Top 10 Formula Boat Models 2027
Top 10 Formula Boat Models 2027
Direct Answer
The Best Overall Formula for 2027 is the Formula 430 Super Sport Crossover (430 SSC), starting around $1,295,000, a do-everything luxury cruiser that pairs quad Mercury Verado outboards, an open entertaining deck, and a fully appointed cabin to deliver the most complete blend of performance, comfort, and overnight capability in the lineup.
The Best Value pick is the Formula 240 Bowrider, starting near $155,000, which delivers Formula's hand-laid build quality, a versatile family-friendly cockpit, and lively sterndrive performance at the most accessible price in the brand. This list is built for families, watersports fans, and weekend cruisers who want premium American craftsmanship, real on-water performance, and a hull that holds value — whether the budget sits near $150,000 or stretches past $2,000,000 for a flagship center console.
Every pick below uses real model-year specs and MSRPs.
How We Ranked the Top 10
We weighted each Formula against what buyers tell dealers and surveyors they actually care about, leaning on published data from Boating Magazine, boats.com, BoatTEST, Power & Motoryacht, Wakeboarding, and Formula Boats factory specifications. The weighting:
- Build quality and reliability — 25%
- On-water performance — 20%
- Comfort and layout — 15%
- Value and price — 15%
- Features and tech — 15%
- Resale — 10%
A boat that nails speed but flunks family comfort, or wins on space but bleeds value at resale, drops fast. The winners balance all six.
1. Formula 430 Super Sport Crossover 🏆 BEST OVERALL
Starting MSRP: $1,295,000 | Best for: Families who want a luxury do-everything cruiser
The Formula 430 Super Sport Crossover (430 SSC) is the most complete boat the brand builds, a 43-foot LOA crossover that blends bowrider openness with real cabin cruising. It carries an 11-foot 6-inch beam, draws roughly 3 feet 4 inches, and rides on Formula's deep-V hull engineered for offshore composure.
Power comes from quad Mercury Verado outboards producing up to 1,800 combined horsepower, delivering a cruise near 35 knots and a top end past 55 knots. The single-level deck flows from a double-wide helm to a wet bar, convertible cockpit seating, and a generous swim platform, while a cabin below holds a berth, enclosed head, and galley for overnighting.
Fuel capacity runs about 420 gallons, and the Garmin glass cockpit with joystick piloting anchors the electronics.
Pros:
- Quad Mercury Verado outboards with up to 1,800 hp
- Crossover deck blending bowrider space and cabin cruising
- 55-plus-knot top end with offshore-capable deep-V hull
- Formula hand-laid build quality and strong resale
Cons:
- Flagship-level pricing near $1.3 million
- Quad-engine maintenance adds ownership cost
Verdict: The 430 SSC wins on balance — speed, luxury, and real overnight capability with no weak spot.
2. Formula 500 Super Sport Crossover
Starting MSRP: $2,150,000 | Best for: Buyers who want maximum size, range, and presence
The Formula 500 Super Sport Crossover (500 SSC) is the brand's flagship crossover, a 50-foot LOA boat with a 13-foot beam and a draft near 3 feet 8 inches. Quad or quint Mercury Verado outboards produce up to 2,400 combined horsepower, delivering a cruise near 34 knots and a top end around 52 knots despite the substantial size.
The expansive deck carries a hardtop-shaded helm, a full wet bar, and a vast cockpit, while below holds a master berth, convertible salon, galley, and enclosed head for true weekend liveaboard cruising. Fuel capacity reaches roughly 560 gallons, supporting long passages, and joystick piloting tames the big hull at the dock.
Pros:
- Flagship volume with full cabin accommodations below
- Up to five Mercury Verado outboards and 2,400 hp
- Long-range fuel capacity near 560 gallons
- Vast single-level entertaining deck
Cons:
- Top-of-range pricing above $2.1 million
- Size and draft limit shallow-water access
Verdict: The flagship crossover — buy it for maximum space, range, and on-water presence.
3. Formula 457 Center Console Fish
Starting MSRP: $1,650,000 | Best for: Serious offshore anglers who want luxury and fishability
The Formula 457 Center Console Fish (457 CCF) is the brand's premier fishing platform, a 45-foot 7-inch LOA center console with a 12-foot 8-inch beam and a draft near 3 feet. Quad or quint Mercury Verado outboards produce up to 2,400 combined horsepower, delivering a cruise near 38 knots and a top end past 55 knots.
