Boat Test: 2026 Formula 387 CCF

Overview

When Formula Boats first built the 387 Center Console Fish (CCF), which we tested in 2023, it produced a stout battlewagon engineered from the keel to the hardtop for serious offshore angling combined with high-end luxury. Read our review from then at boatingmag.com/3321 and you’d think that there wasn’t much Formula could do to improve it. Yet the boatbuilder found a way: An optional upper steering station.

Interior and Accessories

Formula has integrated a full secondary helm station atop the 387 CCF center console hardtop. Far from an uncomfortable, small second helm that you have to risk life and limb to access, this upper station is a full command bridge with electronics, instrumentation and crew comforts from an elevated standpoint. It’s easily accessed through a step-ladder built into the hardtop behind the helm, without stepping on cushions or other amenities. Rather than offering a standard, lean-against bolster, Formula fitted the starboard-side control station with a proper, deeply cushioned helm chair. To port, a companion lounger gives your spotter or co-captain a comfortable front-row seat to the action. When the fishing trip wraps up or heavy weather rolls in, the seat cushions fold up cleanly and stow away beneath a custom fitted canvas cover. 

Formula actually builds two versions of the 387, the “sport” version designed for cruising, overnighting and hitting the sandbar, and the “fish” version that includes many of the luxury accommodations combined with hardcore fishing features. Start with the dual 40-gallon pressurized livewell system featuring multi-level LED-lit inlets to keep bait swimming. It’s backed by a redundant twin-pump system with auto-switchover and helm alarms. Twin 180-gallon insulated fish boxes ensure you can keep your catch fresh. 

Gemlux Premium outriggers adorn the hardtop. One of Formula’s engineers, an avid angler, designed the outrigger releases with a custom system using fender clips so that they can be locked in place or deployed with one hand.  Directly behind the triple-seat helm, the leaning post houses a bait and rigging station complete with a Corian countertop, molded sink, and removable cutting board. Need to access the upper station? The 387 CCF aft-facing mezzanine bench slides back. Below that same bench lies a motorized slide-out cooler—engineered so that it doubles as a heavy-duty step up to the upper station ladder or hardtop rocket launchers. Additional rod holders, including rod holder/cup holder combos, provide space to hold up to 30 rods on board.

Engines

With all the fishy features, Formula never abandons its performance roots, using its Fas³Tech multi-stepped hull designed to force air under the running surface, reducing drag and increasing fuel efficiency. Combined with a true deep-V that tapers to 23 degrees of deadrise at the transom, the 387 can handle almost any conditions outside the inlet. Formula offers several engine combinations from triple 300 Mercurys, twin 600 Merc Verados, or up to triple Mercury 500R outboards. Our test boat came equipped with triple V-10 Mercury 425s, which helped propel the 11-ton hull to over 52 mph at top end. The 387 reached comfortable speeds in the mid-20-mph range at 4,500 rpm and settled into 30-mph-plus cruising speeds around 5,000 rpm. To minimize rolling while reef fishing or trolling in heavy seas, Formula offers both a Seakeeper 4 gyrostabilizer as well as the automated Seakeeper Ride attitude control system. Both kept our test model riding true and comfortable while running the inlet and dropping lines at an offshore reef. The triple-wide helm seating features three independent high-back chairs with flip-up bolsters so the captain and crew can sit or stand to their preference.

On deck, passengers can relax on the forward sun lounge equipped with integrated phone chargers, or lounge in the bow’s U-shaped seating area with its electrically actuated table. When the sun gets too hot, an optional electric SureShade rolls out from the hardtop, while clear-acrylic Wind-Armor weather doors protect the helm and cockpit crew from spray. 

Belowdecks, the accommodations are great for overnighting at the canyon or at the marina after an island run. Passing through the portside console door reveals a spacious cabin boasting 6 feet, 4 inches of headroom. It includes an Ultraleather U-shaped lounge surrounding a dual-height table that converts into a double berth. A full galley features Corian counters, a concealed sink, a microwave,  a stainless-steel pull-out refrigerator and 32-inch HD Smart TV. 

A private head compartment features a Vacuflush toilet, custom vessel sink, and shower. The whole thing gets cooled through an 8,000 BTU air-conditioning unit.

Read Next: Formula 360 CBR Outboard

Other offshore center-consoles with upper stations include the Everglades 395 CC, which sells for upwards of $1.2 million with triple Mercury 425s. Boston Whaler offers the 380 Outrage with triple Mercury 400s in the $900,000 range. Scout has an upper station option on its 400 LXF that retails for over $1.2 million with triple 425 Mercurys.

Overall, Formula’s game-changing upper station, luxurious layout, performance hull, and tournament-ready fishing features make the 387 CCF a standard-bearer for what a luxury offshore battlewagon should be.

How We Tested

• Engine: Triple Mercury V-10 425 hp
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Revolution 4 14.6″ x 19″ 4-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 2.08:1 Fuel Load: 200 gal. Crew Weight: 550 lb.

High Points

• Wind-Armor acrylic weather doors on either side of the console keep crew at the helm and in the cockpit protected when deployed.
• Upper station provides full controls and passenger comfort to spend the whole day operating the boat aloft. 
• All rod holders and storage compartments have dedicated drain tubes that route water overboard, keeping gear and the bilge dry.
• Cabin has 6 feet, 4 inches of headroom and includes a full galley and separate head with shower. Plus, it’s air-conditioned.

Low Points

• Cockpit dive door has a flip-up top with cup holders underneath when opened, but requires an extra step to open the dive door.
• One of the most expensive boats in its class. 

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation