Top 10 Formula Boat Models 2027
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The 10 best formula boat models 2027 are ranked below on measured performance, build quality, price, and how each one actually holds up in daily use rather than how it reads on a spec sheet. Each pick lists what it costs, who it suits, and what it gives up against the one above it, so the list can be read straight down without doubling back.
1Formula 430 Super Sport Crossover

The Formula 430 Super Sport Crossover ranks first for pairing a 43-foot LOA and 11-foot 6-inch beam with quad Mercury Verado outboards up to 1,800 horsepower and a 55-knot top end. Its single-level deck runs helm to swim platform, and the cabin adds a berth, enclosed head, and galley. Pricing starts near $1,295,000.
This crossover suits families wanting a do-everything cruiser without giving up speed or comfort. Against the larger 500 SSC below it, the 430 is easier to dock and far less expensive, yet still offshore-capable. Buyers get flagship amenities in a more practical 43-foot package, making it the best overall Formula for 2027.
2Formula 500 Super Sport Crossover
The Formula 500 Super Sport Crossover ranks second for delivering maximum size, range, and presence in Formula's flagship crossover. At 50 feet LOA with a 13-foot beam, it carries up to five Mercury Verado outboards producing 2,400 horsepower and reaches roughly 52 knots. Fuel capacity near 560 gallons supports long passages, while the cabin offers a master berth, convertible salon, galley, and enclosed head. Pricing starts at $2,150,000.
This boat is for buyers prioritizing volume and long-range cruising over agility and cost. It trades away shallow-water access and dock ease compared to the 430 SSC above, but gains substantial living space and fuel endurance. The 500 SSC is the ultimate statement for those wanting Formula's largest crossover, with presence that dwarfs smaller models.
3Formula 457 Center Console Fish

The Formula 457 Center Console Fish secures third place for dedicated offshore fishing performance paired with luxury amenities. This 45-foot 7-inch center console has a 12-foot 8-inch beam and rides a deep-V hull, powered by up to five Mercury Verado outboards with 2,400 horsepower. It tops 55 knots and cruises near 38 knots, with 530-gallon fuel capacity for long runs. Pricing starts around $1,650,000.
This model is for serious anglers wanting a luxury fishing platform, trading away overnight comfort for fishability. Compared to the 500 SSC above, it offers a more focused deck layout and higher top speed but less cabin space. The 457 CCF is the premier choice for those demanding top-tier fishing capability without sacrificing Formula build quality.
4Formula 387 Center Console Sport

The Formula 387 Center Console Sport ranks fourth for its versatile balance of fishing and family use. At 38 feet 7 inches LOA with an 11-foot 6-inch beam, triple Mercury Verado outboards deliver up to 1,350 horsepower, achieving roughly 52 knots. The deck mixes livewells and rod holders with bow and aft seating, plus a wet bar and a console cabin with berth and head.
This boat is for buyers splitting time between angling and family cruising, trading away some cabin space for a more open layout. Compared to the 457 CCF above, it is smaller and less powerful but more affordable and easier to handle. The 387 CCS offers the best compromise for those wanting both fishing features and family comfort in one package.
5Formula 350 Crossover Bowrider
The Formula 350 Crossover Bowrider takes fifth place for its popular family crossover design blending cruising comfort with watersports versatility. This 35-foot boat has an 11-foot beam and offers twin sterndrives or triple Mercury Verado outboards, producing 600 to 1,000 horsepower for a top end near 50 knots. The open deck includes a forward bowrider lounge, double-wide helm, wet bar, and aft cockpit, while a cabin below provides a berth and enclosed head.
This model is for families wanting a single boat for cruising and watersports, trading away overnight space for an open layout. Compared to the 387 CCS above, it offers a more family-oriented deck and lower entry price but less fishing capability. The 350 CBR is the sweet spot for those prioritizing versatility and comfort on the water.
6Formula 330 Crossover Bowrider
The Formula 330 Crossover Bowrider ranks sixth for its right-sized luxury bowrider that suits active families. At 33 feet LOA with a 10-foot 6-inch beam, it offers twin sterndrives or twin Verado outboards producing 500 to 800 horsepower, reaching a top end around 48 knots. The layout includes a forward bow lounge, double-wide helm, wet bar, and convertible aft cockpit, with a compact cabin below featuring a berth and enclosed head. Pricing starts at $525,000.
This boat is for families wanting a manageable size without sacrificing luxury, trading away the larger cabin of the 350 CBR above for easier handling. Compared to the 350 CBR, it is less powerful and has less space, but it is more affordable and nimble. The 330 CBR is ideal for those prioritizing day boating and watersports in a premium package.
7Formula 380 Super Sport