The fishing-focused deck carries pressurized livewells, rod holders, a tackle station, and an insulated fish box, while a forward console cabin holds a berth and enclosed head. The hardtop integrates outriggers and a full Garmin electronics array with radar.
Fuel capacity runs about 530 gallons for long offshore runs.
Pros:
- Up to five Verado outboards and 2,400 hp for offshore range
- Pressurized livewells, rod holders, and tackle station
- Luxury console cabin with berth and enclosed head
- Hardtop with integrated outriggers and radar
Cons:
- Premium pricing near $1.65 million
- Fishing focus trims overnight comfort versus crossovers
Verdict: The luxury fishing flagship — buy it when serious offshore angling tops the list.
4. Formula 387 Center Console Sport
Starting MSRP: $925,000 | Best for: Buyers who want a versatile center console for fishing and family
The Formula 387 Center Console Sport (387 CCS) balances fishing and family use on a 38-foot 7-inch LOA hull with an 11-foot 6-inch beam and a draft near 2 feet 9 inches. Triple Mercury Verado outboards produce up to 1,350 combined horsepower, delivering a cruise near 36 knots and a top end around 52 knots.
The deck mixes livewells and rod holders with comfortable bow and aft seating, a wet bar, and a console cabin holding a berth and enclosed head. The hardtop carries available outriggers, and a full Garmin glass helm anchors navigation. Fuel capacity runs about 400 gallons, making it a true dual-purpose offshore boat.
Pros:
- Triple Verado outboards with up to 1,350 hp
- Dual-purpose deck for fishing or family cruising
- Console cabin with berth and enclosed head
- Comfortable bow and aft lounging seating
Cons:
- Less cabin space than dedicated crossovers
- Triple-engine maintenance raises running costs
Verdict: The versatile center console — strongest for buyers splitting time between fishing and family.
5. Formula 350 Crossover Bowrider
Starting MSRP: $695,000 | Best for: Families wanting cruising comfort and watersports in one hull
The Formula 350 Crossover Bowrider (350 CBR) is one of Formula's most popular family crossovers, a 35-foot LOA boat with an 11-foot beam and a draft near 3 feet 2 inches. Buyers choose twin Mercury or Volvo Penta sterndrives or triple Mercury Verado outboards producing 600 to 1,000 combined horsepower, good for a cruise near 32 knots and a top end around 50 knots.
The open deck offers a forward bowrider lounge, a double-wide helm, a wet bar, and an aft cockpit, while a cabin below holds a berth and enclosed head. Fuel runs about 300 gallons, and an available wakeboard tower adds watersports versatility.
Pros:
- Choice of sterndrive or triple Verado outboard power
- Open bowrider deck ideal for families and watersports
- Cabin below with berth and enclosed head
- Available wakeboard tower and wet bar
Cons:
- Outboard versions push pricing higher
- Overnight space is modest versus larger crossovers
Verdict: The family crossover sweet spot — cruising comfort and watersports in one capable hull.
6. Formula 330 Crossover Bowrider
Starting MSRP: $525,000 | Best for: Active families wanting a right-sized luxury bowrider
The Formula 330 Crossover Bowrider (330 CBR) scales the family crossover concept to a 33-foot LOA hull with a 10-foot 6-inch beam and a draft near 3 feet. Twin Mercury or Volvo Penta sterndrives, or available twin Verado outboards, produce 500 to 800 combined horsepower, delivering a cruise near 30 knots and a top end around 48 knots.
The open layout carries a forward bowrider lounge, a double-wide helm, a wet bar, and a roomy aft cockpit with convertible seating, while a compact cabin below offers a berth and enclosed head. Fuel capacity is about 220 gallons, and an available tower supports skiing and wakeboarding.
Pros:
- Right-sized luxury bowrider for active families
- Choice of sterndrive or twin outboard power
- Convertible aft cockpit and forward bow lounge
- Available wakeboard tower for watersports
Cons:
- Smaller cabin than the 350 CBR
- Twin power trims top-end versus triple-engine rivals
Verdict: A versatile mid-size bowrider — ideal for families who balance cruising and watersports.
7. Formula 380 Super Sport
Starting MSRP: $785,000 | Best for: Couples who want a sleek express cruiser for overnights
The Formula 380 Super Sport is the brand's classic express cruiser, a 38-foot LOA boat with a 12-foot 4-inch beam and a draft near 3 feet 4 inches. Twin Mercury or Volvo Penta sterndrives produce 800 to 1,000 combined horsepower, delivering a cruise near 28 knots and a top end around 45 knots.
The deck blends a sociable cockpit with a wet bar and convertible seating, while a true cabin below holds a mid-berth, convertible salon, galley, and enclosed head for comfortable weekends aboard. Fuel runs about 300 gallons. The Super Sport is the lineup's most cabin-focused mid-size boat, prioritizing overnight comfort.
Pros:
- True overnight cabin with galley and enclosed head
- Sleek express-cruiser styling and sociable cockpit
- Comfortable twin sterndrive cruising efficiency
- Mid-berth and convertible salon sleep multiple guests
Cons:
- Sterndrive power needs more maintenance than outboards
- Less open deck space than bowrider crossovers
Verdict: The overnight express — buy it when cabin comfort matters more than open-deck space.
8. Formula 290 FX3 Bowrider
Starting MSRP: $285,000 | Best for: Watersports families wanting a fast, capable bowrider
The Formula 290 FX3 Bowrider is a high-performance family bowrider, a 29-foot LOA boat with a 9-foot 6-inch beam and a draft near 2 feet 8 inches. Twin Mercury or Volvo Penta sterndrives, or available twin Verado outboards, produce 500 to 700 combined horsepower, delivering a cruise near 34 knots and a top end around 55 knots.
The open deck offers a deep bowrider lounge, a double-wide helm, a wet bar, and an aft sun pad, while a small cabin below provides a berth and portable head. Fuel runs about 160 gallons, and an available wakeboard tower plus underwater lighting round out the watersports package.
Pros:
- Quick 55-knot top end from twin power
- Deep bowrider lounge ideal for families
- Choice of sterndrive or twin outboard power
- Available wakeboard tower and underwater lighting
Cons:
- Minimal overnight accommodations
- Smaller fuel supply limits range
Verdict: The fast family bowrider — great for watersports and spirited day runs.
9. Formula 270 Bowrider
Starting MSRP: $195,000 | Best for: Families wanting a mid-size bowrider with day comfort
The Formula 270 Bowrider is a comfortable mid-size family boat, a 27-foot LOA bowrider with an 8-foot 6-inch beam and a draft near 2 feet 6 inches. Twin Mercury or Volvo Penta sterndrives produce 400 to 600 combined horsepower, delivering a cruise near 30 knots and a top end around 48 knots.
The open deck carries a forward bow lounge, a double-wide helm, a wet bar, an aft sun pad, and convertible cockpit seating, while a cuddy area below provides a berth and portable head. Fuel capacity is about 120 gallons. The 270 is a roomy, family-first day boat with Formula's signature finish.
Pros:
- Roomy mid-size bowrider for family day boating
- Convertible cockpit and forward bow lounge
- Wet bar, aft sun pad, and Formula-grade finish
- Approachable twin sterndrive power
Cons:
- Cuddy cabin offers only basic overnight space
- Outboard option not available on this hull
Verdict: The family day boat — comfortable, roomy, and finished to Formula's high standard.
10. Formula 240 Bowrider 💎 BEST VALUE
Starting MSRP: $155,000 | Best for: First-time Formula buyers wanting maximum boat per dollar
The Formula 240 Bowrider is the most accessible entry into the brand and the value champion of the lineup. This 24-foot LOA bowrider carries an 8-foot 6-inch beam, draws roughly 2 feet 4 inches, and offers a versatile family-friendly deck for its size. A single Mercury or Volvo Penta sterndrive produces 300 to 430 horsepower, good for a cruise near 28 knots and a top end around 48 knots.
The open layout offers a forward bow lounge, a double-wide helm, a wet bar, and an aft sun pad, with a small storage cuddy below. Fuel runs about 75 gallons, and the 240 delivers Formula's hallmark fit and finish at the lineup's lowest price.
