontinued. Is that true?

We’re not promoting it, it’s not on our website or catalog. But we still have the moulds. Every time I walk out in the factory, there’s a 382 or a 353 running down the line. We’re to the point where, while they’re great boats, that segment isn’t what it was. It was probably 30% of our business when I started in 1988. I was 25 when I started in the mould room, back then it was lots of runabouts, lots of performance boats, and (at that time) the runabouts were still the skinny performance style boats. Its slowly shifted, and its become a burden redesigning and updating them (the performance hulls). But if someone opens up their cheque book (laughs), we’ll build them one. Every time I go out in the plant I look and say “Oh my god, there’s another one!” It’s funny to see how emotionally invested fans are in the whole concept (of heritage brands & classic models). When we said we weren’t promoting the FASTech line anymore the guys with 15-20 year old boats were the ones who were the most upset (laughs).

Formula is known for evolving with consumer needs and developing products in advance of growing trends. You're often ahead of the game. What model types or categories are seeing the biggest growth?

It always surprises me, and I’ve been here for 32 years now, is somehow Formula always has a good grasp on what’s going to be important about the next big step. Back in '95 we were building runabouts, performance boats, cruisers, and then came out with the Sun Sport. We gathered ideas from our dealers and thought about it, and that’s where our concept of the single level dayboat started. Everything from there is a refinement of that concept. That boat really saved our bacon in a recession back then. The Crossovers have done the same thing now.

We go all the way from the 330 up to the 430 in these Crossover boats, with a full cabin underneath a full deck. I think that’s probably due to lifestyle. You don’t see many people do 4-5 day cruises several times a summer like you used to. A lot of these are people escaping to their local dock, their getaway, where they don’t lean so heavily on having to stay overnight, or multiple nights. Our boats certainly lend themselves to it because they all sleep 4 comfortably, but people have a choice if they just want to go out and come back in. On one hand, can hop off the dock and go up to the cottage. One the other hand, they can stay out all day and they have the amenities. You can put the kids down below deck, you’ve got a fully appointed head, you can run the air conditioning for a while. I think that’s reflective of the change where people are working all the time, as sad as it is to say it. But they want to be made available, and these boats lend themselves to it.

One of the evolving trends we're often covering is outboards versus sterndrives, and how that continues to change. What trend are you seeing in outboard vs. sterndrive? What engine choices are you currently offering?

Well obviously to us, but maybe not obviously to everyone, is that for years we were strictly a sterndrive company. As that went along, that morphed into the pod drive for the Cruisers. It's definitely an outboard trending industry now. We know, if you look at the raw number of sterndrives, and the engines companies are producing, you can see those are suffering. And the funny thing about them is volume has gone down, but there’s always going to be a market for them. Because of inland boaters, and the convenience of them, and the cleaning and maintenance. But outboards have really come on strong, and I don’t know if that had a lot to do with the centre console craze, if maybe people got used to that, but there is some convenience and utility to the outboard side of it. On one hand, you have a big outboard hanging off the transom, but on the other hand you’ve got great power to weight ratio, and you also have the ability to isolate that outboard when the boat’s at rest. For coastal people, that’s really important. We're selling more ski boats, Super Sport Crossovers, the Crossover Bowriders, the runabouts, rather than the big Cruisers. Our 45 yacht and our Cruiser segment is becoming a smaller part of our output. And I think that’s a reflection of how people are living their lives these days.

As time goes on consumer needs change. But people always come back to Formula. You have one of the most devoted fanbases I know. What are the things that that keep bringing boaters back?

I think that one of the biggest things is the effort and commitment that we put into quality construction. I think we do things, and it's reflected in the price, but we do things to ensure that our boats are going to be good. Some of the things we do during the construction process you don't see elsewhere.

I remember a certain high performance boat manufacturer that was thinking of getting into the dayboats segment. Initially they called us to request a tour to see how we make our different lines. I got wind of it, and I told them: “Come on in!” Our president Scott Porter took them around. I’ve given a lot of tours in my day, and I know how the boats are built, and I tell people the difference is that anybody can build a boat like this, but almost no one is willing to make the sacrifice in terms of labour, attention to detail, and quality components. I think that’s what differentiates us from other boat companies.

