Formula 387 CCF with Upper Helm (2025-)

• FAS3TeCH® hull w/foam-filled continuous molded structural grid
• Windlass w/digital chain counter, 300´ rope &30´ chain, polished stainless anchor & freshwater anchor washdown system
• Hardtop w/3-piece compound curved console glass windshield w/power opening forward glass, windshield wiper w/wash system, hardtop access w/center ladder above leaning post, hardtop access hatch, multi-color LED accent lighting, light mast/dual flagstaff w/American & Formula flags & white dual air horn
• Integrated swim platform w/undermount telescoping swim ladders & pull-up cleats
• 10 cockpit and 7 hardtop rod holders
• Molded composite dash in Charcoal or Mocha w/Liquid Black panels, Ritchie® compass, dual Garmin or Raymarine 16˝ widescreen color chartplotters w/depth sounder w/1,000W CHIRP B175M transducer & remote keypad, illuminated waterproof accessory switches, E-T-A® circuit breakers, auxiliary 12V outlet, two USB-A/USB-C charging ports, captain and passengers’ wireless charging mounts, stainless steering wheel w/knob, lockable dash storage drawer & padded mobile device station
• Mercury Digital Throttle & Shift (DTS) controls w/7˝ SmartCraft® VesselView®
• Mercury® Joystick Piloting for Outboards (JPO) w/Active Trim
• Bennett Trim Tabs w/switches  and indicators
• Triple helm seats
• Port & starboard aft cockpit fish boxes w/macerator discharge
• Two 40-gallon pressurized livewells w/adjustable fills & drains, acrylic lids, red/white lighting, w/digital switching control and monitoring 
• Hinged double-wide flip-down transom bench seat
• 8.5kW Fischer Panda Mini 9 Generator w/sound shield, battery, and 25-gallon fuel tank
• Galvanic corrosion protection system
• GEMLUX® deluxe outriggers w/18´ telescoping poles & dual rigging kit

• Engine packages include Mercury® Triple Verado® 5.7L V10 350 w/Joystick Piloting, Mercury® Triple Verado® 5.7L V10 400 w/Joystick Piloting, Mercury® Triple Verado® 5.7L V10 425 w/Joystick Piloting, Mercury Racing® Triple 5.7L V10 400R w/Joystick Piloting, Mercury Racing® Triple 500R w/Joystick Piloting
  Mercury® Twin Verado® 600 w/Joystick Piloting
• Tower w/fiberglass hardtop
• Remote controlled LED searchlight
• Lumitec™ Razor LED light bar (1), or Lumitec™ Razor LED light bar array (3)
• Aft SureShade ATF™ electric power retractable sunshade, bow sunshade w/telescoping carbon fiber poles
• Pro GEMLUX Bluewater outriggers w/22´ telescoping poles & triple rigging kit 
• Adjustable passenger helm seats sliders
• Garmin dual 8622 widescreen chartplotters, depth sounder, & remote keypad, Garmin triple 8616 GPS widescreen color chartplotters, depth sounder & remote keypad
• Raymarine dual Axiom XL 22˝ GPS widescreen color chartplotters, depth sounder & remote keypad, Raymarine triple Axiom XL 16˝ GPS widescreen color chartplotters, depth sounder & remote keypad
• 48” open array radar 
• FLIR M232 or M332 thermal cameras
• 18,000 BTU cockpit reverse cycle air conditioning
• 120V/12V pull-out cockpit refrigerator w/stainless front
• 120V Kenyon® electric grill in aft cockpit
• Aft cockpit fish box freezer plates w/separate digitally controlled thermostats
• Aft cockpit 12V electric reel outlets (4)
• Automatic outboard engine flushing system
• Seakeeper® 3 gyro stabilizing system
• Three LED underwater lights
• Mercury® 1st Mate safety, security, theft deterrent system & man overboard

Bow

Bridging the gap between a hard-core fishing platform and a boat suitable for family day boating, the new Formula 387 CCF offers space specifically designed to take care of both which is quite evident at the bow.