Pros:
- Lowest entry price into the Formula brand at $155,000
- Family-friendly bowrider deck with wet bar and sun pad
- Approachable single sterndrive power and easy handling
- Formula hand-laid build quality at an accessible price
Cons:
- Smallest boat with no real overnight cabin
- Single-engine power limits top-end versus larger boats
Verdict: The value pick — genuine Formula craftsmanship and family versatility at the most accessible price.
Buyer Decision Tree — Which One's Right for You?
What to Look For When Buying a Performance Bowrider or Crossover
- Hull construction and lay-up — Hand-laid fiberglass with structural stringers and quality coring resists flex and holds resale value. Formula's reputation for finish quality is a core reason these hulls command premium money.
- Outboard vs sterndrive power — Mercury Verado outboards free up cockpit space, simplify maintenance, and add top speed, while sterndrives lower entry cost and keep a cleaner transom; match the drive to your use and budget.
- Real overnight capability — Confirm whether you need a true cabin with a galley and enclosed head, like the 380 Super Sport, or just a day-boat cuddy, as in the smaller bowriders.
- Watersports gear — Look for an available wakeboard tower, ballast or tow points, and underwater lighting if skiing and wakeboarding are priorities.
- Electronics and helm — Integrated Garmin glass cockpit displays, joystick piloting on multi-engine boats, and clear sightlines from the helm matter for confident operation.
- Fuel capacity and range — Offshore runs demand the 400-to-560-gallon flagships; local day boating is well served by the 75-to-220-gallon family boats.
What matters less than marketing implies: headline top-speed numbers and the largest available engine package. A cruise speed you'll actually run, docking ease, build quality, and resale strength affect ownership far more than a few knots at wide-open throttle.
FAQ
Which Formula boat model is the best overall for 2027? The Formula 430 SSC earns our top spot for blending an open crossover deck, a real overnight cabin, quad Mercury Verado power up to 1,800 hp, and a 55-plus-knot top end with Formula's hallmark build quality.
What is the best value Formula boat? The Formula 240 Bowrider, starting near $155,000, is the most affordable entry into the brand and offers a family-friendly deck, approachable sterndrive power, and Formula-grade craftsmanship.
What is the difference between Formula's CBR, SSC, CCF, and Super Sport models? CBR boats are crossover bowriders for families and watersports, SSC boats are super sport crossovers blending bowrider openness with cabin cruising, CCF/CCS are center consoles built for fishing, and Super Sport models are cabin-focused express cruisers for overnighting.
Which Formula has the best fishing capability? The Formula 457 CCF is the dedicated offshore flagship with pressurized livewells, rod holders, a tackle station, and outriggers, while the 387 CCS offers a versatile dual-purpose fishing-and-family layout.
Are Formula boats good for offshore use? Yes — Formula's deep-V hulls, hand-laid construction, and models like the 430 SSC, 500 SSC, and 457 CCF are engineered for offshore composure, with the larger boats carrying 400-to-560 gallons of fuel for real range.
Which Formula is best for watersports? The Formula 290 FX3 and 350 CBR bowriders with available wakeboard towers, lively performance, and open decks are the strongest watersports choices in the lineup.
Bottom Line
For 2027, the Formula 430 SSC is our Best Overall pick — starting around $1,295,000, it wins on its crossover deck, real overnight cabin, quad Verado power, and offshore-ready hull. The Formula 240 Bowrider, from about $155,000, is our Best Value, delivering genuine Formula craftsmanship and family versatility at the brand's most accessible price.
If your needs lean toward serious offshore fishing, flagship volume, or a fast watersports bowrider, use the decision tree above to route yourself to the 457 CCF, 500 SSC, or 290 FX3 instead. Buy on build quality, the right layout for your boating, and resale strength — not headline horsepower — and you'll be happy for many seasons on the water.
Sources
- Boating Magazine — Formula Boats reviews and boat tests
- boats.com — Formula listings, specs, and pricing
- BoatTEST — Formula Boats performance data
- Power & Motoryacht — Formula model coverage and specs
- Wakeboarding — bowrider and watersports boat guides
- Discover Boating — bowrider and crossover buying guides
- Formula Boats — official model specifications
- Mercury Marine — Verado outboard systems
- Yachting — performance cruiser reviews
*Formula boat review — best Formula boats 2027, reviews, ratings, prices, and a review of the top Formula models for buyers.*