Formula 387 CCS (2023-)

Brief Summary

Formula’s new 387 CCS, and her fishing cousin the 387 CCF, are premium-level boats. They are another logical progression to the existing, and indeed trailblazing, crossover boats that combined all the features of a bowrider with a cabin for overnighting.  By making a center console version, the utility of the boat was increased exponentially. 

Test Results

Range calculations are shown using the now standard 500-gallon tank.

Specifications

Length Overall	41' 2" 12.55 m
Beam	12' 0" 3.66 m
Dry Weight	22,500 lb 10,206 kg
Tested Weight	24,700 lbs. 11,227 kg
Draft	46" 1.17 m
Deadrise/Transom	23 deg
Bridge Clearance	12' 4" 3.76 m (w/ radar, mast light up)
Fuel Capacity	500 gal 1,893 L
Water Capacity	55 gal 208 L
Total Weight	24,700 lbs. 11,227 kg

Acceleration Times & Conditions

Time to Plane	6.0 seconds
0 to 30	11.6 seconds
Props	27.5p
Load	2 persons; 275 gal. fuel; 50 lbs gear
Climate	89 deg., 68 humid; wind 10-15 mph; sea <1

Engine Options

Tested Engine	2 x 600-hp Mercury V12 Verado
Std. Power	2 x 600-hp Mercury V12 Verado
Opt. Power	3 x 450-hp Mercury

The sport version of the new center console series.

Mission

Formula Boat’s goal with the 387 CCS was to present a buyer with the ultimate center console experience.  She’s not only a premium-level entertainment platform but she also has the renowned ride that made Formula famous.  She’s also well suited for overnight excursions with a comfortable cabin. 

Major Features

• Transferable 5-Year Formula Guard Limited Protection Plan with 10-year Structural Warranty
• FAS3TECH hull with foam-filled continuous molded structural grid
• Hardtop with 3-piece compound curved console glass windshield with  power opening forward glass, hardtop access hatch and multi-color LED accent lighting
• Nine dual USB charging ports – aft cockpit (2), bow (5) and sun lounge (2)
• Twin Raymarine or Garmin 16” (40.64 cm) widescreen color chartplotters with depth sounder and remote keypad
• Dash multi-port air boost ventilation system
• Dual forward-facing bow sun lounges with center flip-up armrest with two Corian accented drink holders and insulated storage below
• 8,000 BTU reverse cycle air conditioner with Breathe Easy photocatalytic Nano-Mesh UV air purifier and digital touch control
• Triple or Dual outboard engine installation

Performance

The Formula 387 CCS has a length overall of 41’2” (12.55 m), a beam of 12’ (3.66 m) and a draft of 46” (116.84 cm). With an empty weight of 22,500 lbs. (10,206 kg), 78.5% fuel and two people on board, we had an estimated test weight of 25,010 lbs. (11,344 kg).

With the twin 600-hp Mercury Verados turning 27.5 pitch propellers and wound up to 6400 RPM, our speed topped out at 58.4 MPH. Best cruise came in at 5000 RPM and 43.7 MPH. At that speed, the 58.3 GPH fuel burn translated into .7 MPG and a range of 236 statute miles, all while holding back a 10% reserve of our test boat's 350-gallon (1,324.9 L) total fuel capacity (500 gal tank now standard on model year 2024).

In acceleration tests, we reached planing speed in six seconds, 20 mph in 7.2 seconds, 30 came and went in 11.6 and we cruised through 40 mph in 16.8 seconds.

Handling

It’s almost as if you could tell that this boat is a Formula from its docile handling characteristics.  She’s so smooth and solid that it just feels like a much larger boat, as Formula’s do.  Even though we were in calm conditions, crossing wakes of larger boats showed no hull slap or pounding. While at full speed, hitting a wave just got transferred through the entire boat, rather than initiating a hit in just the bow as some others may.  

Turns were fairly wide with about a 20-degree roll when put hard over at speed.  Back off to more sedate speeds and both the roll angle and radius will be considerably lower.  Docking is a non-issue thanks to the JPO (Joystick Piloting for Outboards) joystick, which in this case, was dialed in perfectly. 

Boat Inspection

Cockpit

The cockpit is where most of the gatherings will first take place.  It measures 5’ x 9’9” (1.52 m x 2.97 m).  There’s a safety factor of 30” (76.2 cm) to the cockpit depth and padded bolsters surround the area.  To starboard, there’s a stainless-steel toe rail with engine flush-out ports to the aft bulkhead.  To port is a standard dive door. 

Seating starts with a flip-out transom bench with an elevated backrest.  High-end upholstery is weatherproof, multi-colored and includes intricate pattern work and contrast bead welting.  It’s all stitched with UV-resistant Tenera thread.  At the leaning post just ahead, there’s a pull-out cushion over the counter that makes another seat.  While it may seem high at first, just push a button and the cooler below slides out electrically and the non-skid surface makes a convenient footrest for this aft-facing seat.  It also makes the drinks easy to access.  The bottom of the seat back is fitted with air conditioning vents tied to the 18,000 BTU air conditioning system.  A SureShade awning extends from the trailing edge of the hardtop a full 6’ (1.83 m). 

With the leaning post seat slid out under the helm seats, it reveals a sink with a cover that flips to expose a cutting surface that fits into brackets right alongside.  Next to that is open counter space and storage underneath.  Then under that is the electrically-actuated sliding cooler we already discussed. 