As far as performance, and this is a measured response we take, but the 380 SSC outboard is a great example. That boat we’re saying officially it has a 64-67 mph top end. I’ve been on that boat. It’ll hit 65 mph every day of the week. And its impressive compared to the sterndrive version of the boat, it’s about 15 mph faster. We built a whole new bottom for that boat, a whole new hull, with different running surfaces. We pay a lot of attention to those details to optimize it. The thing is, we could have made it go faster. We know how to do that. But we don’t want to sacrifice the ride and the safety of the boat. We build boats that we want to be high performing, but also safe and stable, and a great ride. And I think a great ride is part of the Formula legacy, and one of the things that’s most important to us.

Formula is known for customizing boats and being open to customer input. Plus we're always hearing about the custom stuff you've done, or can do. So that begs the question: any interesting custom builds recently?

As of 2009, we came out with Formula Flex . Basically we’ve got a library of colors, vinyl, options, you name it, and you can tell us what colors you want, in what order, and what you want the upholstery to look like. We want the boat to be yours. We’ll put different equipment on it too. We basically said, we’ll make the boat you want. Have I seen anything interesting? (laughs). Well, we do a lot of interesting boats. You walk out into the factory and wonder 'what the heck is that?' laughs). I’ve seen European style bow rails go on boats, with the walkthrough at the front. One guy wanted a removable handrail that was more vertical at the side of the boat. I saw it from across the plant (laughs). As far as unique stuff, there’s always something going on. Every time I go out on the factory floor I see something and I’m shocked. It isn’t like its cheap to do it, or easy to do, but that’s our hallmark. We’ll work a little bit harder at it, and help make the boat yours. It can be a real challenge sometimes (laughs), but it sells boats.

The 380 Super Sport Crossover is ready to go. It appears to be an extension of the new Crossover trend, and it's a new size as well. Why should consumers be excited?

The new thing this year is the 380 Super Sport Crossover outboard version. That was kind of backwards, because we went from the old Super Sports, which is the 400 and the 370, those were step-bottom hulls, semi-cruisers I guess you would say. We dropped those along with our FASTech line once we got into the Super Sport Crossover segment. And 10 years ago I’d have said you were crazy if you thought we were going to build a 40 foot bowrider (laughs). But that’s obviously what’s happening. So we’ve done the complete switch, we dropped the 370 and the 400 and we’ve pushed out our lines with the 380. We went to the 430 and started doing that. You can only get a 430 in outboard. You can only get a 400 Super Sport Crossover in outboard. And now you’ve got the 380, which plugged the last gap in the lineup.

I don’t think we’re going to a sterndrive for the 400 or 430 at this point. The outboard version was the big thing for this year. And the performance difference between the two hulls is significant. You’ve got triple 450’s, 1350 horsepower, versus twin 520’s and 1040 horsepower. Plus the difference in weight is also notable. It’s a significant advance for us to do that. I think we’re full up, the only way we can go is outward. As far as technology and engines, with the Mercury 450 R’s , it’s funny how these high performance engines are almost mainstream. The maintenance is easy compared to the past. They’re wonderful 4 stroke motors that have a great mid range power curve. We’re just advancing with the industry.

We've discussed Formula's ability to move in advance of growing customer demand. It seems the Crossover concept has struck a chord with boaters and the lifestyles boaters are living. So why the 380 now?

It was the demand. It’s a natural evolution. Our first day boats were what we considered an open cockpit boat that people could use day to day. That was the 280. Eventually we got a 280 bowrider, then the 280 became the 330. I remember an email that floated around here from Sarah Porter (now Director of Marketing Promotions and daughter of Wayne Porter, VP of Sales), it said: “Are we going to do a bowrider 330 version?” And Wayne's answer was: “No, but here’s the reasons why.” And they made sense at that time. But years later, people are gravitating towards those bigger bow riders. It’s a natural evolution. People are using the boat at their lake cottage. It’s not a cruiser, it’s a lifestyle boat. They’re going out to the restaurant, or to the sandbar, and they're spending the day socializing. So it makes sense, you have more square footage above deck where people are spending their time. Then we had this 350 Super Sport with all this cabin space, but people wanted to see more freedom up above deck. So that’s when we developed the Crossover option for it. We saw it happening with other boat companies. They were making bigger bowriders, but we thought maybe they weren’t doing them right. And that’s when we thought: “If we’re going to do it, it’s gotta have this, this, and this.” And that’s what we did. And then we thought: “Well we have to go back and do a 33 footer, and that’s the 330 CBR.” And of course the rest is history. We did the 430, 400, the 380, and here we are now.