Helm

A professional helm is warranted on the new Formula 387 CCF in order to fulfill its mission as a serious horizon chasing battlewagon. As important, the high-tech nav instruments and accompanying equipment, with standard joystick and bow thruster, will serve those who choose to take this luxurious boat away for an extended weekend.

Cockpit

The center of action for anglers, the cockpit aboard the new Formula 387 CCF is well-equipped for a tournament-ready competitor. As well, the cruising couple, out for a weekend or extended time away, will find the layout perfect for their travels.

Aft

With her ability to do double duty as both a serious offshore tournament fishing boat and an equally major family oriented center console, the new Formula 387 CCF is outfitted to fulfill the needs of both here in the aft section.

Cabin

The overall size of the new Formula 387 CCF allows this boat to feature a cabin with private head and shower. That means she can offer her owners an opportunity to travel for extended weekends or even longer away from their home dock. Together with all her features, and those outstanding exterior lines, she is sure to be a head turner wherever she travels.

Performance is part of the Formula DNA and has been since its inception. With the new Formula 387 CCF, that legacy continues. Our test day saw the air temperature at 83°, relative humidity at 77%, and wind at a calm 5 knots. Test weight on our Formula 387 CCF boat was approximately 26,585 pounds with 52% of the 500-fuel capacity and full water and diesel generator fuel tank. We had a trio of Mercury 425-hp outboards turning 19”props and hit a top speed of 59.1 mph at 6500 rpm before settling into our most economical cruise speed of 33.9 mph at 4500 rpm. At that rate, we calculated a range of 277.0 statute miles with a 10% fuel reserve.

During hole shots we recorded 0-10 mph in 4.3 seconds, 20 mph in 8.1 seconds, and    
0030 mph in 16.7 seconds. Once we throttled up to speed, we put her handling through the paces and found her particularly stable and quite predictable during maneuvers.

Her double stepped hull is designed to enable air to reduce friction on the wetted surface of the hull to drive it more efficiently through the water with results in fuel burn economy and comfort aboard. We found our test boat easy on turns and leaning into tight turns with just a minimal drop in speed and, with the assistance of our optional  Seakeeper 3 gyro, maintain an even attitude. Performance under control is a big part of what the new Formula 387 CCF is all about.

The new Formula 387 CCF is a big, luxurious center console offering a long list of standard and premium optional equipment specifically designed and engineered for both serious offshore tournament fishing and family oriented on-water activities.  In addition, with a cabin offering sleeping quarters and a private head with stand-up shower, the new Formula 387 CCF can easily be utilized as a well-appointed weekender, island hopper, or providing extended time away from home.

Power Mercury® options include Triple Verado® 5.7L V10 350 w/Joystick Piloting, Triple Verado® 5.7L V10 400 w/Joystick Piloting, Triple Verado® 5.7L V10 425 w/Joystick Piloting, Mercury Racing® Triple 5.7L V10 400R w/Joystick Piloting, Mercury Racing® Triple 500R w/Joystick Piloting, and Mercury® Twin Verado® 600 w/Joystick Piloting, all designed to get you to where you are going and back in safety and comfort.

With Formula’s long and celebrated history in performance, and riding on a sea-tested 23° deadrise FAS3Tech double stepped hull at the foundation of this high- powered center console, the new Formula 387 CCF is ready to assume her rightful place in the model lineup of boats from this iconic builder.

REMEMBER, LIFE IS BETTER ON A BOAT!

Experts and Boat Owners

What has set BoatTEST apart from the many video-makers currently on the Internet and Social Media is the fact that for 26 years, only USCG-Licensed captains and experienced boat owners have tested and written our reports and made our videos. We believe that to provide boat owners the information they deserve, only other boat owners – who know the challenges of ownership -- can accurately report on it.  It is that level of expertise and ownership experience that goes into every video and Captain’s Report that we publish.  Because we know what it is like owning and operating a boat, we can pass-on the information that prospective boat buyers need to know.

