Elevating the Offshore Experience: An Exhaustive Review of the 2027 Formula 387 CCF Upper Station

Executive Overview

When marine manufacturers look to iterate on already successful platforms, the changes are often cosmetic—a fresh gelcoat color, updated badging, or minor upholstery tweaks. However, Formula Boats has approached the evolution of its acclaimed 387 Center Console Fish (CCF) with a masterclass in functional engineering. Initially introduced to the offshore market in 2023 as a heavyweight contender in the luxury center console segment, the platform receives a monumental upgrade for the 2027 model year: an integrated, purpose-built tower featuring a full second helm station.

Tested off the coast of North Miami, Florida, amid less-than-ideal sea conditions punching out of Haulover Inlet, the new 2027 Formula 387 CCF Upper Station proved to be more than just a marketing checkbox. It represents a thoughtfully executed command bridge that transforms the 11-ton fishing machine into an elite, multi-tier predator. Combining Formula’s signature high-performance Fas³Tech multi-stepped hull, luxury-grade overnighting amenities, and tournament-ready angling specifications, this vessel defies the traditional compromises often required when blending high-end comfort with hardcore offshore capability.

Priced at $1,885,530 as tested and propelled by triple Mercury 425 V-10 outboards, the 387 CCF Upper Station stands as a testament to what happens when decades of offshore racing heritage collide with modern luxury boatbuilding.

Detailed Chronology: A Day of Adaptive Testing off South Florida

Navigating the Inlet and Deploying the Tower

The testing day commenced with challenging conditions outside Haulover Inlet. Rather than hindering the evaluation, the choppy waters and unpredictable ocean swells provided an authentic proving ground for the 2027 model’s new upper station and dynamic hull handling.

Accessing the newly engineered tower is typically a precarious undertaking on many sportfishers and center consoles, often requiring awkward maneuvers over expensive cushions or slick fiberglass. Formula’s design team, led in part by product designer Abe Haines, solved this ergonomic hurdle with meticulous attention to detail. The transit begins at the aft-facing mezzanine bench, which slides smoothly backward. Beneath this bench lies an electric slide-out cooler that functions simultaneously as a heavy-duty, stable step-up. Combined with strategically positioned grab handles surrounding the hardtop hatch, the ascent to the upper station is safe, intuitive, and remarkably sure-footed.

Rigging and Trolling Adjustments

With the test crew safely aloft—positioned securely on a starboard-side cushioned helm chair and a port-side companion lounger—the initial mission was set: deploy a spread to target mahi-mahi in the offshore grounds.

As Formula veteran and former offshore racer Vic Spellburg manned the main throttles, Abe Haines demonstrated an ingenious touch born of extensive on-water hours. To deploy and secure the Gemlux outriggers, Haines utilized quick-release clips traditionally reserved for fenders. This simple yet effective modification exemplifies the practical, angler-first mindset integrated throughout the 387 CCF.

However, South Florida’s notorious sargassum weed lines quickly rendered traditional trolling a game of constant bait-clearing. Pivoting strategy, the crew enacted Plan B: utilizing the commanding elevation of the upper station to hunt for floating debris, weed lines, and working frigate birds indicative of subsurface predatory activity.

Shifting to Reef Tactics

When the surface search yielded localized success met with stubborn weed accumulations, the mission shifted to Plan C: bottom fishing over a local reef system.

Dropping lines over the side transformed the cockpit into a functional workspace. Spellburg engaged the Seakeeper 4 gyroscopic stabilizer, neutralizing the rolling motion of the ocean swell and establishing an exceptionally stable platform for bottom-dwelling species. The crew quickly boxed yellowtail snapper and grouper, taking full advantage of the deep, secure cockpit, protective coaming bolsters, and integrated toe kicks that keep anglers locked safely in position during heavy lifting.

Supporting Context & Metrics: Engineering and Performance Anatomy

Hull Design and Hydrodynamics

Beneath its luxurious finishes, the structural integrity of the Formula 387 CCF is anchored by the proprietary Fas³Tech multi-stepped hull design. This engineering geometry introduces air beneath the running surface, systematically reducing hydrodynamic drag while simultaneously enhancing lift and fuel efficiency.

Transitioning smoothly into a deep-V configuration that tapers to a aggressive 23-degree deadrise at the transom, the hull slices through oncoming head seas with authority. During high-speed runs, the ride remains remarkably dry and predictable, aided significantly by the inclusion of the Seakeeper Ride automated vessel attitude control system, which dynamically manages pitch and roll in cross-, down-, and following-seas.

Propulsion and Speed Profiles

Formula offers a versatile array of outboard configurations for the 387 CCF, ranging from triple Mercury 300s and twin Mercury 600 Verados up to triple Mercury 500R powerplants.

The test vessel was outfitted with triple Mercury 425 V-10 outboards, a power package that unleashes the full potential of the 22,500-pound hull:

• Top Speed: 57.8 mph
• Comfortable Plane: Mid-20 mph range at 4,000 RPM
• Optimal Cruise: 36.8+ mph at 4,500 RPM
• Total Fuel Capacity: 500 gallons

Tournament-Grade Angling Specifications

The "CCF" designation—Center Console Fish—is earned through a comprehensive array of standard and optional fishing features designed to satisfy professional tournament crews:

• Livewells: Dual 40-gallon pressurized transom livewells featuring multi-level LED-lit inlets to maintain natural bait vitality, backed by a redundant twin-pump system complete with auto-switchover and helm alarms.
• Fish Storage: Twin 90-gallon insulated, macerated fishboxes.
• Rigging Station: A leaning post directly behind the triple-wide helm housing a Corian countertop, integrated molded sink, and removable cutting board, complemented by extensive tackle storage drawers.
• Rod Storage: Hardtop rocket launchers and extensive gunwale rod/cupholder combinations accommodating up to 30 rods onboard.

Comfort and Amenities

While engineered to perform in hardcore tournament conditions, the 387 CCF doubles as a premier entertainment and cruising platform.

At the main helm, triple independent high-backed chairs with flip-up bolsters allow the captain and crew to alternate between sitting and standing. Wind-Armor clear acrylic weather doors fold out from the console sides, shielding occupants from wind and spray.

Belowdeck, the cabin offers an impressive 6 feet, 4 inches of headroom—a rarity in this class. It features a U-shaped lounge surrounding a dual-height table that converts effortlessly into a double berth. The fully appointed galley includes Corian counters, a concealed sink, a microwave, a stainless steel pull-out refrigerator, and a 32-inch HD Smart TV. A private head compartment houses a Vacuflush toilet, vessel sink, and hot/cold shower, all temperature-controlled via an 8,000 BTU marine air conditioning system.

Official Specifications Breakdown

Future Outlook: The Evolution of the Luxury Center Console Segment

The introduction of the tower and upper station option on the 2027 Formula 387 CCF signals a broader industry shift. As buyers increasingly demand vessels that perform equally well on the tournament circuit, at the sandbar, and during extended weekend getaways, manufacturers must find ways to add functional vertical real estate without compromising stability, aesthetics, or center of gravity.

Formula has successfully demonstrated that an upper station can be integrated seamlessly into a high-performance hull without turning the vessel into a top-heavy compromise. By maintaining rigid structural integrity through the hardtop framework, utilizing lightweight yet durable composite materials, and prioritizing intuitive ergonomic access, Formula has set a new benchmark for upper station design in the 40-foot center console class.

As elite anglers and luxury boating enthusiasts continue to seek out platforms that offer maximum versatility, the Formula 387 CCF Upper Station establishes a formidable blueprint for the future of multi-mission offshore watercraft.