Overview

Multipurpose crossover boats are enjoying their time in the sun, mixing sporty performance with the ability to do everything from fishing, diving, and towing watersports to cruising, entertaining, and even comfortably overnighting. Some boats drop a ball in this juggling act, but Solara’s 310 Sport Coupe pulls it off with aplomb. Credit in part goes to one of the longest lists of high-value standards that we’ve seen in this size range, but also to the fact that Solara designers and engineers appear to be true boating enthusiasts themselves. They’re designing a boat for how they, and their buyers, use one. That the builder does all of the above while keeping the price as low as it is might come with a few trade-offs here and there, but the result is simple: good ­old-fashioned bang for the buck.

Interior and Accessories

Examples abound on the 310. Step aboard via the Clear Path ­EVA-covered swim platform, and you’ll instantly note that it’s completely free of obstructions, the result of Solara working with engine partner Yamaha to place all that toe-catching, space-clogging rigging underneath the deck. Step inside the cockpit, and a plethora of comfortably padded benches are ready for however you’ve planned your day. Grab some cold ones from the fridge and socialize while your meal is prepped on the nearby electric grill. Or if you prefer to catch your meal first, fold seats into the wall and clear the decks for fishing. Multiple rod holders line the gunwales, and a livewell awaits to starboard. Extra kudos are reserved for the split-personality aft bench. It morphs from a fishing-friendly ­fiberglass transom wall into a cove-friendly, aft-facing perch open to the swim platform or forward-facing bench that extends over that same ­platform so as to steal nary an inch of cockpit space. 

Below the hardtop, a large portside lounge borders the aft cockpit and features a flip-flop backrest to join either social scene. Forward, the swiveling companion seat likewise does double-duty depending on the occupant’s ­focus. A ­pedestal table allows all of the above’s occupants to gather round. Opposite, a starboard galley awaits, with an electric refrigerator/freezer, a stainless-steel sink, much-appreciated prep space, and five storage drawers. The latter are more practical to access and organize compared with the jumble often created by wide-open hatch-accessed storage. There’s even dedicated space for wine bottles and glasses. 

Forward of the galley, the impressively ­appointed helm completes the covered space. Featuring eye-catching red carbon-fiber ­accent panels, its true highlight is an array of four touchscreens, including a pair of Garmin ­GPSMap 8612 multifunction displays that ­practically surround the driver with visual information. Cool tweak? The entire ­assembly angles up or down at the touch of a button, ­repositioning displays to compensate for driver height, standing or seated position at the helm, and to reduce glare. 

Equal thought has been put into the forward cabin. Taller occupants will instantly appreciate the 6-foot-4-inch headroom in both cabin and head compartment. The latter includes a pump-out marine toilet, hot-water shower, and upscale glass sink bowl. Rather than a storage compartment masquerading as a V-berth, the former proved both spacious enough (and mattress comfortable enough) to actually spend that aforementioned overnight. Natural light is funneled in via an overhead skylight and a clear acrylic hatch. The hatch also opens for natural ventilation.

Back topside, a deep and comfy bow cockpit completes the tour. In order to maximize protected space under the hardtop, it’s accessed via an internal, weather-protected walk-through to port. Step out and find a double-wide couch facing forward and twin lounges to port and starboard, all generously padded and with stainless-steel grab handles within reach. Add a pedestal table or toss in the filler cushions to make one large sun bed. Cup holders, Fusion stereo head unit, speakers, and USB charging ports are likewise close at hand. 

Engines

Features and value aside, it’s the ride that can ultimately make or break a boat’s success. The 310 runs on a double-stepped hull with a progressive variable deadrise that competently handled our test day’s rough conditions. Laminar flow interrupters—golf-ball-like dimples positioned near the bow—aim to improve cornering ability by breaking up surface tension. Auto-leveling trim tabs and a Lewmar bow thruster enhance high- and low-speed handling, respectively, and were greatly appreciated on our blustery test day. The 310’s pair of Yamaha 300s also proved their worth in the challenging conditions, pushing the 310 onto plane in 5.6 seconds, passing 30 mph in 7.4, and topping out at 52.8 mph.

