Formula Surprises With Two New Center Console Models

By: Scott Way

The all-new 2022 Formula 387 Center Console Fish (CCF) and Center Console Sport (CCS)

Formula is back in the center console business. The legendary brand has announced two new center console models for 2022- the Formula 387 Center Console Fish (CCF) and the Center Console Sport (CCS). Formula dabbled in center console designs during the late 70's and early 80's, but now appears primed to make an earnest re-introduction into the growing market.

The new models fall into Formula's ultra-popular Crossover series, which also includes standouts like the 380 SSC and their flagship 500 Super Sport Crossover. The new 387 CCF and CCS offer a mix of old school Formula style paired with a modern SSC template. Both were put together by Formula's exclusive designer John Adams.

Both models will carry an LOA of 38'7", a 12' beam, 23° of deadrise, and utilize Formula's legendary FAS3TECH inspired hull. Both will be powered with a choice of Mercury and Mercury Racing outboard options. Engine options include triple Mercury Verado 300's, triple Mercury Racing 450R's, or twin Mercury 600 Verados.

We spoke with Formula marketing manager Scott Smith about the inspiration and formation of the new 387 CCF and CCS.

"Model lines are constantly changing. We started out as a performance boat company, then we moved into cruising boats," says Smith. "At one point 1/3rd of our business was the performance market. And we found ourselves in a situation with people wanting family runabouts, so we expanded into the dayboat market, which was the 280 back in 1996. Things kind of shifted from there, and we’ve gone along into the Crossover market, which has been great for us. The cruising market has gone down a bit, and I think that’s because of people’s lifestyles. They don’t necessarily go on week-long cruises like they used to, they need to stay connected. And the center console concept has been pretty steady in the past decade or so. We felt we could add the Formula touch to it. Our hallmark is well thought-out designs, and the execution of great concepts. The 387’s are for someone who wants more than the standard fishing boat or dayboat." Formula's describes the Center Console Fish as a "superb battlewagon born to haul in your catch," and the description seems apt upon first glance. Features include triple helm seats with folding armrests, an electrically adjustable center seat, dual 40 gallon (150 L) livewells, pressurized livewells in the aft compartment, port and starboard fish boxes, and premium GEMLUX® outriggers. Aft of the helm is a mezzanine bench that slides away to reveal a Corian countertop, bait rigging station with removable cutting board, and a molded sink. Below are Plano® tackle box organizer and fishing supply storage drawers, a pull-out YETI® cooler to port, and a motorized slide-out cooler with reFLEX decking. There is also in-floor storage with YETI buckets to keep additional items stowed but readily available. Other standout features include a large hardtop with multi-coloured LED lighting, a center ladder and access hatch, and a compound curved windshield with power-opening forward glass.

In typical Formula fashion the helm has much to revel in. The standard electronics suite includes twin Garmin or Raymarine 16” widescreen color chartplotters with depth sounder, Mercury DTS w/7” SmartCraft® VesselView®, and the Mercury Joystick Piloting and Bennett trim tab system. A Rockford Fosgate stereo with JL Audio speakers and 7 dual USB charging ports is standard. Radar and FLIR options are also available.

Below deck is an Ultraleather U-shaped lounge with dual-height table and filler cushion. 6'4" of headroom is notable, and other perks include a 32” LED/LCD HDTV, galley in open-grain or high-gloss finish cabinetry with Corian countertop, concealed sink with cover, stainless pull- out fridge and microwave, an 8,000 BTU air conditioner, and two opening portlights. A molded private head compartment includes a portlight, pressurized fresh water, vanity with Corian countertop, molded sink, shower, and a Vacuflush head. In terms of the 387 Center Console Sport (CCS), perks include a hinged, double-wide ergonomic flip-down bench seat facing the leaning post, a roomier swim platform with trunk storage, a pullout cockpit fridge/beverage center. Check out the full specs below:

Formula 387 CCS

LOA to Transom 38’ 7” LOA 41’2” LOA OB/Trailered 42’ 8” / 44’ 7” Engines Mercury® Twin V12 Verado® 600 Maximum Beam 12’ Approximate Weight Dry 20,000 lbs. Cabin Headroom 6’4” Fuel Capacity 350 gal / 1325 L Diesel Capacity Generator 25 gal / 94 L Water Capacity 55 gal / 208 L Holding Tank Capacity 25 gal / 94 L Deadrise 23°