Capt. Dave East

Dave is a 30-year veteran of the Marine Industry, having started two boat companies, and most recently sold his fishing catamaran brand Eastward. He co-founding Twin Vee and was a designer for several other boat manufacturers and is still a marine industry consultant. He is a former boating magazine editor, and has written hundreds of articles on boats, how-to guides, DIY and safety. For four years, he hosted Florida Sportsman’s Best Boat TV series and tested boats from small flats boats to long range cruising motoryachts. Dave is a lifelong fresh and saltwater fisherman. He is a private pilot with multiple ratings and is an Open Water PADI-Certified SCUBA diver. He currently lives in Stuart, FL. He feels equally comfortable on anything from a 16’ flats boat to an 85’ long range cruiser.

Capt. Ken Kreisler

Capt. Ken Kreisler is a well-known figure in the marine industry, with extensive experience testing boats for major boating magazines. He has held USCG 100-Ton License for 40 years and has served as a delivery and charter fishboat captain, project manager for two small passenger ferry catamarans, making sure every details met USCG build standards. Capt. Ken is an accomplished writer, having received several BWI awards and the John Burroughs Association certificate of commendation for his children's book, "NATURE SPY," published by Macmillan. He resides with his family on the Shrewsbury River in Monmouth Beach, NJ, where he enjoys boating on his 24-foot Grady White Exp

Overview

The Formula 387 CCF is a dual-purpose center console built for both serious offshore fishing and family cruising/entertaining. The review was filmed at Keystone Point Marina in Miami. Formula has been building boats for 70 years.

Captain Dave noted the design philosophy directly: "This boat is designed around the family and the fisherman."

Formula also builds a sport variant of this hull, the 387 CCS, which substitutes forward-facing seating aft in place of the CCF's fishing-oriented cockpit layout.

Bow Seating and Storage

The bow offers multiple convertible seating configurations via a removable filler piece stored beneath the forward lounge:

• A U-shaped settee configuration
• A raised center table (floor section lifts to table height)
• A day bed configuration with an additional cushion
• A higher table position for standing/picnic-style seating, which also converts the area to a U-shaped settee

The bow lounge storage compartment doubles as an insulated cooler and drains overboard.

Hatch construction: The forward hatch is supported by stainless steel hydraulic shocks — noted as one of the few hatches on the boat with this feature, as the remaining hatches use friction hinges. Captain Dave explained the reasoning: "This hatch is so big and so massive, they gave you a little bit of extra lift to hold it in place, so there's no chance of it slamming down and catching your fingers."

Port and starboard storage compartments under the bow seating are secured with magnetic hatch closures rather than mechanical latches, intended to prevent hatch movement in rough water without requiring the operator to undo a latch.

Bow amenities:

• USB charging ports distributed throughout the boat, including at the bow
• Fusion stereo control at the bow, independent of the console-mounted controls
• Bow seating capacity: two comfortably, three "in a pinch"
• Folding armrest, cup holders, USB port
• A skylight built into the bow seating area that extends down into the console interior
• Optional forward awning with a dedicated pole stowage location

Upholstery was characterized by Captain Dave as: "Good quality marine upholstery, but it's not overdone... It's everything you need, but it's nothing that you don't. They didn't overdo the upholstery. It's just right."

Tower / Mini Flybridge

The 387 CCF is equipped with a raised second helm station, which Formula markets as a "tower." Captain Dave described it as comparable to "a small flybridge of a sport fish."

• Tower weight/passenger capacity: 3 people or 460 pounds
• Access is via the aft console
• Standard rigging: Rupp (transcribed as "Jim Lux" in source audio, likely a transcription/mishearing) 18-foot outriggers with telescoping poles and rigging kit

Functional rationale for the tower, per Captain Dave: "You can see so much more. You can see deeper down into the water column. If you're pulling baits and you're trolling, you can see when fish come up and hit... Driving from up here, you can see that edge of the channel and you're a lot less apt to run aground."

Lower Helm and Console

Audio system: Fusion 600-watt stereo system with Bluetooth and MP3 connectivity. Eight JL Audio LED multicolor chrome 6.5-inch speakers are mounted in the hardtop, with four additional speakers in the cockpit, plus a 200-watt subwoofer.