Bow

At the bow, there’s a large social zone with no less than five lounge seats.  Behind the bow seats, there’s a recessed storage area with a stereo remote and USB connectivity above an enclosed compartment.  The lounge seats meet at an aft-facing seat fully forward.  That seat is removable, allowing the foredeck ground tackle storage to be handled at waist height.  A table lifts electrically from the deck and it can be covered with an elasticized nylon cover to create a cleaner surface where feet may have been earlier.  There’s storage under the seats and the hinged seats are held open with tension hinges and closed with magnetic catches. 

Ahead of the console is two-across lounge seating with fixed armrests to both sides that includes beverage holders.  A flip-down armrest includes beverage holders, a recessed area for dropping phones into and connectivity is included.  Deep storage is under the seats. 

Helm

The helm is a work of excellence.  The molded composite dash is available in Charcoal or Mocha with Liquid Black panels.  A Ritchie compass is atop and in line with the center-mounted wheel.  A Garmin or Raymarine 16” (40.64 cm) color chartplotter is standard and triple screen installation is optional.  Our test boat had dual 22” (55.88 cm) Raymarine displays.  Even with the single, it includes a depth sounder with a 1,000W CHIRP B175M transducer.  There’s a remote keypad and Formula mounted it right next to the wheel, in reach of the main screens.  We’d like to see that mounted on one of the seat armrests. 

There are illuminated waterproof accessory rocker switches, E‐T‐A circuit breakers, an auxiliary 12V outlet, two dual USB charging ports (USB-A and USB-C), captain's and passenger’s wireless charging mounts, a stainless steering wheel with a knob, lockable dash storage drawer and padded mobile device station. 

For controllability, there’s the latest-gen Mercury Digital Throttle & Shift (DTS) controls linked to a 7" (17.78 cm) SmartCraft VesselView monitor.  Also standard is the Mercury Joystick Piloting for Outboards (JPO) with Active Trim.  Switching throughout the boat is digital and linked to the display screens.

Also on the standard list is the Bennet trim tab system, an in-dash multi‐port air boost ventilation system, a Rockford Fosgate AM/FM stereo w/Bluetooth, USB port, dash‐mounted stereo control w/full color display with MP3 connectivity, eight hardtop and four cockpit 6 ½” (16.51 cm) JL Audio M3 multi‐color LED lighted chrome‐finished speakers, 600W stereo amplification and 200W subwoofer and, of course, a subscription‐ready Sirius XM Satellite Radio. 

Aside from the additional displays, owners can also choose a 48” (121.92 cm) open array radar, a dual-band CHIRP transducer, a FLIR thermal camera, Sirius weather and Fish Mapping.  For the triple helm seats, all include flip bolsters and armrests.  The center seat is electrically adjustable fore and aft.  Optional electric adjustability is offered for the port and starboard seats. 

Also standard is the premium-level hardtop.  It’s a 3-piece with compound curves and includes an access hatch with an available center ladder above the leaning post.  Multi-color LED lights are fitted and there are air horns as well.  

Cabin

The cabin is accessed from the port side of the center console.  A grab rail along the length of the console makes entry easier.  Inside there’s headroom at the entrance of 6’4” (1.93 m) and a step down increases the headroom to 7’ (2.13 m).  There’s wraparound seating under a 32” (81.28 cm) TV that is flanked by speakers.  A filler cushion converts the seating into a berth 76” (193.04 cm) long.  Opening portlights to both sides have pulldown shades held in place by magnets.  Storage cabinets are above. 

The head is aft and includes a vacu-flush toilet, sink and shower head that hangs on the bulkhead.  Flip-down hooks allow for hanging wet gear in here for drying.  There’s even an inductive phone charger.   

Optional Equipment

• SiriusXM Satellite Weather/Fish Mapping Service Receiver

• COCKPIT COLOR OPTIONS

• Solid Teak Cockpit Accents 
• Painted Console and Leaning Post 

• ELECTRICAL OPTIONS

• Raymarine Twin Axiom XL 22 GPS Chartplotters 
• Raymarine Cyclone 48” (121.92 cm) Open-Array Radar 
• Raymarine B175H and B175L Dual-Band 1000W CHIRP Transducers 
• FLIR M332 Marine Thermal Camera 
• Aft Cockpit Fish Boxes with Macerator Discharge and Freezer Plates 
• Four Cockpit Electric Reel Outlets, 12V 
• 18,000 BTU Cockpit A/C, 120V 
• Seakeeper 3 Gyro Stabilization System, 120V 
• Cockpit Electric Grill, 120V 

• COCKPIT OPTIONS

• Hardtop Access Ladder 
• 3 Razor Light Bars, Spotlights 
• Stainless Steel LED Bow Docking Lights 
• Powered Adjustable Passenger Helm Seat Slides 
• Painted Hardtop Accents 
• GEMLUX Bluewater Outriggers with 22’ (6.71 m) Telescoping Poles with Triple Rigging Lines 
• Carbon Fiber Gangway

• CANVAS OPTIONS

• SureShade Electric Power Retractable Sun Shade 
• Bow Sun Shade

Price

Visit here for up-to-date pricing.   

Observations 

The new 387 CCS and CCF models bring Formula into, not so much a new direction but into an expanded lineup with a lot to offer.  It’s a center console done in a premium-level way that leaves little to be desired.  Those naysayers that were previously asking “why” are now asking “what took you so long?”