Boat Test: 2023 Solara S-310 CW

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