40-45’ Formula Regal cruisers

Years ago we had similar wants with our first boat. The formulas were ruled out immediately by my wife because of how narrow the walkways are for hanging fenders etc.

Pretty familiar with all those boats. Lots to think about. A F45 is a huge step up from either the F40 or Regal 42SC.
My observations are the 42SC is very tight. 12 people on this boat is going to be awkward. The 46SC would be closer in size to the F45.
Also noting that of the 3 you call out, the F40 is open in the front while the others are full glass with walk-thrus.
Either Formula will be a step up in build and materials quality over the Regal.
The F45 comes with a high capacity hydraulic swim-deck, IPS600's with DPS optional, a huge opening roof that is well engineered, and a large windshield walk thru to the bow for line / anchor handling or lounging. By far the most workable space for maintenance of the 3.

Probably not an issue for you on the FL coast but the F45 is very difficult to move by land due to its height. You have to tear down the entire hardtop and remove the large windshield to get it under bridges.

I put several hundred hours on a Formula 45 with multiple Bahamas trips. A solid boat with lots of good memories that we frequently miss. Good build quality, good factory support, decent ride, good resale. It'll have the Volvo pods which were fine for us and make it easier to handle, but keep up on the maintenance. We used to cruise around 20 knots, 2850 RPM, .83mpg which is quite a bit slower than what you might be led to believe from the performance specs. I think 4 people could stay on it semi comfortably, maybe more if kids. In hindsight, we appreciate how roomy that boat was.

As SkipJay says above, it's a big step up from the other models mentioned. Tiara's 4500 model was another we considered. It was a bit roomier but I don't think the ride was as good. Good luck.

12 people on a 40-45?
Are they helping in the purchase?

I thoughts boats were used to get away,, from crowds..

What happens when the beer has to pass on 12 people?
UG!!

I would not wish that on my enemies.
Good luck.
Good drugs??

Tell us about the F 45. What your liking? Powered with?
Not just a local deal.
I know I've been throwing stuff at ya, but that's the fun of pushing boats around.

Make sure the IPS and engine services are up. The ECU is up.
Records of all services.
Without receipts, it did not happen.
Find a good shop for a through survey on the engines and review these records.
Not kidding here.

With IPS, ask your insurance company about their coverage on pod claims.
Not kidding here either.

You can get to the bow through the windshield, it has a few steps up and folds out. I'm 6'3 and that's the only way I went to the bow when docking. Very safe for kids.

The pods are fine, the only PITA is that the boat has to be hauled every time you work on them. I've heard this isn't the case with the newer ones, you can change the gear oil without hauling. Not 100% on that.

Have insurance companies ever covered POD damages or losses?

Can't speak to present day practices, but several years ago I looked at a couple of boats that had pods sheared off by groundings and replaced by insurance.