Formula Boats has finalized their industry-changing 457 Center Console Sport (CCS) design with more releases coming for their Center Console Fish (CCF) variant.
Both new center console models received their official announcement at Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in October, and were available to view publicly for the first time at the Miami International Boat Show in February 2024.
Our crew was able to check out the current iteration of the 457 CCS at Miami.
The finalizing of Formula's latest designs comes as the renowned boatbuilder re-enters the center console market. After years focusing on their larger Super Sport Crossover models, they launched the all-new 387 CCF and 387 CCS models in 2022, followed by the 457 CCS and CCF in late 2023.
"We here at Formula have had a fantastic time with the introduction of the 457 Center Console Sport over the past few months. We knew we had a winning concept when we presented the 387 Center Console series and got a fantastic and enthusiastic reception from the media and consumer alike, but the reaction from any and all who got to climb aboard a 457 has surpassed even the 387.," said Scott Smith, Formula Marketing Manager, in a statement.
"The dust has settled quite a bit now, so we have updated the press release and would encourage you to take another pass at it, and please do refer to it if you need any information regarding the 457 Center Console Sport. We will introduce the Fish version soon, so look for another email from me shortly for that press release," he added.
Both new iterations of the 457 center console platform carry an LOA of 45'7" with a 13'9" beam. They are offered with triple Mercury Verado V12 600's on the transom.
As is customary with Formula's focus on customer service and attention to detail, every boat is available with almost complete customization as per the owner's wishes. The boat was put together by Formula's exclusive designer John Adams, who was joined by co-designer Michael Young.
"Formula has received extraordinary validation of our entry into the Center Console arena with our 387 CCF and 387 CCS models. Their wonderful reception gave us the confidence to grow our Center Console line larger, and the 457 CCF and 457 CCS are taking form. They will be the most incredible center console creations Formula’s development team could present. We look forward to sharing our 457s with the world’s boaters,” said Formula President Scott Porter to BoatBlurb.
At the helm, the 457 CCS offers second-row seating, either an expansive bench standard or triple helm seats with folding armrests and three wireless charging mounts. There is also a sculpted aft lounge and spacious swim platform, as well as foldaway aft seating. An entertainment-ready cockpit features a galley and bait station/wetbar depending on your needs, and an elevated sun lounge up front with wraparound seating and a power-adjustable table provides even more social space.
The 457 also features an impressive electronics suite with twin 22” Raymarine or Garmin widescreen color chartplotters, triple displays available, with depth sounder and available 1,000-watt CHIRP transducer, Mercury DTS w/7" SmartCraft VesselView, Mercury Joystick Piloting and Bennett trim tab system, plus VHF radio with available motorized antennas. A standard Seakeeper 6 eliminates up to 95% of boat roll for a steady platform at anchor or on the run. Upgraded configurations and offerings such as radar and camera options are available. Three wireless charging mounts and two lockable drawers keep electronics and valuables safe. Other perks include 13 dual USB charging ports, multizone Rockford Fosgate stereo with JL Audio multicolor lighted speakers, multicolored LED lighting throughout, and up to 39 lighted drink holders, which all sync to music.
Up front, the open bow is distinguished by dual forward-facing sun lounges with outer armrests and drink holders, and features a center flip-down console with drink holders, storage tray and USB ports. Wrap-around bow seating includes removable cushions and fiberglass seat lids that easily tip aft for full-access storage below, a removable center seat, two tip-out trash cans, plus a power-adjustable table for snacks or meals, convertible to a sun lounge with filler cushion that stows neatly away at the center lounge storage.
At the stern, port and starboard transom doors lead to the roomy swim platform with telescoping ladders, plus available push-button swim seat for easy water access, hot/cold transom shower, and a portside freshwater washdown. The trunk storage features the available SEABOB for in-water fun.
Below deck, access to the cabin is via the portside console door, where three Corian steps lead down to woodgrain-finish flooring and 6'6" headroom. The U-shaped lounge converts to an inviting double berth with dual-height wood dining table and filler cushion. The cabin is fully appointed with open-grain finish cabinetry with Corian countertop, concealed custom-molded sink with cover, stainless fridge and microwave, plus drawer and two-tiered pull-out organizer. A 32" LED/LCD HDTV and 8,000 BTU air conditioning allows for entertainment and comfort. A molded private head compartment with portlight, pressurized fresh water, open-grain finish vanity with Corian countertop, custom molded vessel sink, upper and lower cabinet storage, separate stall shower and Vacuflush head make for easy all-day and overnight adventure.
Check out our review and walkthrough of the 457 CCS in the video below:
