Designed by company co-founder and CEO Stephen Dougherty, the new Solace 345 reflects a host of innovations, starting with a patented FishThru transom that extends aft between twin outboards.
Riding above the waterline, the 52-inch-long platform leads to a beefy transom door. From below, a hydraulic swim platform with a boarding ladder extends farther astern. Twin pressurized 45-gallon livewells flank the entrance to the platform, and each features an adjacent tuna tube.
An elevated second station with two high-back helm seats and a carbon-fiber buggy top is optional. It features a full set of controls, including a second joystick for the standard Yamaha Helm Master docking system and a Garmin GPSMap 7612xsv display.
The main helm offers twin Garmin GPSMap 8617 displays flush-mounted in the 53-inch-wide center-console dash. Three Llebroc Billfish chairs feature Shockwave S5 bases to cushion bumpy seas. A SeaDek helm pad with 2 extra inches of closed-foam EVA underneath pampers your feet and knees by mitigating shock. The center of the pad—where the captain stands—hydraulically levitates as much as 10 inches.
The tempered-glass helm enclosure has a windshield that hinges upward on hydraulic actuators. The 345’s switching is all digital.
The portside console door features dark wood cabinetry, a vanity with a Corian countertop, an illuminated glass vessel sink, an electric-flush marine toilet, a settee that converts into a berth and a microwave. The interior is served by a 6,000 BTU air-conditioning system.
Back on deck, there’s a 42-inch-long, two-person lounger on the forward console, as well as the twin 44-inch-long loungers in the bow. Aft of the helm seating resides a work station featuring a Corian countertop, cutting board, dual-basin sink with freshwater faucet and shower hose, electric grill, and stainless-steel drawer fridge/freezer. For additional seating, a three-person couch hydraulically deploys from within the work station.
High Points
⋅The FishThru transom makes it easy to fish, swim, snorkel and scuba off the stern.
⋅An Amerishade cockpit shade extends electrically from inside the hardtop, as rod rack tilts down hydraulically to allow the shade to deploy.
⋅Carbon fiber, Innegra-fiber-and-epoxy hull laminate is overcured for strength and durability.
⋅Retractable washdown hoses reflect another clever, practical touch.
Specs
LOA: 38′0″
Beam: 10′6″
Draft (max): 1′10″
Dry Weight: 12,000 lb. (with power)
Seat/Weight Capacity: Yacht Certified
Fuel Capacity: 323 gal.
Price: $650,000 (base with twin Yamaha 425 XTO outboards)
How We Tested
Engines: Twin 425 hp Yamaha 425XTO
Drive/Props: Outboard/Yamaha XTO OS 16 5/8″ x 20″ 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 2.037:1
Fuel Load: 125 gal.
Crew Weight: 1,000 lb.
More Information
Solace Boats – Edgewater, Florida; 386-302-6287; solaceboats.com