Air conditioning: 18,000 BTU AC system, with vents at the face of the console and at the tackle station. Captain Dave's assessment: "You might ask yourself, why would you have air conditioning on an open center console boat? But I'm telling you, it makes a difference... on those hot summer days when there's not a breath of wind, it will make a giant difference in the way you're able to stay out on the boat all day long."

Hardtop: Fiberglass construction, described as "massive" but sized so as not to interfere with bottom fishing when a rod is raised. The underside carries an upholstered finish rather than exposed fiberglass — noted by Captain Dave as atypical: "Typically, you don't see this. Typically, it's just a fiberglass finish. Formula went that extra step, make the boat a little bit nicer."

Tackle Station / Aft Console Features

The tackle station behind the helm is multifunctional:

• Built-in sink with a lid that flips and locks into fiddles, converting the surface into a food-serving station
• Slide-out cooler with dedicated controls
• Additional air conditioning vents beneath the tackle station
• A sliding sunshade
• Aft-facing seating created when the cooler is deployed

Cockpit Fishing Features

• Livewells: Twin pressurized 40-gallon livewells, lit, with multiple water inlets. Pressurization is intended to reduce bait damage in rough conditions. Livewell pump and light controls are located at the stern rather than at the helm.
• Electric grill mounted at the transom
• Transom seating with a backrest that raises as the seat drops, positioned to support the middle of the back rather than the lower back
• Four electric deep-drop reel plugs located forward of the transom
• Side door with a double-step arrangement for dock access, swinging fully out of the way and stowing beneath the gunwale
• Dive ladder receiver at the side door, with an integrated handle to assist entry/exit from the water
• Pressurized freshwater hookup at the port side door for dockside use without drawing from the onboard tank
• Raw water washdown (starboard side) and freshwater washdown (port side), both retractable, non-coiling hose systems
• Storage beneath the gunwale for rods, gaffs, mops, and hooks
• Positive toe rail around the cockpit
• 22 rod holder/cup holder combinations distributed around the boat
• Dedicated hatch storage for a fish cleaning table and bucket
• Twin fish boxes (port and starboard), each fitted with chiller plates. Captain Dave noted the practical use: "You can take on enough ice to last a week in the Bahamas, transfer the ice as you need it from your fish box up to your coolers that are above deck. Never have to buy ice where you're out."
• Pull-out trash can
• Additional storage compartment housing an EPIRB, fire extinguisher, and AC system controls
• Yeti Tundra 35 cooler, slide-out mounted

Captain Dave's summary assessment of the cockpit: "This cockpit has every feature a big game angler could want, as well as family-friendly features for entertaining. There are very few 30-something center consoles which can do both as well as this Formula."

Cabin and Accommodations

The 387 CCF offers below-deck accommodations uncommon in the center console category. Captain Dave remarked: "When was the last time you saw a center console with accommodations that are anywhere close to this?"

• Convertible dinette table that folds down; filler cushions convert the seating into a solid berth
• Support pole and table stow out of the way when not in use
• Storage on both sides of the cabin
• Pull-down window curtains
• Natural lighting via a port light connected to the bow seating area above, reducing reliance on LED lighting
• Pull-out stainless refrigerator
• Sink and microwave
• Enclosed wet head with pull-out shower, additional storage, and a second sink
• Headroom in the head compartment: over 6 feet

Captain Dave's assessment of the accommodations space: "Plenty of living space for two people to spend extended weekend or longer if they want to go island hopping... its intended purpose is overnighting, and that's something this boat is going to do very well."

Market Context (Captain's Commentary)

Captain Dave provided industry context on the center console category's evolution: "About 25 years ago, some builders of center consoles woke up to the fact that a majority of the buyers were using their boats for family cruising and entertaining, something center consoles weren't made for. The solution for some was to put two $75 backrests on the forward storage boxes and maybe a fold-down transom seat."

His closing assessment of the 387 CCF specifically: "This review of the Formula 387 CCF shows you what a true dual-purpose center console can actually be like with no compromise for fishing or family entertaining."