New center-console manufacturer Solace Boats is set to introduce its second model this August, following the debut of the Solace 345 last year.
Construction on the inaugural Solace 41 hull experienced delays due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic; however, work has commenced again at the facility in Edgewater, Florida, according to Todd Albrecht, president of Solace Boats. The new model is expected to appear at boat shows beginning this fall.
“We were lucky that all our plugs and tooling are made in-house. We do not outsource that, giving us control over our production timeline,” Albrecht explained. “Our aim is to have a full hull in the assembly area ready to start rigging within the next three weeks.”
The Solace 41 is an entirely new design, Albrecht noted, featuring a twin-step hull and distinctive attributes that marine industry expert and Solace founder Stephen Dougherty is renowned for. The new model will offer options for triple or quadruple Yamaha outboards, with a maximum horsepower of 1,800.
Solace Boats intends to unveil its second model, the Solace 41, this late summer. (Photo provided by Solace Boats)
The company introduced its first model, the 345, in mid-2019 and quickly garnered a responsive audience for the boat. This model features a FishThru transom, which spans the space between the two Yamaha outboards, enabling the boat to navigate shallow waters.
According to Albrecht, the decision to advance with the 41-foot model came after receiving inquiries from customers and dealers. The company plans to release a 47-foot model in the future before exploring additional models in the 30-foot category.
“While the market isn’t overloaded with mid-30-foot boats, there are certainly many options available; as you go larger, the competition diminishes, and there’s less inventory for buyers to consider,” Albrecht observed. “Most of the clients we’ve spoken to are already interested in boats 40 feet and longer but loved the innovations and features present in the 345.”
“We recognized a gap in the market, allowing us to provide something distinct from the typical center-console fishing boats.”
Although Albrecht initially hoped to start on-water testing in June, it’s likely that the 41 will be ready for testing by August. The boat will feature prominently at major boat shows this fall, contingent on the pandemic situation improving and state authorities permitting large gatherings like boat shows.
“The only challenge we faced was that we intended to showcase the boat at several significant tournaments, allowing us to present and fish it to promote awareness,” Albrecht stated. “It’s all good. We’ll focus on the upcoming boat show season. We’ll be prepared.”