Big things are ahead for Formula with the continued development of the Crossover and SSC lineups. And the 380 SSC is already getting attention. When can consumers get their hands on one?

The 380 SSC that we did the photography on in the Florida Keys, that was actually the fourth boat. The first two were made without the extended swim platform pods on the side. But it was something we recognized as we were building it and were like: “Well, we can modify this and make it more usable.” So the first three boats were sold before the 4th boat went down to Florida. We got it down there, we got the media on the boat. And it was an experience (laughs), because we tested it on Tuesday, and we had a buyer who wanted it Wednesday. So we had to get it across the state and get it delivered before the weekend. We said no problem, we'll sell it. So we're all set to go.

To get the latest on Formula's 2021 offering check out their website or watch the walkthrough for the all-new 380 Super Sport Crossover below:

To find the latest new and used Formula boats for sale nearest you visit BoatDealers.ca .

#news #products #formula #formulaboats

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Formula 37 PC

• By Dennis Caprio
• Updated: October 4, 2007

Formula has stood for high performance and high style since the days of the late Don Aronow. Concessions to demands for luxury, convenience items and interior volume have softened Formula’s recipe, but the new 37 PC remains true to the marquee’s original image.

I cornered a drive on an early 37 PC hull that appeared at the Norwalk, Connecticut, boat show in September. She rested quietly on a face dock, her express bridge and cockpit sealed against the hot sun by a nicely tailored taupe canvas package. Inside, she surprised me, as do most small production express cruisers. They are remarkably large for their length, and years of refining the concept have allowed the builders to pack a quart of boat into a pint of length.

A wholesale increase in overall beam is most responsible for the amount of interior volume in most boats these days. The 37 PC has a beam of 11 feet, 11 inches, which is normal by current standards. Formula’s design team, led by John Adams, found a use for every cubic centimeter. The master stateroom in the bow has two substantial hanging lockers, the door for each lined with a full-length mirror. Under the berth flat is a pair of drawers large enough to stow a week’s worth of clothing. A curtain supplies privacy.

Formula lists the maximum headroom in the saloon at 6 feet, 7 inches-enough for an NBA point guard-but the boat’s exterior belies this dimension. The company disguised the deck’s inevitable jelly bean camber with a rub rail that describes a line from the bow aft to the radar arch, where it dramatically curves downward to the molded swim platform. A break in the deck line inboard of the rub rail and a hand rail at the outboard edge of the sunpad on each side help to fool the mind into believing the boat has a lower profile than she does. Elliptical portlights right below the rub rail, along with the safety rail’s forward-sweeping stanchions, create a strong suggestion of speed.

Back inside the saloon, Formula used the relatively deep sections amidships to best advantage by dropping the cabin sole fairly deep into the hull. Stowage in the galley and under the dinette suffers a bit from the bottom’s inboard angle, but not enough to matter in a boat used primarily for weekend jaunts and day cruises.

Kudos to Formula for resisting the common urge to skimp on quality or details. The buyer gets Corian countertops, a ceramic cooktop, a round stainless-steel sink (a bit too small, but OK for casual use), a microwave, an under-counter refrigerator and an in-counter trash receptacle. There is a choice of deep cherry or natural cherry woodgrain finish on the cabinetry. UltraLeather covers the settee, which converts to a double berth. A favorite detail is sure to be the light inside each cabinet that turns on when the door is opened.

Typical of boats this size, the head is merely adequate if you consider the size of the shower stall after closing the three-panel acrylic door. It’s tight, but acceptable considering the use the space will get. Taken as a whole, the head is as good as you get in a 37-foot express cruiser.

Immediately abaft the saloon, over the forward end of the planing surface, is the after cabin-a settee that converts to a double berth. It has one hanging locker and a few drawers, enough for a weekend cruise. A curtain closes the area for privacy. This cabin is cozy, and its playpen ambience should appeal to young children.

Fun is the main reason for having any boat, but express cruisers seem to excel at good times. There are a lot of express yachts in Long Island Sound, especially around the Norwalk Islands near our offices, because the area offers a wide variety of coves in which boaters can drop the hook and have a swimming, sunning or cocktail party. The Formula 37 PC will be right at home, with 15 polished aluminum drink holders scattered about the bridge deck and cockpit. There’s a wet bar with a sink and fresh water for mixing drinks abaft the portside lounge area, and hors d’oeuvres can be prepared on the StarBoard plastic lids of the stowage cabinets.

