Boat Test: 2024 Solara S-250 DC

Overview

Solara’s S-250 Dual Console epitomizes versatility. Anglers get a transom livewell, built-in fish box/cooler, and rod ­holders, including a rocket launcher on the standard hardtop that cleverly pivots downward for easy access. Adventurers can rack kayaks, boards or bikes atop the stainless-steel roof racks, or pop up the ski pylon and enjoy ­watersports. And, for cruisers and entertainers, the cockpit galley includes a 12-volt refrigerator, sink, and electric dockside grill. The Swiss Army Knife-like S-250 DC offers a tool for most tasks.

Interior and Accessories

Both the transom and ­portside cockpit benches pivot out for seating or tuck away to clear the decks. Opposite the galley, find convertible seating that you can use as a chaise, back-to-back seating, a two-person ­recliner or flat daybed. The stowage below includes a pull-out cooler. Open the port ­console to find a private head with marine toilet and skylight. The deep bow cockpit offers traditional bowrider seating. Add the pedestal table for snacks. Toss in the filler cushion to ­create a playpen.

Solara Boats keeps pricing ultracompetitive. Look ­closely, and you’ll see examples of ­cost-conscious choices, including beefy but exposed hinges and painted raw fiberglass inside compartments and on hatch undersides. They’re acceptable, given the price point. What’s shocking is the surprisingly long list of standards. At the bow, note the anchor  windlass. At the helm, a Garmin 8612 MFD, Fusion 770 sound system, ­autopilot, Icom VHF radio, and controls for both the Lewmar bow thruster and auto-leveling Lenco trim tabs. The underside of the hardtop reveals two clear hatches, LED spreader lights and mood lighting. Both bow and aft cockpits also get sunshades.

Engine

The Solara’s hull features twin steps, designed to quicken ­planing time and increase efficiency by reducing wetted surface and introducing air below the hull. Laminar-flow interrupters, which work like dimples on a golf ball, deliver predictable cornering and combat handling issues that can plague some stepped designs. The S-250 DC proved spry underway, holding its ground as we pushed it into ever-more-­aggressive maneuvers at speed. The Yamaha 300 EX, with electric steering (the only power choice, another way Solara contains cost), pushed the boat onto plane in 7.5 seconds, and passed 30 mph in 11.6 seconds before topping out at 46.2 mph.

Read Next: Solara S-310 CW

How We Tested

• Engine: Yamaha F300 EX
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Yamaha Saltwater Series II 15 ½” x 17″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 65 gal. Water on Board: 0 gal. Crew Weight: 350 lb.

High Points

• Bow- and aft-facing cameras give the captain greater visibility when pulling anchor, coming into a slip, picking up a downed skier, or loading onto a trailer.
• Additional standards include electric steering, macerator discharge, underwater and trailering lights, storage covers, raw-water and freshwater washdowns.
• Clear-path transom allows for easy boarding, offering unencumbered -movement from port to starboard on the swim platform.

Low Points

• Choppy conditions revealed more movement of the hardtop underway than we would like to see.
• No undergunwale stowage for rods, gaff, mop, etc.

Toughest Competitor

We know of no other dual-consoles this size in this price range and powered by a single engine. Look at the 29-foot-4-inch Sailfish 276 DC ($213,977 with twin 150 hp Suzukis) to see what we mean. It’s beamier, offers a higher level of finish yet fewer standards, and is -available only with twin outboards.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2024 Solara S-250 DC appeared first on Boating Mag.

Source: https://www.boatingmag.com/boats/2024-solara-s-250-dc-boat-test/