Boat Test: 2023 Solara S-310 CW

The S-310 CW is equipped to handle just about anything on the water.
Solara S-310 CW riding easy
The S-310 CW efficiently cruises through most conditions. Courtesy Solara Boats

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.

Solara S-310 CW helm
The helm holds two Garmin MFDs. Courtesy Solara Boats

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.

Solara S-310 CW bow seating
The plentiful bow seating is comfortable. Courtesy Solara Boats

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.

Solara S-310 CW cabin
The V-berth offers a nice climate controlled space. Courtesy Solara Boats

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).

Solara S-310 CW galley
There’s a small galley with a countertop, microwave, Keurig coffee maker, refrigerator-­freezer and wine cooler. Courtesy Solara Boats

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.
Solara S-310 CW cockpit seating
The cockpit offers ­folding double seats across the transom and to port. Courtesy Solara Boats

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

Price:$373,937 (base with twin Yamaha F300)
LOA:30’10”
Beam:10’0″
Draft:2’1″
Displacement:10,500 lb. (dry)
Transom Deadrise:24 degrees
Bridge Clearance:8’4″ (9’2″ with radar)
Max Cabin Headroom:6’1″
Fuel Capacity:200 gal.
Water Capacity:41 gal.
Max Horsepower:600

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

Solara S-310 CW performance data
Solara S-310 CW Certified Test Results Boating Magazine

Solara Boats – Auburn, Washington; solaraboats.com