Formula 387 Center Console Fish

When I get an assignment to sea trial a fishing boat, I expect there to be an opportunity to wet a line and test the fishing features of said boat.

If not, then I’m just out for a cruise.

For my Formula 387 Center Console Fish (CCF) assignment, the guys from Formula Boats — Vic Spellberg, marketing/media for Formula and acting captain for the day, who is also an encyclopedia of many things Formula, and Abe Haines, Formula’s special projects manager, who quite literally had his hand in building this new model — did not disappoint. With fishing rods in hand and an ample supply of bait, we were off to put the Formula 387 CCF, with its new optional upper station, through its paces.

We didn’t catch enough sizable fish for dinner, thanks to the epic amounts of sargassum weed along the beaches and offshore of Florida’s east coast, but we did have fun with some scrappy grunts. We were targeting dolphin (no, not Flipper), hoping for some mahi-mahi fillets. The only edible seafood we had was at Monty’s, the restaurant at Miami Beach Marina. Even though the fishing was slow, the 387 CCF shone brightly in all her style, features and handling.

PEDIGREE CONTINUES

Formula boats have a special respect for safety, as evidenced by the ample number of grabrails throughout, high gunnels and storage for everything. On the 387 CCF, no matter where you step or fish from, you know this is a safe platform.

Formula didn’t skimp on the styling. The bold sheerline, seen throughout its model range, accentuates the hull and superstructure while giving each boat a distinctive profile. Now, bold includes designing the 387 CCF with an optional upper station, or more aptly known as a half-tower. Those who have used a full tower or even half know that any elevation increases the ability to spot fish. Formula did a great job integrating the tower into the overall build and not just making it a “bolt-on” aluminum frame that looks like an afterthought.

Formula created a “ladder” using existing components, including the pull-out cooler box, the top of the counter and a few floating steps to get above. Tubular framing makes for a solid finish and a great base for the hardtop. At the right side helm, a big Garmin multifunction display offers all functionality for navigating and searching for the pelagic species. On the left is an aft-facing lounge settee, for viewing lines or just enjoying the ride.

One key feature is the raised footrest at the upper helm. This tubular mount not only allows you to rest your feet on top but also lets you hook your feet underneath to stabilize your position — a simple addition that helps tremendously.

FISH ON

As Abe sliced through the squid, which these bottom feeders quickly nibbled off my hook, we discussed more features of this fishing machine. There are about two dozen rod holders and rocker launches, perfect for storage or when wanting a wide spread when trolling. With very deep depths in many fishing grounds, there are four electric outlets for the use of electric reels, if desired.

Other fishing features include twin 40-gallon livewells across the transom, twin 90-gallon fishboxes with freezer plates, Gemlux 18-foot outriggers, multiple drawers with Plano tackle boxes and tools, and a bait prep area. Take your catch from sea to plate with the aft cockpit Kenyon electric grill. It doesn’t get any fresher than that.

With a Seakeeper 4 gyro system onboard, drift fishing was comfortable with minimal rocking.

THE NEED TO PERFORM

Finding fish is not a problem for the 387 CCF, nor is getting to and from the grounds. Our test ride had triple Mercury V10 425-hp Verados recessed into the aft swim platform, giving an awesome look and easy access to the engines for maintenance. With some incoming weather, we decided to beat it back towards Miami and got to experience the handling of this vessel. Right away, we pinned the throttles to see 52.9 mph, but with a smooth and stable ride thanks to the patented FAS³Tech double-stepped foam-filled hull with sharp entry and a 23-degree deadrise. There is no problem cutting through waves at a workable speed. Pull back on the sticks to 5000 rpm to see approximately 36.4 mph. My test numbers were a little bit better than Formula’s numbers, which was nice to see.

With three of us and about half fuel onboard, the 387 CCF will have no problem carrying a full load. My time on the wheel revealed quick responses to wheel turns, instant torque from throttle controls, and great close-in maneuverability when docking, thanks to the joystick controller. It inspired the kind of confidence that makes the 387 CCF feel like it owns the sea.

COMFORT ABOUNDS

Not to be outdone by the fishing features, the 387 CCF also excels in the comfort column. With the center console, there’s full walk-around decking, making it easy to traverse from stem to stern. It’s also convenient to drop a line from any location, spread out a little, or chase your potential catch around the boat. With the open bow design, there’s port and starboard bench/lounger seating forward. Remove the cushions to make a true fishing platform. A huge two-person sunpad/chaise lounge is forward-facing in front of the helm, with armrests, a center fold-down cup holder and huge storage below for cushions or drinks. I was caught lounging as I was fishing.

In the cockpit is an aft-facing pull-out mezzanine seat, perfect for watching lines. The motorized cooler/fridge is built on its own tracks for easy operation, acting as a step or a seat itself. Across the transom is a flip-out bench seat with a backrest. Everyone can get to cruise in comfort. Reduced sun time can be found with the several shade options, including a Sureshade over the cockpit. Or dive into the cabin with V-bunk, Corian counters, wood grain flooring, sink, microwave and TV. Transforming from sandbar fun to elegant dining is a breeze. Stay overnight with the 8,000 BTU AC and wet head.

WHAT ELSE?

Triple powered helm seats with bolsters and armrests are shielded by the integrated hardtop. A single-pane window in the three-sided console has virtually no distortion and gives great sightlines. Optional dual 22-inch Garmin multifunction displays are flush-mounted in a black lacquered console.

Did I mention the grabrails on the dash and grabrails built into the hardtop framing? Well, here ya go. Other niceties are a dedicated knife rack, secured storage for gaffs and poles, a fender/line locker, stereos and speakers throughout, and night lighting.

A feature on several Formula boats that’s worth noting again are the port and starboard weather doors. These doors fold out from the side of the helm to block wind and noise when running at speed. They also block the rain, providing a drier ride to the captain and those sitting behind. When deployed during the sea trial, they do not slow the boat down, and they’re a valued feature to expand your fishing days. For a luxury fishing machine, Formula got the formula right with the 387 CCF. Let’s wet a line!