Every cavity between the hull and liner goes to stowage, most of which is lined with gelcoated fiberglass. A trunk, reached from the swim platform, opens on gas struts. Inside is stowage dedicated to fenders, the cockpit table and cushions, and other gear.

Our test boat had a pair of 8.1-liter GIDP Volvo gas V-8s coupled to the company’s Duoprop sterndrives. Torque is the name of this game. These big V-8s are the latest from GM and include a coil-over-sparkplug ignition system. Sparks are sharp and powerful because little or no energy gets lost to resistance from long plug leads. Lots of torque, combined with the Duoprop’s efficiency in the water, equals brisk acceleration.

The 37 PC weighs only 16,500 lb. dry, but she felt heavier under way. Steering was light, but response seemed slower than I expected from the steerable thrust of the sterndrives. On the other hand, her directional stability was exemplary. After she leaned into a turn, she held her line without any drama. She’s quiet, too.

Formula can be proud of the 37 PC. The model slots into the market between the 34 and 40, giving buyers a lusty middle ground at a base price of $248,450.

Contact: Formula Boats, (800) 736-7685; www.formulaboats.com .

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Sun cruiser boat features and customizable options.

Once you choose a Formula Sun Sport cruiser boat, you’re in for the time of your life. Formula integrates all the features you like best in a smart, versatile design that’s as practical as it is beautiful – double helm seating, wraparound lounges, entertainment wetbar, convertible aft facing sun lounge and a larger swim platform. Contrasting textures, integrated blue LED lighting and recessed alcoves add interest while stainless railings and drink holders set in eye-catching Corian® all confirm Formula’s position in the forefront of marine design and the Sun Sport as one of the premier sport cruiser boat lines.

Our Graphics bring a powerful edge to your design. With  FormulaFlex™ , accent Imron colors are interchangeable, rewarding those with creative imagination and a perceptive eye. MyWay™ upgrades put you further in the designer’s seat with the full range of Pantone® colors at your fingertips.

In the cockpit, striking dash, wetbar and table gelcoat colors provide a dramatic setting for liquidblack dash panels and upscale  Corian  surfaces throughout the cockpit.  FormulaFlex™  now gives the ability to select upholstery base, accent and piping colors to further communicate your individuality. The latest technology updates keep you connected with multiple USB charging ports and Bluetooth as standard on all models. Also, a stunning blue LED cockpit lighting package is now an option on models 29 feet and above. And for even more fun in the water, a convenient swim seat is now available when you choose the water sport swim platform.

The Formula cabin reflects your inspired flair through personal selections of cabinetry, Corian, flooring and fabric options. This offers you a broad scope of décor possibilities.

New highlights include the new generation 310 BR cockpits. Continuous wraparound seating now features helm and passenger backrests that easily adjust fore and aft for watersport lookouts or all-inclusive conversation.

It’s true – we don’t build for the masses, but we do build for you. You’ll never see another Formula quite like yours. That sets you and your Formula apart, and that’s what makes your Formula boating even more rewarding. Reset. Revive. Refresh. To times forever remembered—the place you love to be.

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All of the cruiser boats you’ll see on the water aren’t equal. That’s why you should insist on buying the best sport cuddy boat available on the market. And that’s what you’ll get when you buy one of the top-rated cuddy cabin boats crafted by Formula Boats – the best.

The cuddy cabin outboard boats Formula produces are thoughtfully constructed with the  highest quality materials  available. A Formula Sport Cruiser Boat guarantees that every day you spend on the water will be unlike any other day. Because we know your lifestyle is as unique as you are, we have several breathtaking, well-appointed sport cuddy boats for you to choose from. Our new cuddy cabin boats are  fully customizable , giving you the opportunity to ensure your sport cruiser truly reflects your personality, individuality and preferences.

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Like you, we’re never content to be like everyone else. That’s why we’ve earned a long-standing reputation for crafting boats that are of the highest quality. Since we opened our doors more than 60 years ago, everyone affiliated with Formula has been committed to excellence, and that tradition continues to this day.

Since 1976, the Porter family has owned and operated Formula Boats exclusively. This makes every boat we craft and every interaction we have with clients personal. It also makes our dedication to excellence grow even stronger every day.

