Formula 457 CCF

Formula Boats has long been a premier powerboat builder since the early 1960s.

With roots in performance boats and offshore powerboat racing, the builder has recently focused on high-performance, luxury crossover-style family dayboats and weekenders. In 2022, the company opted to re-enter the booming center console market with its 2023 387 CCF (Center Console Fish) and 387 CCS (Center Console Sport). In 2024, Formula introduced the expansion of this line with the 457 CCS, followed by the 457 CCF.

Fishing machine

The Formula 457 CCF is the same boat as the CCS from the helm forward, but from the second row of seats to the transom, the 457 CCF is a complete fishing machine. She’s built for anglers who demand high performance and durability in offshore environments, even when seas get rough.

With generous deck space, ample fuel capacity and impressive range, she is designed to maximize fishability. An optional tower and upper helm station are ideal for sight fishing, while two pressurized 50-gallon livewells, in-deck refrigerated fishboxes complete with macerators (the portside fishbox is fitted with an optional 20-pound-per-hour ice maker) and an extensive tackle/rigging station amidships make this boat exceptionally well-suited for serious anglers. Under the tackle station, you’ll also find a power-assisted retractable mezzanine bench that doubles as a cooler.

The exterior is characterized by Formula’s meticulous attention to detail, with premium finishes and stainless steel accents throughout. Our test boat was also fitted with highly attractive teak accents at the helm and throughout the cockpit. The boat’s aerodynamic windshield not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also provides optimal wind protection for passengers seated in the cockpit. With a flip of a switch, the window opens, which is ideal for slower cruising speeds. The only notable downside to the windshield setup is that there is a slight distortion visible while wearing polarized glasses.

Formula’s length and beam make for a roomy cabin below deck that includes a double berth, which converts from a C-shape lounge. The cabin is nestled into a cheerily lit (with recessed LED lighting and overhead and forward portlights) arrangement with a large head compartment with shower, and an abbreviated galley with microwave, coffee maker and fridge.

Through its paces

Meeting up with the boat in North Miami, and with one of the livewells stocked with bait, we set out and had an uneventful run through the Haulover Inlet (yes, the one you may see on YouTube), and cruised offshore to get our lines wet. We had no luck landing a sailfish or a nice tuna for lunch, but we did snag a couple of small ones, just to say we did catch something.

When stopped for bottom fishing, the hull naturally lies beam into the seas. This can make for some of the most uncomfortable sea conditions. Fortunately, the relatively wide beam, solid displacement and standard gyro stabilizer Seakeeper 6 (which definitely earned its keep) kept the hull relatively stable.

Pulling up the lines, we ran south to the sheltered waters of Biscayne Bay to put the 457 further through its paces. The only power option available is a set of triple Mercury V12 600-hp outboards. From an idle position, the 457 climbed onto plane in just under 8 seconds. Once we reached about 3500 RPM, the Mercury V12 600s “switched gears.” First gear has a 20% reduction in gear ratio. This leverages the engine’s torque to propel these big boats out of the hole and up on plane. The motor then shifts into second gear automatically, dropping the RPM for better fuel economy. The shift is so fluid that you don’t notice it, especially as a passenger. As an added bonus, the naturally aspirated motors are quiet with no turbo whining away.

As we approached 4500 RPM, we settled into a comfortable cruising speed of 35.5 mph. Turning was effortless, and we were able to complete full 360s within our wavelength. Setting up for some high-speed runs, the normal instinct would be to start trimming out the motors as the bow has a tendency to dip and increase drag.

Not so with the 457. Pushing the throttles to the stop, and with no adjustment of motor trim, we hit an impressive 58 mph at 6422 RPM. What was equally impressive is that the tight and controlled cornering felt just as solid at WOT; no matter how aggressive the turn was, we could not break the hull free. It was truly a “set it and forget it” setup when it comes to throttle control. A slight trim tab was needed to counter for a crosswind, but this has to be one of the most user-friendly boats in its class to operate. For added protection at higher speeds, an innovative and proprietary Wind-Armor “wind and spray” electric-powered door system folds out on either side at the push of a button and helps make runs into the wind and spray offshore more comfortable. Handle it all

We weren’t surprised by its performance — every Formula that I’ve tested over the years offered a high-performance experience thanks largely to the FAS³Tech design and engineering. Instead of stringers and bulkheads laid into the hull and storage buckets glued in place, Formula builds a one-piece stringer grid that melds to the hull in a single piece and includes all fishboxes, dry-storage compartments and machinery access to the bilge, plus ample wire chases for a nearly unlimited array of accessories. The boat is filled with gadgets such as inductive cellphone charging brackets (including one in the head!), electrically adjustable seats and cupholders everywhere. The bow section features a retractable table that also converts this area into a comfortable lounge area. Heading back to the dock, we navigated through a relatively narrow channel and commenced a 180-degree turn to line up with our slip on the seawall. Utilizing small movements on the joystick, we turned within our own length; however, when rotating, we seemed to feel a bit of resistance in the turn and utilized the bowthruster to help ease us around. Once parallel with the dock, simple nudges of the joystick slid us sideways, gently landing us in our slip. Formula has exceeded itself creating a center console that offers up comfort and style while still satisfying the needs of the serious angler. Whether you’re planning a cruise with friends and family or an ambitious offshore fishing trip, this boat offers the flexibility, power and elegance to handle it all.