The new 457 Center Console serves as the bigger sibling to the 387 Center Console.
By Gregg Mansfield
Formula Boats is enhancing its presence in the center-console sector by unveiling the 457 Center Console Sport at the 2024 Miami International Boat Show.
The 457 Center Console Sport adds to the company’s range, which already includes the 387 Center Console Sport & Fish, and, like all of Formula’s creations, it’s built with exceptional sturdiness. Grant Porter from Formula inaugurated the latest model with a celebratory champagne toast.
“We received substantial feedback from customers and the media regarding our 387 model and incorporated some fresh ideas,” stated Porter, the executive vice president of the family-run business. “We’re extremely pleased with the final design and eager to introduce this model to many customers.”
Designed around three Mercury Marine 600-hp outboards, the transom provides plenty of movement space.
Stretching nearly 49’1” in length and with a beam of 13’9”, the 457 Center Console allows ample space for design. The model displayed at Herald Plaza in downtown Miami was completely loaded, apart from an optional upper station designed to accommodate four people.
Formula engineered the 457 Center Console around triple Mercury Marine 600 Verado outboards and incorporated a spacious swim platform adorned with foam decking consistent throughout the cockpit. Few premium center consoles offer as much room as the 457 Center Console Sport. A foldable rear bench on the transom provides additional space.
Under the hardtop, there are two rows of seating and a prep station equipped with drawers, including a cooler that features a split lid and slides out at the touch of a button. Each seat comes with individual bolsters, drop-out bottoms, and adjustable armrests. The helm presents a sleek design, featuring three Raymarine screens, Mercury Digital Throttle & Shift (DTS), and Mercury Joystick Piloting for the outboards.
The helm includes triple Raymarine screens, Mercury Digital Throttle & Shift (DTS), and Mercury Joystick Piloting.
A large wraparound glass windshield protects the tech components. An innovative feature includes screens supported by a Wind-Armor gas shock on both sides to shield the crew from wind. Some may argue that the best spots on the 457 Center Console are at the bow. Whether it’s the two-person lounger in front of the console or the deep bow seating with molded-in forward-facing backrests, this center console promises a comfortable ride at high speeds.
From the sturdy hardtop to the cabinetry, Formula exemplifies excellence in construction quality. While the cabin can often be overlooked, Formula paid close attention to its design. It offers a headroom of 6 feet 6 inches and contains a head with a separate stand-up shower. The U-shaped seating can be adapted for overnight use, and multiple windows provide ample natural light. Additionally, a microwave and sink are included in the cabin.
The Formula 457 Center Console Sport features an interior suitable for dining or overnight stays, along with a fully enclosed head.
Weighing over 33,000 pounds, the 457 Center Console is designed to handle substantial waters, whether offshore or on a large lake. The retail price is $2.44 million.
“It’s a heavy, robust boat; we don’t go for lightweight designs. We construct boats tailored for various weather conditions,” Porter remarked. “We are quite satisfied with the boat’s stability during our initial testing and photoshoot.”
As Formula ramps up production of the 457 Center Console Sport, it also plans to focus on the Fish variant set to launch this summer. Formula provides Flex and MyWay options for extensive customization in finishes and graphics.
For the time being, the Indiana manufacturer is pleased with its lineup of center consoles.
“Our lineup is extensive. We will continuously monitor the center-console market and, as necessary, expand into different sizes,” Porter concluded.
Specifications:
LOA: 49’1”
Beam: 13’9”
Weight: 33,250 pounds
Fuel capacity: 700 gallons
Power: (3) Mercury Marine 600 Verado
Formula Boats, 260-724-9111
www.formulaboats.com