Haulover Inlet in South Florida is a magnet for attention—especially from YouTube boat videos—because its narrow channel and opposing wind-and-tide conditions can produce stacked waves and dramatic rides. When the inlet builds 4- to 6-foot sets, boats that aren’t properly designed for these seas or captains unfamiliar with the conditions can take a wave over the foredeck. It’s a place that quickly exposes a boat’s handling and build quality, which is why testing the Formula 387 CCF here felt appropriate.
On our run into Haulover, east to northeast winds collided with an outgoing tide, creating those exact stacked waves. I asked Formula product specialist Abe Haines if I could try the upper station on this new center console, and he agreed to join me.
Accessing the upper helm is straightforward: a button on the leaning post slides out a large mezzanine cooler to form the first step. From there you climb a centered ladder, pop open a hatch and step into the upper station. The transition is secure, and although I bumped my head on the hardtop—probably my fault more than the design—once above the lower helm the wind hit us directly. Haines settled on the starboard helm where the joystick and Garmin displays are located, while I took the lounge to port.
The upper station is an expensive option—$111,000—but it’s noticeably more spacious and better equipped than many second stations found on center consoles of this size. Instead of a narrow, centerline console that forces you to run the boat standing and alone, Formula’s design accommodates multiple people comfortably. It’s ideal for anglers needing to spot birds, bait schools or weedlines, and it’s also a pleasant vantage point for simply enjoying unobstructed views.
Built for Big Water
Formula’s reputation for robust construction is evident in the 387CCF. In Haulover’s chop the boat tracked through the waves cleanly; not a drop of spray reached my sunglasses. To support the roughly 1,500-pound upper station and to prevent flex, Formula reinforced the structure, and the result was a smooth, vibration-free ride even as the bow sliced through swells. The entire upper helm assembly is aluminum, including the padded buggy top, and the powder-coated supports align with the hardtop legs for a cohesive appearance.
The Porter family’s hands-on design approach—building plywood mock-ups to refine ergonomics—shows in thoughtful details: footrests built into the helm chair, a lower bar along the deck edge functioning as a toe rail, and console storage sized to hold cushions so you don’t have to tote them up and down the ladder. These practical touches improve everyday use while underway or at anchor.
The added weight and windage have only a modest impact on performance. Haines estimated a top-speed loss of about 2 mph compared with a lighter configuration. The boat’s displacement sits near 22,500 pounds and our tanks were topped with the 500-gallon fuel option—useful when the seas are producing close-set 6-footers as they were on test day. The 387CCF moves through rough water with a soft, non-pounding motion; lighter boats may accelerate faster but can slam in similar conditions.
Engine choices for the 387CCF are flexible. Our test boat used triple 425-hp Mercury Verados, which delivered strong, reliable power; Formula also offers twin 600s or triple 500s as alternatives. Even in lumpy seas we comfortably held 28 knots into a head sea, and on a flat stretch down the Intracoastal we reached 44 knots at wide open. The naturally aspirated Verados run quietly and efficiently, and Formula’s custom-painted engine covers matched the hull for a cohesive, sporty look through the Formula Flex paint options.
This hull benefited from Seakeeper Ride, which simplified trim management while changing course, and the Wind Armor fold-out weather doors on both sides of the helm proved effective at cutting wind and spray. Visibility from the helm is excellent thanks to a large windshield that opens electrically, and the twin 22-inch Garmin screens are flush-mounted, easy to read and well positioned. The helm layout opts for a modern black-on-black Corian finish instead of traditional teak accents, with practical features like cellphone chargers and an adjustable helm chair enhancing comfort and convenience.
A Fine Fisherman
Formula doesn’t just bolt rod holders onto a platform and call it a fishing boat. The 387CCF’s cockpit is laid out for serious angling: open room to move from corner to corner, easy access between bait wells and the tackle center, and a clear transom path to the fishboxes. The mezzanine cushion slides forward to reveal a substantial work station with tackle drawers beneath, streamlining onboard workflow.
Wind and weed on our test day kept trolling for mahi-mahi off the table, so we drifted over reef structure and dropped squid into 80- to 120-foot depths. The Seakeeper 4 gyro minimized roll while drifting, making the boat a steadier platform for anglers. We didn’t fill the twin 90-gallon fishboxes, but we did land a variety of caught species—enough to demonstrate the boat’s fishing capability.
The 387CCF supports a full fishing arsenal: rocket launchers and numerous rod holders accommodate trolling rods, spinning rods, kite setups and electric deep-dropping reels. Two 40-gallon live wells in the transom are easy to service, and electric reel plugs under the gunwales are perfect for kite or deep-drop setups. The swim-step design, with wings that extend beside the outboards, provides a clear passage forward so crew can reach the bow without tripping hazards. In short, this Formula is built to fish hard and fish comfortably.
Cruising Comforts
The Formula 387CCF blurs the line between center console fishing machine, dayboat and true weekender. The bow features extensive seating and a large forward lounge with an adjustable table that can sit flush or rise for dining. Removing a filler cushion gives easy access to the anchor locker. Below, the air-conditioned cabin includes a dinette that converts to a berth and a full head with a shower. Yacht-grade materials and well-placed windows make the interior feel bright and roomy rather than cramped or claustrophobic.
When the fishing gear is stowed and the grime washed off, the cockpit is an excellent space for cruising, socializing or relaxing. An extendable awning from the hardtop provides shade, and an optional transom grill makes onboard cookouts simple. Formula’s long history of building solid, well-engineered boats shows in the 387CCF: it’s comfortable, capable and confident in challenging conditions.
If you’re seeking a center console with a generously sized upper station, comprehensive fishing features and comfortable cruising accommodations, schedule a sea trial on a blustery day—the ride demonstrates the design’s strengths.
- LOA: 41’2”
- BEAM: 12’
- DRAFT: 3’10”
- DISPL.: 22,500 lbs.
- FUEL: 500 gals.
- WATER: 55 gals.
This article was originally published in the September 2026 issue.