SOLACE 41CS
Luxury, functionality and innovation in one impressive offshore fishing machine.
AFTER MAKING A BIG SPLASH IN 2019 WITH THE 345, ITS FIRST MODEL, SOLACE HAS INTRODUCED THE 41CS, A LARGER FISHING CENTERCONSOLE THAT CEMENTS THE BUILDER’S MODUS OPERANDI: LET FUNCTIONALITY, COMFORT AND PERFORMANCE DRIVE EVERY MODEL’S DESIGN, AND COME UP WITH INNOVATIVE WAYS TO INCREASE BOTH EFFICIENCY AND CONVENIENCE.
It seems it didn’t take long for customers to demand a bigger craft powered by triple outboards, and Solace answered the call by launching a beauty of a 41-footer with a twin-stepped hull—with reversed, dynamic tracking chines, and hydrodynamic release for faster planing—built of carbon fiber and Innegra, with vacuum-infused epoxy for maximum strength and rigidity without unnecessary weight.
The bow incorporates seating for four, with a pair of cushioned Frigid Rigid fiberglass coolers to port and starboard. The coaming bolsters supply the backrests, and ingenious indents on the covering boards allow recessing the seats, leaving more room to fight fish or access the anchor locker. There are two small storage compartments just forward of the cooler seats, and a triple forward-console lounger helps turn the bow into a social zone for seven.
The integrated hardtop of the Solace features a solid roof and sides, plus wide steps to port and starboard that lead up to the optional tower with second helm station and house slide-out fiberglass coolers at their base. Nonslip pads on the steps and coolers ensure safe footing in wet conditions. Gas-assisted shocks enable the tower to fold down easily, a major advantage for trailering, dry storage, and when navigating under low bridges.
A pantograph door allows entry to the plush in-console cabin with large windows for natural light. A galley, enclosed shower and head, storage and twin berths are among the many appointments. A 16,000 Btu air conditioner cools both the cabin and the helm, which is protected from the elements by an electric windshield that opens completely for ventilation.
The massive console dash includes a full-width glass fascia and dual 22-inch multifunction displays, using digital switching to control the sophisticated Solace systems. Rocker switches for backups, along with a stereo, Lenco tab controls, a Helm Master joystick and other necessities, rest on a panel below.
Triple helm seating with flip-up bolsters and folding armrests incorporates shock-absorbing pedestals for added comfort in rough seas, and an electrically actuated platform rises to increase forward visibility for vertically challenged skippers driving the boat from a standing position. The mezzanine seating with pullout footrests, built in back of the helm seats, lifts to access a large tackle center/rigging station that doubles as a summer kitchen complete with a sink, cutting board and grill. A pair of MFDS mounted above makes critical information visible from the cockpit.
The FishThru transom that helped the 345 turn heads was left out of the 41CS in order to gain the space needed for one or two more outboards. Parallel with the gunwales, dual 70-gallon in deck fish boxes lie to port and starboard, accessed without encroaching on the optional pedestal rocket launcher/leaning post contoured for standup fishing. A one-piece side door with integrated, telescoping ladder comes standard, and so do the gyrostabilizer and 8.6 kw generator.
Twin 50-gallon livewells sit in opposite transom corners, with a large cooler between them hiding under the rear seating, which accommodates three and includes a nine-rod rocket launcher when adding the optional backrest.
Of course, that’s not the only rod storage. There are 20 flush-mount holders on the covering boards, two rod lockers, and two horizontal racks to stash seven rods on each gunwale, plus dual six-rod rocket launchers, a pair of angled kingfish-style holders on the hardtop, and another six-rod launcher aft of the second helm-station seating.
When it comes to performance, the 41CS is no slouch. With triple Yamaha 425 XTOS, full tanks of fuel and water, five adults and a full complement of tackle, the Solace cruised comfortably at 38 mph turning 4,000 rpm, and reached 67 mph at wide-open throttle. The power rating allows for quad Mercury 450Rs, which handily surpass 70 mph.
As for maneuverability, the 41-footer performed hard turns and quick avoidance maneuvers promptly and easily, always feeling nimble yet steady throughout our sea trial. Taking on big waves wasn’t an issue and, despite the stiff breeze, neither was spray. Anyone shopping for a top center-console for serious offshore fishing should include the Solace 41CS in their short list.