The Solara S-310 Sport Coupe vaulted onto plane as I pushed the twin throttles to the right of the wheel. Twin 300-hp Yamaha F300 outboards delivered steadily rising torque, and the boat passed 26 knots within moments. For this sea trial I was aboard with Tim Wilbricht, director of sales for Pocket Yachts, the Chesapeake Bay-to-Florida East Coast dealer for Solara, Ranger Tugs and Cutwater Boats—brands produced by Fluid Motion in Monroe, Washington.
Pushing the throttles to the stops, the S-310 SC accelerated without hesitation to 43 knots. We ran south out of Crab Alley into the open waters of Eastern Bay on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, with a gusty 15- to 18-knot wind at our stern creating a washboard of 1- to 2-foot waves. Beyond its brisk acceleration, the boat tracked very well and the standard Lenco auto-leveling trim tabs kept us balanced side to side. Tight turns at speed were predictable with no tendency to trip. On the return run into the chop toward Pocket Yacht’s service facility the ride remained comfortable, with no slamming or intrusive noise.
Wilbricht explained that the Yamaha F300 outboards are the only factory engine option for the 310, and that significant research went into pairing the hull with the optimal propulsion. Solara identifies the S-310 SC’s cruise sweet spot at about 28 knots and 4,500 rpm, where the boat can achieve roughly 250 miles of range and about 1.25 mpg. Those figures vary with load, hull condition and maintenance, but they demonstrate the S-310 SC’s ability to efficiently cover long distances or extend a weekend cruise.
Much of the S-310 SC’s combination of performance, economy and comfort comes from its hull, designed by David Livingston, founder of Fluid Motion and a prolific small-boat designer with a long career creating models for many builders. Livingston described the design as a balanced blend of soft wave entry, stepped planing surfaces and laminar-flow interrupters that pull air under the hull to reduce drag and boost performance. The hull carries a 24-degree deadrise overall with a centerline pad aft of midships. The chine begins at the bow above the waterline to add buoyancy and becomes more pronounced toward the stern for lateral stability. Extending the hull outboard of the engines creates a slight catamaran effect that helps resist rolling.
Stepping onto one of the two swim platform extensions beside the Yamaha F300s confirmed that the boat felt rock solid with virtually no roll. The EVA decking provided good traction and a secure surface for swimmers or anglers moving from side to side. The generous transom area includes a grill on the port side that a crew member can use safely, and EVA decking is also fitted in the cockpit and under the standard hardtop—one of many family-friendly standard features.
The cockpit accommodates six passengers. Fishing-friendly elements include thigh-high coaming pads, a standard livewell, raw-water washdown and rod holders in the gunwales. When fishing gear is stowed, the space can be easily converted for leisure: sunshades can be rigged for UV protection at anchorage and a Fusion multi-zone stereo with subwoofer and multiple speakers sets the mood for any gathering.
Under the hardtop a dinette features an adjustable backrest so passengers can face forward or aft. The area is served by a built-in cooler and a refrigerator. Forward, the bow offers additional seating. Belowdecks, the climate-controlled cabin includes an enclosed wet head with marine toilet, seating that converts to a large berth, and a full galley—making the S-310 SC a comfortable option for weekend cruising.
The starboard helm features an adjustable dash dominated by twin Garmin 8612 multifunction displays, which are standard equipment; Garmin radar is optional. A bow thruster is included, though buyers who select Yamaha’s joystick control may find it less necessary. A power-operated sunroof opens to bring light and fresh air into the helm area.
Solara’s standard equipment list is notably comprehensive, creating a turnkey cruiser for new owners. Few builders include fore and aft CCTV cameras, a wine cooler, a galvanic isolator, a 3,000-watt inverter and lithium house batteries as standard, yet Solara packages these items and keeps the base price competitive at $383,937. That pricing advantage is partly achieved through production efficiencies gained by building multiple brands under the Fluid Motion umbrella.
Overall, the S-310 Sport Coupe is designed to deliver a blend of performance, stability, comfort and practical features that suit families, cruisers and anglers. Its strong acceleration, predictable handling, efficient cruise characteristics and thoughtful standard equipment make it a compelling option for buyers seeking a versatile 31-foot outboard cruiser.
Solara S-310 SC
LOA: 30’10”
Beam: 10’0”
Draft (motors up): 2’1”
Weight (approx.): 10,500 lbs.
Power: (2) 300-hp Yamaha outboards
Fuel: 200 gals.
Water: 41 gals.
This article was originally published in the January 2024 issue.