Read Next: Solara S-250 DC

Comparison shopping? Regal’s 33 SAV (starting at $545,730 well-equipped, with Yamaha 300s) is likely closest in concept but is several feet longer, allowing Regal to add a midcabin berth. The price reflects this difference, however, and options hike it up further. Pursuit’s DC 306 ($418,156, with twin Yamaha 300s) starts closer in price and targets a similar audience, but its dual-console design makes it more of a pure dayboat. And again, options increase the bottom line. Both models are also more upscale than the Solara and feature superior fit-and-finish. Solara definitely runs up the score, ­however, on standard features. Proof? Every feature mentioned in this review is ­standard. Bang on, ­Solara.

How We Tested

• Engine: Yamaha F300
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Yamaha Saltwater Series II 15 ¼” x 18″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 100 gal. Crew Weight: 340 lb.

High Points

• Hardtop-mounted cameras forward and aft prove helpful in tight docking situations or when picking up skiers or riders.
• When anchored out, efficient air conditioning and reverse-cycle heat can run on lithium house batteries, recharged quickly via the Yamaha outboards’ 70-amp alternators.
• Additional high-value standards include anchor windlass, bow thruster, Fusion stereo with subwoofer, flat-screen TV, and autopilot.

Low Points

• At planing speeds, we recorded higher noise levels than aboard similar boats.
• We noted excess caulking and gaps between several adjoining panels.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2025 Solara S-310 SC appeared first on Boating Mag.

We take you aboard the 2024 Solara S-310 SC. This sports cruiser is a lifestyle boat and it’s packed with value. It has more standard features than any boat of its size that we’ve seen. So let’s start off by giving you this impressive list of standard features. This may not be a complete list, but it shows the highlights and we think you will be just as impressed as we were. 

A bow thruster, a marine head with a pump out, a water heater, and the hardtop are all standard. There are so many standard features that make Solara’s production simplified. This allows Solara to offer their boat at a lower price than competitive manufacturers. 

The Solara S-310 SC is powered by standard twin 300-horsepower Yamaha outboards, which allows it to hit a top speed of 50 mph. This runs on a proprietary Solara double-stepped deep-V hull with laminar flow interrupters that deliver efficiency, speed, and great handling. 

A pair of twin Garmin 8612 chartplotters grace the helm alongside your digital displays, a Bluetooth Fusion stereo system, and switch panels made from red carbon fiber, which adds a nice elegant touch to the helm details.

One of the coolest features on this boat is the articulating pod for electronics. The screens are mounted in this movable display, where you hit a switch and you can adjust it for your height, for the glare of the sun, or even just to show off for your friends. Another great feature is the bow and stern cameras. These are great to see what’s going on with your wake in addition to your spotter or even what’s happening while docking. 

Solara’s transformative seating is one of its noteworthy features. Which means you have the seating flexibility and versatility. Seating that you want, when you want it, and where you want it. The fold-out seats, if you don’t want them, give you a wide cockpit. The aft bench deploys in 2 different positions so you can enjoy the sun while in anchor or you can adjust so it faces forward, and it opens up over the swim platform so it takes up no cockpit space. Making it a great place to enjoy the conversation of your friends or spend the ride on a long run to your next cruising ground. 

The lounge area underneath the helm deck is also transformational. There are fishing rod holders and a live well, beautiful and durable EVA foam decking, there’s a grill, shelves for storage, and a standard freshwater and saltwater wash down. This hard top is very structurally sound and looks great, with the added functionality of holding our antennas, you can mount paddleboards and kayaks, and it also has built-in LED lights, a sunroof that can open up to let in the weather, and a full canvas enclosure, which is all standard. 

The cabin is no afterthought on this boat. There’s a hot and cold shower, an expansive V-berth for a couple to spend a night or two on this boat. Should you spend the night aboard, there are plenty of comforts: you can run the 30 amp shore power which will run the heat and AC, fridge, water heater, and more. If you anchor out somewhere, there are lithium phosphate batteries that can run the reverse cycle heat and AC overnight, no problem. And to recharge those batteries, the standard 300 horsepower Yamaha engines come with 70 amp alternators that can help make quick work to put juice back into that battery bank. 

Before we go let’s take a look at the clear path transom. This is a unique feature for Solara boats, working in concert with Yamaha they’ve managed to put the rigging underneath the deck which allows you to walk back and forth across the transom, unimpeded. They’ve also included some great grab rails to aid with boarding and there are nifty fenders on either side, so when you come up with paddleboards, you won’t ding the gel coat. 