We know that when you’re looking for a cuddy boat for sale, you’re not just looking for a vessel you can take on the water. We know what you’re really doing is preparing to invest in a sun cruiser boat you’ll treasure for years to come.

With that in mind, we’ll work with you to  customize and build  a cuddy boat that reflects who you are. When you own one of our sport cuddy boats, you’ll never want your boat to be at the dock because you’ll want to spend as much time as possible making lasting memories on the water with your family and friends.

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If you’re looking for cabin cuddy boats for sale, your search is over now that you’ve found Formula Boats. We invite you to join the expanding family of boaters who’ve experienced the  difference that only Formula boats can provide . This difference is the direct result of our ongoing commitment to excellence and innovation, our highly skilled custom boat builders and our finely tuned boat designs.

When it comes to your sport cruiser boat, don’t settle for anything less than the best cuddy boat. Make an investment in your personal treasure with a Formula boat and experience the difference that having only the best can make today.

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Sea Ray Vs. Formula

• Thread starter baconbiscut
• Start date Jun 22, 2008

baconbiscut

Petty officer 1st class.

• Jun 22, 2008

I just wanted to bring up the subject. We have a 1986 Formula F-25PC cruiser. I was looking at Sea-Rays from the same era as our Formula and they look very similar I also noticed that the hulls were similar. I was also wondering if Formula and Sea Ray had any ties in the 80's. If you had the choice in purchasing a cruiser which would you pick Formula or Sea Ray.  

Lieutenant Junior Grade

• Jun 23, 2008

Re: Sea Ray Vs. Formula Don Aronow & Vic Porter are the ones responsible for Formula Boats,Whereas in 1986 Sea Ray became part of the Brunswick Corporation which is the largest manufacturer of boats around,owning most boat company's such as - Cabo-boston whaler-lowe-lund-sea pro-maxum-sea ray ect..... Sooo,to answer the original question.....I'd rather have a Formula...Family owned company...smaller line of boats...only one factory producing = greater quality control,not to mention employee pride,Dont get me wrong,i am a huge searay fan, but...Formula is a better boat.  

tashasdaddy

Honorary moderator emeritus.

Re: Sea Ray Vs. Formula totally agree, brunswick owns mercury,mercruiser, and about 30 brands of boats.  

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2023 Formula 387 CCF

• By Alan Jones
• January 11, 2023

For a company that hasn’t built a center-console since the 1980s, Formula will impress anglers with its 387 Center Console Fish (CCF). Its thoughtful design and clever innovations set it apart from the cookie-cutter boats that abound in the center-console genre.

Interior and Accessories

Stepping aboard the 387 CCF at the dock in Miami was easy thanks to the long swim platformettes bracketing both sides of its 2-foot-7-inch-long outboard engine bracket. Another entry point is the portside dive door. The fishing cockpit has 51 square feet of space, and a cockpit gunwale height of 30 inches adds to angler safety and comfort. Toe rails offer extra security when fighting or gaffing fish. Its credentials as a serious fishing machine are quickly revealed with features like twin 40-gallon livewells set into the transom that have both white and red lights (the latter to protect night vision), along with pressurized lids to reduce sloshing, and recirculating pumps mounted in a sea chest to prevent air from entering.

The 387 CCF offers standard 18-foot outriggers, twin in-floor 90-gallon fish boxes (cold plates optional), and an option for four 12-volt DC outlets ($2,265) for electric deep-drop and kite reels. Our test boat had the optional rod-holder package ($4,345) that boosts the number by 12 for a total of 32 holders. The bait rigging station abaft of the helm seats is a marvel of multiuse design. When it’s time to fish and cut bait, the lid on the portside sink can be removed, flipped and inserted into a center slot where it doesn’t slide around. Four tackle-storage drawers keep gear at the ready, and the center one can accommodate five Plano tackle boxes. When it’s time to troll or cruise home, a footrest quickly slides out at the push of a button, and flipping its lid reveals a thickly insulated cooler. A seat bottom pulls out manually and rides atop raised metal rails to prevent marring the Corian countertop. The resulting mezzanine bench seat is a perfect perch 38 inches above the deck to monitor the trolling spread. The 387’s hardtop is the largest in its class, featuring extra-wide sides that throw more shade to those standing in the 24-inch walkways. An artfully concealed, 6-foot-wide SureShade ($15,800) extends aft from the hardtop with one push of a button to bathe the aft cockpit in shade.

