Formula Remakes the Center Console

The Midwest builder announced two new models to debut in the fall of 2022.

By Jeanne Craig

February 16, 2022

Formula boats of Decatur, Indiana, introduced two new designs at the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show: the 387 Center Console Fish (CCF) and 387 Center Console Sport (CCS). It’s been more than three decades since the company last manufactured center console models. Formula first built these open platforms in the 1970s, but left the market in the early 1980s to focus on performance family cruisers; more recently the builder made the shift to luxury crossover dayboats.

“We’re excited about the re-entry into the center console segment,” said Scott Porter at a press conference at the Miami Convention Center. “The new models are a great extension of our dayboat lines. People may ask why we’re doing this now, but we think the time is right. We can do this because of our reputation and because of how we build boats.” Porter also stressed the versatility of the center console design. “You’ll see these boats at poker runs and on sand bars.”

The new dayboats, designed for both fishermen and day boaters, are built exclusively for Mecury outboards, including a pair of 600-hp V-12 Verado motors. Other power options include triple 300-hp Verados and triple Mercury Racing 450Rs. All are operated by the Mercury Joystick Piloting system. Both center consoles were designed by John Adams and ride on Fomula’s proven FAS³Tech hull, a bluewater-taming deep-V with 23 degrees of deadrise aft.

Formula says it consulted with fishing guides around the country to develop the new boats, particularly the CCF. Among the features designed for anglers are two 40-gallon live wells, fish boxes with freezer plates, Gemlulx outriggers, a bait-rigging station, electronics suite with depthsounder and transducer, and doors at the transom and the port side of the hull.

Boasting a base length of 38-feet 7-inches and a 12-foot beam, both boats offer plenty of creature comforts for day boating, including convertible seating forward and aft, and a cabin with 6-feet 4-inches of headroom, a full galley, a private head and a convertible lounge.

The CCF will launch in early August; the CCS will follow a month later, in September. Both will make their boat show debuts in the fall of 2022.

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Jeanne Craig

Jeanne Craig is the editor-in-chief of Soundings and says the best part of her job is meeting people who really value their time on the water and those special moments spent with family and friends on boats. Jeanne has been writing and editing in the marine niche for a couple of decades. She lives in Connecticut and spends summer weekends on the Long Island Sound with her two children.