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We’re aboard the Solara S250 DC, a brand-new dual console built for a variety of boating interests. Whether it’s cruising, entertaining, fishing, or water sports, you can do it all aboard this new S250 DC.

There’s a long list of standard features. First of all, it’s beautiful red carbon fiber matches and sets off the red threads in the brow which helps keep the glare down. A standard big-screen Garmin display, it’s got the Yamaha digital displays, there are more carbon fiber panels here for the switches. They’re all illuminated, and they’re all in easy reach. There’s a tilt wheel and Yamaha’s electronic controls, a VHF radio, a footrest, a compass, and a helm chair with armrest, swivels, and everything you need. Also, included free is a marine head, aft beverage cooler, fish box that doubles as a livewell, rod holders, large under-seat cooler, and the list continues. 

Two reasons why this long standards list is important to you as a boat buyer: 

Number one it makes it easier to buy the boat since it comes completely equipped.

Number two, by standardizing everything, Solara can standardize their production process which makes it less expensive to build so you can get it for a lower price. You’ll find it’s priced a lot lower than comparably sized and equipped models.  

Let’s point out some other things about Solara that make them unique. One of those has to be the clear path swim platform where you can walk from one side of the boat to the other, without tripping over any rigging. That’s because Solara in collaboration with Yamaha has run the rigging under the deck where it’s out of the way. It gives it a clean look and is really functional. 

The boat comes with covers for the helm, the Galley, and more, including this protective bow to no cover. The great thing about this new Solara model is what they call transformative seating where seats transform in place. Check out this lounge, right now where there’s seating for two facing aft and seating for two that serve as companion seating for the helm. The backrest folds down, and one falls back to create an aft-facing lounge perfect for two. 

After spending the day out on the Solara S250 DC boat, we’ve come to the conclusion it’s a highly versatile boat, loaded with standard features beyond any other similar boat you will find in the marketplace, and delivers a high level of value for the boat buyer. Learn more at their website. 

The post 2024 Solara S250 DC appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

Solara’s S-250 Dual Console epitomizes versatility. Anglers get a transom livewell, built-in fish box/cooler, and rod ­holders, including a rocket launcher on the standard hardtop that cleverly pivots downward for easy access. Adventurers can rack kayaks, boards or bikes atop the stainless-steel roof racks, or pop up the ski pylon and enjoy ­watersports. And, for cruisers and entertainers, the cockpit galley includes a 12-volt refrigerator, sink, and electric dockside grill. The Swiss Army Knife-like S-250 DC offers a tool for most tasks.

Interior and Accessories

Both the transom and ­portside cockpit benches pivot out for seating or tuck away to clear the decks. Opposite the galley, find convertible seating that you can use as a chaise, back-to-back seating, a two-person ­recliner or flat daybed. The stowage below includes a pull-out cooler. Open the port ­console to find a private head with marine toilet and skylight. The deep bow cockpit offers traditional bowrider seating. Add the pedestal table for snacks. Toss in the filler cushion to ­create a playpen.

Solara Boats keeps pricing ultracompetitive. Look ­closely, and you’ll see examples of ­cost-conscious choices, including beefy but exposed hinges and painted raw fiberglass inside compartments and on hatch undersides. They’re acceptable, given the price point. What’s shocking is the surprisingly long list of standards. At the bow, note the anchor  windlass. At the helm, a Garmin 8612 MFD, Fusion 770 sound system, ­autopilot, Icom VHF radio, and controls for both the Lewmar bow thruster and auto-leveling Lenco trim tabs. The underside of the hardtop reveals two clear hatches, LED spreader lights and mood lighting. Both bow and aft cockpits also get sunshades.

Engine

The Solara’s hull features twin steps, designed to quicken ­planing time and increase efficiency by reducing wetted surface and introducing air below the hull. Laminar-flow interrupters, which work like dimples on a golf ball, deliver predictable cornering and combat handling issues that can plague some stepped designs. The S-250 DC proved spry underway, holding its ground as we pushed it into ever-more-­aggressive maneuvers at speed. The Yamaha 300 EX, with electric steering (the only power choice, another way Solara contains cost), pushed the boat onto plane in 7.5 seconds, and passed 30 mph in 11.6 seconds before topping out at 46.2 mph.

