Thunderbird, maker of Formula Boats, is celebrating its 70th year building fiberglass powerboats.
The family-owned company, located in Decatur, Indiana, employs its proven FAS3Tech hull design in its Crossover and Center Consoles as well as the Super Sports.
In 1976, the late Vic Porter purchased Thunderbird/Formula, and today his four sons and a daughter actively manage the firm; third-generation Porters work in the business; and the fourth generation has joined as summer help. Vic Porter served as Chairman Emeritus until his 2021 passing.
Formula 387 CCF & CCS
Formula’s 387 Center Console Fish (CCF) and Center Console Sport (CCS) share the same hull, with each model meeting different but not exclusive needs: angling and dayboating, respectively.
The Center Console Fish version features dual 40-gallon, pressurized live wells aft, port and starboard fish boxes (with available freezer plates), and premium Gemlux outriggers.
The leaning post’s aft-facing mezzanine bench conceals a versatile bait-rigging station, including one pull-out and one motorized slide-out cooler. Nearby is a fishing tool locker, and in-floor storage.
A sculpted, wide hardtop has a center ladder and access hatch to go aloft. A curved glass windshield features power-opening forward vent and washer/wiper combo.
Standard electronics include twin 16-inch chartplotters, Mercury DTS with SmartCraft VesselView, Mercury Joystick Piloting, and Bennett trim tabs. Available are radar and FLIR.
The open bow has a dual forward-facing sun lounge, and either an in-floor fish box or additional bow seating package with power adjustable table. At transom, a double-wide bench seat flips down.
In either configuration, Corian steps lead down to woodgrain flooring and 6 feet, 4 inches of headroom, U-shaped lounge with table and filler cushion, TV, galley, 8,000 BTU A/C, and a private head with vanity and VacuFlush toilet.
The 387 Center Console Sport features a roomier swim platform and greater storage. A pullout cockpit fridge, beverage center and pantry storage make entertaining a breeze.
Both fishing and cruising versions of the 387 boast Formula’s famous bluewater-taming FAS3TECH hull, and a few of the power options include triple Mercury Verado 300s, triple Mercury Racing 450Rs, or twin Mercury Verado 600 outboards.
Editor’s Tip
The mezzanine plays three roles: An aft-facing seat for two, a bait-rigging station and an entertainment area complete with a massive retractable cooler which also functions as a step to access the rocket launcher on the hardtop. -Charlie Levine
Performance Data
- Test Power: Triple Mercury 400 hp Verado V-10 outboards
- Test Props: Rev X 21″ pitch
- Test Load: 165 gal. of fuel, 15 gal.of water, 2,200 lb. in test gear, and three people
- Test Speed: 42.4 MPH @ 5,000 RPM
- Max Range: 307 mi. (w/ 10 percent reserve)
Specifications
| LOA: | 38’7″ |
| Beam: | 12’0″ |
| Fuel Capacity: | 500 gal. |
| Dry Weight With Power: | 22,500 lb. |
| Max HP: | 1,350 |
| Certifications: | NMMA |
Formula Boats – Decatur, Indiana; formulaboats.com
