The 457 Center Console is Formula’s second boat in the center-console category.
By Gregg Mansfield
A year after successfully re-entering the center-console market, Formula Boats is aiming high once more.
Formula intends to unveil the 457 Center Console Fish and Sport models at the 2024 Miami International Boat Show, adding to its existing 387 Center Console. Although Formula was delayed in rejoining this market, customer and dealer feedback encouraged the manufacturer to introduce a larger model.
With a length of 45’7” and a beam of 13’9”, the 457 Center Console is 7 feet longer and almost 2 feet wider than the 387 Center Console.
“It’s a larger version but it’s significantly improved,” said Abe Haines, product specialist for Formula Boats. “It provides a wider base, offers more horsepower, and has increased space both in the cabin and the cockpit.”
While Formula is still finalizing the designs for the 457 Fish and Sport models, Haines mentioned that the design team is using insights gained from the 387 to enhance the new vessel.
“We’ll incorporate some elements that are new to the market alongside innovations introduced on the 387,” Haines stated. “Having extra space gives us more possibilities.”
The helm will feature triple 22” monitors, with options for Raymarine or Garmin systems.
In the cockpit, Formula added a second row of seating, providing a choice between a wet bar or a bait preparation station, depending on the version selected by the buyer. Additionally, the cockpit includes a refrigerator and a large electric pullout cooler with a split lid.
Formula has opted for stronger frame constructions for the windshield and hardtop, as the company plans to offer an optional upper station on both the Fish and Sport models. The upper station can accommodate four individuals with two separate helm seats and a lounge area.
The cabin below features 6-foot-6 headroom, and with the added space provided by the 45-foot vessel, Formula has designed a roomy head that includes a separate stand-up shower—something unavailable in the 387 due to limited space.
“It offers one of the largest head units available for a 45-foot center-console boat,” Haines remarked.
Formula plans to integrate a galley that has a refrigerator, sink, and microwave, opting for a cooktop located in the cockpit. The U-lounge seating includes a table that can convert into a two-person berth.
Both the Fish and Sport variants maintain the durable Formula construction, with the grid affixed to the deck. “Every fish box or any compartment underneath the deck is part of the grid,” Haines added. “It’s not just an additional tub glued in, which enhances stability.”
Formula is still refining the cockpit, cabin, and head layout for the 457 CCS and CCF, set to debut at the 2024 Miami International Boat Show.
The 457 Center Console features the FAS3Tech running surface, a stepped hull that Formula developed through its offshore racing experience. The boat will be outfitted with triple Mercury Marine 600 Verado outboards.
Formula has not yet predicted the weight but anticipates it will be significantly heavier than the 387 Center Console, which weighs 22,500 pounds. Haines noted that Formula boats aren’t designed to be the lightest on the market.
“The feedback from our clients indicates that this added weight translates into a smoother experience on the water,” Haines explained. “We recently participated in a poker run at Lake Cumberland, cruising at 50 (mph) while other boats were bouncing about. We were comfortably enjoying music and conversation, demonstrating that extra weight provides an exceptional ride.”
The Sport model features a sculpted aft lounge and an expansive swim platform; the Fish model is equipped with foldable aft seating and pressurized bait wells. It will include two 50-gallon live wells and a significant fish box capacity of 280 gallons. Buyers can opt for either a bait station/wet bar or an entertainment-ready cockpit galley.
Formula’s new 457 Sport will complement the 387 in the company’s center console lineup.
Both models will offer stylish bow seating with an elevated sun lounge and wraparound seating featuring a power-adjustable table. Each helm will include triple 22” monitors available with Raymarine or Garmin options. On warmer days, the crew will benefit from a standard air-conditioned helm, with an additional unit available for second-row passengers.
Formula plans to share more information regarding the 457 Center Console at the 2023 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show from October 25–29, with the V-bottom making its premiere at the Miami show in February 2024.
www.formulaboats.com. 844-775-9440
Specifications
Formula 457 Center Console
LOA: 49’1”
Beam: 13’9”
Weight: NA
Fuel capacity: 700 gallons
Power: (3) Mercury 600 Verado
Max Horsepower: 1,800
For additional details: www.formulaboats.com