Formula’s New 457 Center Console Sport and Fish Models Announced
Coming on the heels of the successful launch of the 387 CC Sport and Fish, the two new Formula center consoles are a testament to the builder’s comment to becoming a major player in the large luxury center console market. Because Formula’s forte is designing and building luxurious, innovative, premium cruisers, its approach to center consoles is much more refined than offerings from traditional meat-fishing center console fishing boat builders.
Because Formula has been building boats since the 1960s, has a state-of-the-art plant, and has a reputation for quality builds, integrity, and customer service second to none, its products have a distinct advantage over the rash of new, pop-up companies which are long on flash, but often short on cash and know-how.
Formula CEO Scott Porter recently told BoatTEST that the new 457 will have over 150 individual fiberglass moldings. That’s remarkable in a boat type that typically is made with a fraction of that kind of tooling. The intricacy of the design is one of the details that sets Formula’s center console models apart from others in class. For those who are new to boating, Formula is one of the premier boat builders in the world.
Last year the media, builders, and consumers alike were stunned and impressed by Formula’s introduction of the 387 Center Console Sport and Fish models, not only because Formula hadn’t built center consoles in decades, but also because of the remarkable fishability of the design. How could a venerable company famous for premium cruisers, crossovers, and bowriders outshine the veteran center console makers with its very first center console in recent history?
A Family Obsession
The answer is that the second and third generations of Porter family boat builders who work at the company today are among the very best at their craft in the U.S. and the world. Formula boats generally exceed in practicality, fit and finish, ergonomics, and build quality any boat in class, no matter where it was built. These two generations of Porters were schooled from a young age in high-quality boat building by the patriarch of the family, Vic Porter, who passed away last year.
The new 457s have a 45’7” length hull with a 13’9” beam, and have a dry displacement of 32,500 lbs. The boats will be powered by triple Mercury 600 Verados, which have dual props that effectively transfer the engines’ torque to the water in an efficient way to propel this 32,000-lb vessel at speeds that we can only guess at for now.
From upscale sport cruising to hard-core fishing, or a little of both, the 457 will be able to accommodate even the most demanding buyer as a classy dayboat for entertaining, to a fishing boat extraordinaire. Formula promises that everything in the boat will be first class, from the sculpted aft-facing forward lounge, to the spacious swim platform, with port and starboard water access, to the triple 22” monitor dash and air-conditioned three-position helm. (AC can be added to the second row and aft-facing seating for crew comfort, according to the builder.)
Below, the cabin has a 6’6” headroom with a full “aircraft galley” with microwave, fridge, sink and “abundant” counter and cabinet space, as well as U-lounge seating with a table for dining or entertaining -- convertible to a two-person berth. A well-appointed, head features a separate, stand-up shower.
Have it Your Way
The 457s will be expensive. But, with the high price tag will come Formula’s famous “Have it Your Way” policy of extensive personalization. This is one of Formula’s appeals for all of its models to veteran buyers who a boat that is unlike anything else in the marina. We suspect that no two 457s will be exactly the same, as customers work with Formula to modify a boat to their specific application and personality.
As can be seen in the CAD images below, she is unmistakably a Formula from near or afar, as the 457’s bloodline is evident in her looks. We expect nothing but the best in terms of performance, amenities, engineering and fit and finish.