Formula’s latest 457 center console is built to entertain.
Born in Miami, Florida, and settling down in Decatur, Indiana, the family-owned Formula Boats continues to develop new lines—the latest being the 457 Center Console Sport and the 457 Center Console Fish models. The center console line made its first appearance in 2022 with the 387 Sport and Fish models. Under the design imagination of John Adams and Michael Young, the 457 was introduced at the 2024 Miami International Boat Show with great excitement, especially knowing she would only improve on the ultimate performance and amenities of the 387.
Many agree with Ralph Waldo Emerson when he said, “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey,” and stepping aboard the 457 Center Console powered by triple Mercury 600 V12 Verados will make that journey as exciting as you want it. You can either power up and reach your destination quickly with no time wasted or take the time for a few stops along the way (I’m thinking sandbar or restaurant hopping) because she has the speed to get you there when you wish. She can run up to 62 mph for 250 miles, and her deck plan is set up for comfort whether going fast or cruising along at 42 mph for a range of 334 miles.
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On Deck
Protected by a stout hardtop, the helm has triple custom-designed seats that are electrically adjustable with folding armrests and cup/phone holders with charging ports. The 457 offers second-row bench seating that’s standard or triple helm seats with armrests as an option. Either choice has a supplemental 18,000 BTU air conditioner for extra comfort.
Seating luxury continues in the cockpit with weather-resistant seats made with a DriFast foam, Starlite XL synthetic marine panel construction with Tenara element-resistant thread, and PreFixx protective coating. Up in the bow, dual forward-facing sun lounges with center flip-down armrest and two Corian-accented drink holders have a flip-down bench seat attached to the front, and the wraparound bow seating along with a power-adjustable table that has a filler cushion extends the bow sunning area to complete the on-deck seating arrangements and provide room for 10-12 people.
Underseat storage, side-wall compartments (with room for four fenders that are included), under-gunwale rod holders, in-deck floor storage, and the aft mechanical room below the cockpit floor offer an incredible amount of space for gear.
Between the helm seating and the cockpit (and still under the hardtop) is an impressive mid-station that offers a three-tiered cockpit entertainment center. The full Corian countertop includes a molded sink with removable cover that flips to a cutting board. The beverage center below includes tempered high and low glassware and a YETI cocktail shaker/lowball set with dedicated storage plus additional compartments for beverage items and entertainment supplies. (I’m sure you can image this area on the fishing model, such as a Plano tackle box station, tackle storage drawers, and a removable hardtop ladder to access the optional upper helm station.) A large cooler below the drawers not only slides out to access cold drinks, but also is an extra mezzanine-style seat. A standard stainless cockpit fridge on the port side chills your refreshments, and a trash container and fire extinguisher/paper towel locker are to starboard. A safety feature at the foot of the starboard inner gunwale is a toe rail that makes a secure base for hauling in gear and provisions or gaffing your catch when fishing.
Then there’s the optional aft transom station, which includes a 120V Kenyon electric grill to port and a storage garage to starboard with plenty of room for the optional SEABOB scooter. What’s nice about this aft deck area is the room. Because of the clean engine mounts with rigging sleeves, the swim platform is clear of any obstacles to make barbecuing and access to gear in the transom storage garage easy. The spacious integrated platform extends alongside the outer engines and provides plenty of room to launch water toys like that SEABOB as well as access the engines for basic maintenance. With the undermount telescoping swim ladders on each side, swimmers have no problem getting back on board, and the starboard washdown pump and hose offer a refreshing rinse whether swimming or cleaning off any fishing mess.
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At the Helm
An impressive electronics suite has everything the captain needs, including twin 22-inch Raymarine or Garmin widescreen color chartplotters. Triple displays are available as well. With the Mercury outboards, the Mercury Digital Throttle & Shift controls with 7-inch SmartCraft VesselView, Mercury Joystick Piloting, Bennett trim tab system, and bow thruster are standard. There are so many ways to upgrade your setup, too, such as radar and FLIR thermal camera options, Seakeeper stabilizer, GPS widescreen color chartplotters, depth sounder and transducer, outriggers for the fishing model, and Mercury’s 1st Mate safety, security, and theft deterrent system with man overboard capability.
Even the choice of stereo systems is available, including the Rockford Fosgate stereo with JL Audio speakers, along with 13 dual USB charging ports, nine wireless charging mounts, and up to 26 polished stainless drink holders that are hooked up to mood lighting. In fact, the entire boat is connected to mood lighting from the cupholders to the speakers to the gunwales and the hardtop.
Formula’s 457 Center Console has Room to Rest
With all the action on deck, there might be a moment when the optional sunshades bow and stern aren’t enough or you just need to lie down a bit. You’ll be happily surprised to step through the portside console door to a roomy cabin (with 6-foot, 6-inch headroom) that includes a private head and separate stall shower. Then again, maybe the U-shaped lounge that easily turns into a double berth will be calling. The cabin is fully appointed including a small galley area with sink and stainless pull-out fridge, a 32-inch HDTV, and best of all, an 8,000 BTU air conditioning system. The “cabin in the hull,” as I call it, is cozy and comfortable enough that an overnight or two isn’t out of the question.
Cool Stuff
Two features that are really ingenious on the 457 CCS are part of the hardtop structure. The first is the compound curved windshield. The entire glass windshield lifts open, hinged at the top, with a forward motion through a custom power-opening mechanism that works while underway. The second is a proprietary Wind-Armor wind and spray protection system. It’s like a door that folds out from the console sidewall to block wind when underway at speed. There’s one on each side that deflects the wind away from the helm seating rows to make guests more comfortable during offshore runs. It really does make a difference.
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For the Fish
The 457 CCF (Fish) is a superb platform to land your catch. The Fish model offers dual 50-gallon, pressurized livewells aft, port and starboard fish boxes with macerators and available freezer plates, and premium GEMLUX outriggers. The 457 has port and starboard side doors plus a starboard transom door for easy access to haul in a catch or join in the water activities.
It’s a no-brainer for anglers to add the optional upper helm station. It’s equipped with its own Mercury DTS and joystick JPO controls, a 7-inch Mercury VesselView display, and a 19-inch Garmin or Raymarine widescreen color chartplotter. USB ports and wireless charging mounts are in every area of the boat, including up here, as are audio speakers. Besides that, the helm station seat lifts away to stand or lean and an expansive lounge to port with storage behind makes for easy relaxing and conversation with others while searching weed lines or scouting for bird frenzies.
The 457 Center Console sits upon Formula’s proven twin-step FAS3TECH hull with a 22-degree deadrise that stays on track no matter the speed or the maneuver. She is a platform that will please both the angler and the cruiser and, actually, both at the same time. During Southern Boating’s test ride, she was comfortable, handled well, and with the triple Mercury 600 Verados, had the speed to get us out past Stiltsville in Biscayne Bay south of Miami and back in no time. In fact, her handling around the dock made it easy to tie up, and we had plenty of time to enjoy a nice lunch before heading home.
-by Steve Davis
Formula 457 Center Console SPECS
LOA: 49′ 1″
Beam: 13′ 9″
Draft: 4′ 6″
Approx. Weight: 33,250 lbs.
Power: 3x Mercury 600 V12 Verado
Max/Cruise Speed: 62/47 mph
Range @ Cruise: 340 miles
Fuel/Water: 700/90 U.S. gals.
Contact: Formula Boats
(260) 724-9111
Formula 457 Center Console Gallery
A gallery of Formula’s 457 Center Console Sport and Fish models