At the helm, the skipper drives from the center of three seats and has tremendous visibility thanks to the tall, compound-curved windshield that opens electrically to provide additional airflow and visibility.

Not many center-consoles can boast a cabin with 6 feet, 4 inches of headroom that sleeps two comfortably, as well as a yacht-style head and shower compartment. There’s even a standard 33-inch TV with a built-in Blu-ray player. For light-duty galley work, there’s a microwave and an Isotherm refrigerator. Those taking a break from the heat will appreciate the 8,000 Btu air conditioner powered by an 8.5 kW Fischer Panda Mini 9 diesel generator. Both come standard. For an extra $15,700, owners can add an 18,000 Btu cockpit air conditioner.

For less fishy folk, Formula also offers the 387 Center Console Sport (CCS) model, which maximizes its entertainment quotient with a host of standard creature comforts, like U-seating with recliner seatbacks in the bow, an electronically actuated bow table, and a livewell-less transom. But knowing many owners fall somewhere in between hardcore angler and social butterfly, Formula wisely blends features into both versions, letting the customer build the boat however they choose to achieve their perfect mix. Both models sport a decadently comfortable giant chaise-style lounge for two in front of the center console, which has a cooler beneath.

Our test boat had a trio of Mercury Racing 450R outboards, which gave the 387 CCF plenty of push and a top speed of 61 mph. But that supercharged power comes at a premium price $145,150 higher than the standard package with triple 300 hp Mercury Verado engines. The sweet spot in performance and value converges with the triple Verado 5.7L V-10 400 outboard package, which is only 150 hp less than our test boat but saves $107,910. 

At the 2022 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Formula floated its 387 CCS version with twin Mercury V-12 600 hp outboards, which listed for $37,030 less than our test boat’s setup. But some anglers might have a problem with the V-12’s height, which could pose an extra hurdle when reeling in a trophy catch. 

On the ride back to Haulover Inlet, the seas kicked up in a confused 3- to 4-foot mess, but the double-vented Fas3Tec hull, which features 23 degrees of deadrise at the stern, handled the slop well. Low-speed maneuvering is easy thanks to the standard Mercury Joystick for Outboards that interfaces with a bow thruster for more precise control.

Those shopping for a premium center-console in this class who prefer Yamaha power should check Everglades’ 395cc ($1.1 million with triple Yamaha 425 Helm Master EX white outboards with autopilot and joystick). It also blends form and function.

How We Tested

• Engines: Triple Mercury Racing 450R Supercharged V-8 outboards
• Drive/Props: Outboard/14 5 / 8 ” x 19″ Revolution 4 stainless-steel 4-blade
• Fuel Load: 200 gal. Crew Weight: 600 lb.

High Points 

• Windshield opens electrically to enhance visibility and airflow in the helm and cockpit, and improve communication to crew on the bow.
• Stunning available Imron paint schemes help personalize this boat and identify it as a Formula from far afield.
• Dual 40-gallon livewells feature electronic pressure maintenance and redundant raw-water pumps for backup. 
• Optional air-conditioning vents on the mezzanine seat hit you in the lower back.
• Cockpit scuppers make an annoying burping sound. Formula says it is working on a solution.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, efficiency, operation.

Formula Boats – Decatur, Indiana; 260-724-9111; formulaboats.com

• More: 2023 , 40-50ft , boat tests , Boats , Center Consoles , Fishing Boats , formula , January/February 2023 , outboards

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benjay New Member

Hey there, We are looking to buy our first cruiser boat and seem to have settled on a Formula 40/45 or a Regal 42 Sport Coupe with pods. (Need to keep under $600 else would be looking at Formula SSC or Tiara, Cruisers). I guess Monterey 40 is an option but not sure about Sea Ray with Zeus? Any owners out there with good or bad experiences? Want a Bahamas boat for the family and also fairly open deck for 12 people on intracoastal. Will be docked in a water slip in Florida. Thanks!

Maxwell Senior Member

Years ago we had similar wants with our first boat. The formulas were ruled out immediately by my wife because of how narrow the walkways are for hanging fenders etc.

