The ALL NEW Solara S-310 Center Walkaround Boat

From its thoughtful, multi-mission layout to its performance-oriented hull, the new Solara S-310 Center Walkaround from Fluid Motion—the builders of Ranger Tugs and Cutwater Boats—is designed and equipped to satisfy boat owners who want to extract maximum fun from every moment on the water.

Solara is a new line and the S-310 CW is the current flagship of the series that’s designed to entertain, tow water toys and wakeboards, fish and even function as an overnight cruiser.

There are two ways to board: from the swim platform extensions that flank the outboards and serve floating docks, or from the bow seating area equipped with molded steps—perfect for higher, fixed docks. Both areas have stout stainless steel handrails for passenger safety. EVA foam decking is used throughout the boat to ensure good footing all around.

In the cockpit, two benches provide comfortable seating for four. They fold up and store away when it’s time to clear the deck for fishing. There’s more seating forward—on the cooler to port and on a built-in seat to starboard, which is a good perch from which to watch trolled baits or a tow line.

For anglers, the transom is equipped with a 30-gallon baitwell, two fish boxes and a freshwater sink—all above hip height. There’s a fish locker in the cockpit sole that’s drained and equipped with a macerator. Six recessed rod holders are on the gunwales, along with pop-up cleats that help prevent snagged lines. An overhead rocket launcher has a neat drop-down mechanism that makes it easier to place and retrieve rods.

I saw hull No. 2 of the Solara 310 at the Annapolis Boat Show, where Mark Schulstad of Pocket Yachts in Grasonville, Maryland, gave me a tour of the boat’s features. Most were standard, although there were a few cool options, including the steering station in the cockpit, and downrigger pads and plugs for those who like to troll deep. These were two of just nine options currently offered. The boat I saw retails near $387,192.

There’s plenty of seating forward, either beneath the hardtop or at the bow, which is reached by a wide walkway protected by deep bulwarks. The helm area can be enclosed with drop curtains; the standard air conditioning/reverse-cycle heating system make this an all-season space. There’s plenty of room for the driver to sit or stand at the tilt steering wheel. At the dash are a Yamaha electronic binnacle and bowthruster control.Belowdecks, there’s a compact galley with standing headroom and a private head compartment. For overnighting, bench seats convert to a double berth.

The hull features two steps that pull air under the boat and introduce it into the flow of water along the running bottom to minimize drag. That design element increases speed and optimizes fuel consumption, according to the builder. There’s a keel pad aft for increased lift and quicker planing. There are also circular indentations between the strakes. The company calls them Laminar Flow Interrupters and says they improve handling and cornering.

The S-310 is powered by a standard pair of 250-hp Yamaha V-6 outboards. The builder reports a cruising speed of 29 knots at 4500 rpm and a top speed of about 43 knots at 6000 rpm. Speeds may vary, depending on load and environmental characteristics, of course, but with two aboard for my test run and a full load of fuel, performance was thrilling. Yamaha’s electronic steering felt precise and quick. In general, the S-310 CW felt very much in command across the entire power band.

In all, the Solara S-310 CW strikes me as a versatile watersports platform that can satisfy the needs of an active family and a posse of fishing buddies.

Original Article: Soundings Online | Solara S-310 CW Center Walkaround Boat
Article Date: December 12, 2022
Article Author: John Wooldridge