Starting a new boat manufacturing company can be tough, particularly in a market teeming with established center-console brands. SOLACE Boats understands these challenges but believes its new 345 center console will distinguish itself.
Established by Stephen Dougherty, a former executive at Boston Whaler who co-founded Everglades Boats, SOLACE Boats’ inaugural model appeals broadly to both anglers and day boaters. What makes this 34-foot vessel unique among current center-console offerings is its transom design, which extends aft of the two Yamaha outboards. This special design, named the FishThru transom, enables the boat to navigate in shallow waters.
“We’ve repositioned the motors outward and revised the dynamics of the transom design,” explained John W. Moe, SOLACE Boats’ marketing director. “Now, our center console features a swim platform and allows fishing through the motors instead of over them.”
Dougherty created the boat from the ground up, utilizing his extensive experience in the marine sector. He collaborated with his in-house engineering team to design and manufacture components for the 345. The boat is produced at the company’s Edgewater, Florida facility.
A standout feature appealing to customers is the workstation located behind the leaning post, which comes with a bench seat facing aft. This seat can accommodate three people and retracts into the console when not required, revealing a Corian countertop that has a dual basin sink with a faucet and freshwater shower. Beneath the sink are dual refrigeration and freezer units, along with three drawers adorned with stainless-steel fronts.
Accessing the cabin is made seamless through a pantograph glass door that opens wide enough to accommodate a surfboard. Ample natural light floods the cabin thanks to a window and a door, and it boasts enough headroom for a person measuring 6 feet 5 inches to stand comfortably. Other premium enhancements include a head with a macerator, an illuminated glass sink, and air conditioning. The settee can be transformed into a bed that sleeps two guests.
For the helm station, the builder has incorporated a hardtop with a windshield that opens hydraulically. It features three Billfish series flip-up bolster seats along with armrests. The electronics package consists of multiple Garmin components, including radar, VHF radio, and dual 8617 multifunction displays.
Buyers may also opt for a buggy top for fishing activities. This top station is equipped with a steering wheel, joystick piloting, and stereo controls. When not in use, the buggy top conveniently folds away.
Anglers will find joy in the 345, which includes two 45-gallon pressurized live wells and a seachest with dual oversized strainers. SOLACE has also equipped it with fishboxes located on both sides. Additional fishing features consist of TACO GS 500 HD outriggers, 20-foot carbon-fiber telescoping poles, and storage for up to 18 fishing rods.
Moe pointed out that the boat’s versatility is attractive to buyers searching for an all-in-one center-console vessel. The starting price is $650,000, and this includes a Seakeeper, which Moe mentioned minimizes roll by 90 percent.
“This vessel is both stunning and highly capable,” asserted Moe. “You can fish offshore at the reef at 6 a.m., glide to the sandbar with your family by 10, and arrive at a five-star restaurant in attire by evening—all accomplished in one boat, in one trip, without needing to touch land if you choose.”
Specifications
LOA: 34’
Beam: 10’6”
Weight w/ engine: N/A
Max. Power: 850 hp
Price w/twin Yamaha 425 outboards: Starting at $650,000
For further details: www.solaceboats.com