The Formula 380 Super Sport earns seventh place for its classic express cruiser design focused on overnight comfort. This 38-foot boat has a 12-foot 4-inch beam and twin Mercury or Volvo Penta sterndrives producing 800 to 1,000 horsepower, with a top end around 45 knots. The cabin below includes a mid-berth, convertible salon, galley, and enclosed head, making it ideal for weekends aboard. With 300-gallon fuel capacity, it starts at $785,000.
This model is for couples prioritizing cabin comfort over open-deck space, trading away bowrider openness for a more enclosed cruiser feel. Compared to the 330 CBR above, it offers superior overnight amenities but less family-oriented seating. The 380 Super Sport is the best choice for those wanting a sleek express cruiser with real liveaboard capability.
8Formula 290 FX3 Bowrider

The Formula 290 FX3 Bowrider ranks eighth for its high-performance family bowrider with a quick 55-knot top end. At 29 feet LOA with a 9-foot 6-inch beam, twin sterndrives or twin Verado outboards deliver 500 to 700 horsepower, cruising near 34 knots. The deck features a deep bow lounge, double-wide helm, wet bar, and aft sun pad, with a small cabin below offering a berth and portable head.
This bowrider is for watersports families wanting spirited performance, trading away overnight accommodations for speed and agility. Compared to the 380 Super Sport above, it is smaller and less cabin-focused but more affordable and quicker. The 290 FX3 is ideal for those prioritizing day runs and wakeboarding over extended cruising.
9Formula 270 Bowrider

The Formula 270 Bowrider takes ninth place for its comfortable mid-size family day boat with Formula's signature quality. This 27-foot bowrider has an 8-foot 6-inch beam and twin sterndrives producing 400 to 600 horsepower, reaching a top end around 48 knots. The open deck includes a forward bow lounge, double-wide helm, wet bar, aft sun pad, and convertible cockpit seating, with a cuddy below offering a berth and portable head. Pricing starts at $195,000.
This model is for families wanting a roomy day boat without overnight capability, trading away cabin space for a larger cockpit. Compared to the 290 FX3 above, it is less powerful and slower, but more affordable and spacious. The 270 Bowrider is a solid choice for those seeking Formula craftsmanship in a practical, family-first package.
10Formula 240 Bowrider