Read Next: Solara S-310 CW

How We Tested

• Engine: Yamaha F300 EX
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Yamaha Saltwater Series II 15 ½” x 17″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 65 gal. Water on Board: 0 gal. Crew Weight: 350 lb.

High Points

• Bow- and aft-facing cameras give the captain greater visibility when pulling anchor, coming into a slip, picking up a downed skier, or loading onto a trailer.
• Additional standards include electric steering, macerator discharge, underwater and trailering lights, storage covers, raw-water and freshwater washdowns.
• Clear-path transom allows for easy boarding, offering unencumbered -movement from port to starboard on the swim platform.

Low Points

• Choppy conditions revealed more movement of the hardtop underway than we would like to see.
• No undergunwale stowage for rods, gaff, mop, etc.

Toughest Competitor

We know of no other dual-consoles this size in this price range and powered by a single engine. Look at the 29-foot-4-inch Sailfish 276 DC ($213,977 with twin 150 hp Suzukis) to see what we mean. It’s beamier, offers a higher level of finish yet fewer standards, and is -available only with twin outboards.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2024 Solara S-250 DC appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

Solara calls its new S-310 CW a Center Walkaround. It can do a lot on the water.

A console offset to port anchors the deck plan. A wide starboard walkway leads to a deep forward cockpit with twin seats on the console’s front and double benches served by a ­table. There are ­beverage ­holders, rod holders, and recesses for gear and stereo speakers. There’s an anchor windlass and bow ladder. A nonskid pad atop the gunwale with a handrail facilitates boarding at a high wharf. The cabin top sports a rack for kayaks, boards or bikes, plus an eight-rod rocket launcher that lowers for access.

Interior and Accessories

The helm holds bow and stern cameras, two Garmin MFDs, beverage holders and USB charging ports. There is also a refrigerator-freezer.

The lockable cabin offers air conditioning and heat. The electrical system includes ­110- and 12-volt circuits, using shore power or a 3,000-watt inverter and LiFePO4 batteries. Above the V-berth are rod racks. There’s an enclosed head and shower, and a small galley with a countertop, microwave, Keurig coffee maker, refrigerator-­freezer and wine cooler. We also noted an LCD TV, LED lighting and opening portlights.

The cockpit offers ­folding double seats across the transom and to port. Five big ­hatches provide storage access. To starboard is a cockpit helm for maneuvering while fishing or docking. There’s a livewell in the transom and a door to the full-beam stern platform. The transom center holds a fish box/cooler and a sink, with an electric grill (110 volts). There’s even a retractable ski pylon.

This Solara runs on a deep 24-degree deadrise. Its two steps provide a cushion of aerated water and aid efficiency. Laminar flow interrupters help keep the hull locked in during turns, functioning like dimples on a golf ball in flight.

Engines

With the twin Yamahas, the S-310 CW topped out at 47.4 mph, with its painted bottom and auto-leveling trim-tab system limiting the revs. Disabling the tab system and trimming manually allow them to reach 6,000 rpm. The steps, strakes, tabs and flow interrupters provide a wide range of cruising speeds, from 16 to 39 mph. 

Solara’s S-310 CW includes many standards. The only options a buyer might order are a joystick, a Garmin radar ($2,755) and a solar panel ($1,105).

How We Tested

• Engines: Twin 300 hp Yamaha V-6 outboards
• Drive/Props: Outboard/15 1/4″ x 18″ SWS II 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 50 gal. Water Load: 40 gal. Crew Weight: 420 lb.

High Points

• Sturdy grab rails in the right places allow moving around safely, even in sloppy conditions.
• Ergonomic features bespeak the builder’s long experience with dayboats.
• Rocket launcher on the aft end of the cabin top has an ingenious mechanism to lower for access to fishing rods.

Low Points

• Port gunwale beside the console is very narrow, making it difficult to handle a kayak or paddleboard lashed to the cabin-top bracket on that side.
• Does this boat size really need a standard full cockpit helm? Wouldn’t some buyers prefer a clear starboard hullside?

Toughest Competitor

Beneteau’s Flyer 9 Spacedeck OB ($295,000 similarly powered) is 1 foot shorter and about 3,000 pounds lighter.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2023 Solara S-310 CW appeared first on Boating Mag.