SkipJay New Member

Pretty familiar with all those boats. Lots to think about. A F45 is a huge step up from either the F40 or Regal 42SC. My observations are the 42SC is very tight. 12 people on this boat is going to be awkward. The 46SC would be closer in size to the F45. Also noting that of the 3 you call out, the F40 is open in the front while the others are full glass with walk-thrus. Either Formula will be a step up in build and materials quality over the Regal. The F45 comes with a high capacity hydraulic swim-deck, IPS600's with DPS optional, a huge opening roof that is well engineered, and a large windshield walk thru to the bow for line / anchor handling or lounging. By far the most workable space for maintenance of the 3. Probably not an issue for you on the FL coast but the F45 is very difficult to move by land due to its height. You have to tear down the entire hardtop and remove the large windshield to get it under bridges.

I put several hundred hours on a Formula 45 with multiple Bahamas trips. A solid boat with lots of good memories that we frequently miss. Good build quality, good factory support, decent ride, good resale. It'll have the Volvo pods which were fine for us and make it easier to handle, but keep up on the maintenance. We used to cruise around 20 knots, 2850 RPM, .83mpg which is quite a bit slower than what you might be led to believe from the performance specs. I think 4 people could stay on it semi comfortably, maybe more if kids. In hindsight, we appreciate how roomy that boat was. As SkipJay says above, it's a big step up from the other models mentioned. Tiara's 4500 model was another we considered. It was a bit roomier but I don't think the ride was as good. Good luck.

Capt Ralph Senior Member

12 people on a 40-45? Are they helping in the purchase? I thoughts boats were used to get away,, from crowds..

Pascal Senior Member

Capt Ralph said: ↑ 12 people on a 40-45? Are they helping in the purchase? I thoughts boats were used to get away,, from crowds.. Click to expand...

Pascal said: ↑ Common in SoFl. We call them SROs. Standing room only. Click to expand...

zen said: ↑ I put several hundred hours on a Formula 45 with multiple Bahamas trips. A solid boat with lots of good memories that we frequently miss. Good build quality, good factory support, decent ride, good resale. It'll have the Volvo pods which were fine for us and make it easier to handle, but keep up on the maintenance. We used to cruise around 20 knots, 2850 RPM, .83mpg which is quite a bit slower than what you might be led to believe from the performance specs. I think 4 people could stay on it semi comfortably, maybe more if kids. In hindsight, we appreciate how roomy that boat was. As SkipJay says above, it's a big step up from the other models mentioned. Tiara's 4500 model was another we considered. It was a bit roomier but I don't think the ride was as good. Good luck. Click to expand...

benjay said: ↑ LOL I know what you mean. My orders from the boss are “day trips with 3 families with kids”. Click to expand...

Capt Ralph said: ↑ I would not wish that on my enemies. Good luck. Good drugs?? Click to expand...

Zeroing in on Formula 45 as the selected model. Can overlook the narrow side deck. Thanks for all insights!

benjay said: ↑ Zeroing in on Formula 45 as the selected model. Can overlook the narrow side deck. Thanks for all insights! Click to expand...

Thank you Ralph. Big engine room. Volvo IPS 600. Don’t know about the ride quality yet but it’s 34,000lbs. Decent range >300 statute miles. Wife likes the fit & finish. Like the deck layout and roomy interior is a 2 bed 2 bath. Seems to be a fan favorite whomever I talk to.

benjay said: ↑ Thank you Ralph. Big engine room. Volvo IPS 600. Don’t know about the ride quality yet but it’s 34,000lbs. Decent range >300 statute miles. Wife likes the fit & finish. Like the deck layout and roomy interior is a 2 bed 2 bath. Seems to be a fan favorite whomever I talk to. Click to expand...

Capt Ralph said: ↑ Make sure the IPS and engine services are up. The ECU is up. Records of all services. Without receipts, it did not happen. Find a good shop for a through survey on the engines and review these records. Not kidding here. With IPS, ask your insurance company about their coverage on pod claims. Not kidding here either. Click to expand...

benjay said: ↑ Can overlook the narrow side deck. Click to expand...

PopPopsBoat New Member

Have insurance companies ever covered POD damages or losses? Capt Ralph said: ↑ Make sure the IPS and engine services are up. The ECU is up. Records of all services. Without receipts, it did not happen. Find a good shop for a through survey on the engines and review these records. Not kidding here. With IPS, ask your insurance company about their coverage on pod claims. Not kidding here either. Click to expand...

PopPopsBoat said: ↑ Have insurance companies ever covered POD damages or losses? Click to expand...

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