The Formula 240 Bowrider rounds out the list as the best value entry into the brand, starting at $155,000. This 24-foot bowrider has an 8-foot 6-inch beam and a single Mercury or Volvo Penta sterndrive producing 300 to 430 horsepower, with a top end near 48 knots. The open layout offers a forward bow lounge, double-wide helm, wet bar, and aft sun pad, plus a small storage cuddy below.
This boat is for first-time Formula buyers wanting maximum boat per dollar, trading away size and overnight capability for affordability. Compared to the 270 Bowrider above, it is smaller and less powerful, but significantly more accessible. The 240 Bowrider is the perfect entry point for families seeking genuine Formula quality without a six-figure-plus investment.
How we ranked these
Each Formula model was scored against six weighted criteria drawn from published dealer feedback and surveyor data: build quality and reliability at 25 percent, on-water performance at 20 percent, comfort and layout at 15 percent, value and price at 15 percent, features and tech at 15 percent, and resale strength at 10 percent. Factory specifications, independent test reports, and current market listings supplied the underlying numbers for every boat.
Deliberately excluded were marketing claims, subjective styling preferences, and brand loyalty, since none of those can be scored consistently across ten models. Owner anecdotes and unverifiable forum chatter were also dropped, because they skew toward recent buyers and loud complaints rather than representative ownership. The goal was measurable, comparable attributes that affect satisfaction and long-term value, not hype or personal taste.
Related questions
What is the best Formula boat for a family?
The Formula 430 SSC is the strongest overall family pick, pairing an open crossover deck with a real cabin, berth, galley, and quad Mercury Verado power. On smaller budgets, the 350 CBR and 330 CBR deliver similar versatility with less space and a lower entry price.
Which Formula boat is best for fishing?
The Formula 457 CCF is the dedicated offshore fishing flagship, with pressurized livewells, rod holders, a tackle station, and outrigger capability. The 387 CCS offers a more versatile dual-purpose layout that splits the difference between serious fishing features and family comfort on the same deck.
What is the most affordable Formula boat?
The Formula 240 Bowrider, starting near $155,000, is the most accessible model in the lineup. It still carries Formula's hand-laid hull construction, a family-friendly open deck, and a single sterndrive, making it the best value entry point into the brand for first-time buyers.
Are Formula boats good for overnight cruising?
Yes, the 430 SSC, 500 SSC, and 380 Super Sport all offer true cabins with berths, galleys, and enclosed heads. Smaller bowriders like the 290 FX3 only provide basic cuddy space, so buyers wanting genuine overnight capability should step up to a larger crossover or express cruiser.
What is the difference between sterndrive and outboard Formula boats?
Outboard Mercury Verado engines free up cockpit space, simplify maintenance, and typically add top speed. Sterndrives lower the upfront entry cost and keep a cleaner transom profile. Match the drive type to your primary use and budget rather than assuming one is universally better.
How fast is the Formula 430 SSC?
The 430 SSC cruises near 35 knots and reaches a top end past 55 knots, powered by quad Mercury Verado outboards producing up to 1,800 horsepower. That performance rides on an offshore-capable deep-V hull, so the speed comes with composure in rough water rather than at the expense of it.
Which Formula boat has the longest range?
The Formula 500 SSC carries the largest fuel capacity at roughly 560 gallons, supporting long offshore passages. The 457 CCF follows with about 530 gallons, and the 430 SSC holds around 420 gallons. All three flagships are built for extended runs away from the dock.
What is the resale value of Formula boats?
Formula boats hold strong resale thanks to hand-laid construction and premium finish work. Flagships like the 430 SSC and 500 SSC retain value especially well, but every model benefits from the brand's reputation. Documented maintenance and complete service records remain the biggest levers on final resale price.
FAQ
Which Formula boat model is the best overall for 2027?
The Formula 430 SSC takes the top spot for blending an open crossover deck, a genuine overnight cabin, quad Mercury Verado power up to 1,800 horsepower, and a 55-plus-knot top end with Formula's hallmark build quality. It is the most complete boat the brand builds.
What is the best value Formula boat?
The Formula 240 Bowrider, starting near $155,000, is the most affordable entry into the brand. It offers a family-friendly deck, approachable single sterndrive power, and Formula-grade craftsmanship, making it the smartest first purchase for buyers testing the brand.
What is the difference between Formula's CBR, SSC, CCF, and Super Sport models?
CBR boats are crossover bowriders aimed at families and watersports. SSC models are super sport crossovers blending bowrider openness with cabin cruising. CCF and CCS are center consoles built for fishing, while 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, equipped with pressurized livewells, rod holders, a tackle station, and outriggers. The 387 CCS offers a versatile dual-purpose fishing-and-family layout for buyers who split time between angling and cruising.
Are Formula boats good for offshore use?
Yes. Formula's deep-V hulls and hand-laid construction make models like the 430 SSC, 500 SSC, and 457 CCF well suited to offshore conditions. These boats combine high horsepower, large fuel capacity, and stable rides in rough water.
What is the top speed of the Formula 500 SSC?
The 500 SSC reaches a top end around 52 knots with a cruise near 34 knots, powered by quad or quint Mercury Verado outboards producing up to 2,400 horsepower. Its size and weight are offset by that substantial power package.
How much does the Formula 457 CCF cost?
The 457 CCF starts around $1,650,000, positioning it as a premium offshore fishing boat. It offers up to 2,400 horsepower, a 55-knot top end, and a luxury console cabin, which justifies the price for serious anglers who fish far offshore.
Which Formula boat is best for watersports?
The Formula 290 FX3 is a top watersports choice with a 55-knot top end, an available wakeboard tower, and underwater lighting. The 350 CBR and 330 CBR also offer tower options and family-friendly layouts suited to skiing and wakeboarding.
What is the fuel capacity of the Formula 240 Bowrider?
The 240 Bowrider holds about 75 gallons, sufficient for day boating and local cruising. Its single sterndrive is efficient, but range is limited compared to larger models carrying 300-plus-gallon tanks. Plan fuel stops accordingly on longer runs.
Are Formula boats worth the price?
Formula boats command a premium because of hand-laid fiberglass construction, high-quality finishes, and strong resale value. For buyers who prioritize craftsmanship and long-term ownership costs, the price is justified against mass-produced alternatives that depreciate faster.
Sources
- https://www.formulaboats.com/boats/430-super-sport-crossover/
- https://www.formulaboats.com/models/bowrider/
- https://www.boats.com/reviews/formula-290-bowrider-review-a-sleek-ride/
- https://lakelandboating.com/formulas-newest-flagship-bowrider-crossover-the-500-super-sport-crossover/
- https://lakelandboating.com/formula-launches-new-457-center-console-fish/
- https://www.yachtworld.com/yacht/2023-formula-330-crossover-bowrider-ob-9620913/
- https://www.yachtworld.com/yacht/2021-formula-240-bowrider-9373003/
- https://alliedmarine.com/used-yachts-for-sale/2020-formula-38-ft-yacht-for-sale-2/
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