Solace 32 CS

Solace Boats burst on the scene with an in-house commitment to be innovative, focused on modern composite material integration as well as a drive to build a feature-rich boat. We got to test its new 32 CS model on a blustery end-of-March day. The boat was rigged with a pair of Mercury Cold-Fusion 300 HP V-8 Racing outboards and equipped with a host of smart features.

All Solace boats are 100 percent vacuum-infused, creating strong, uniform parts. An epoxy blend with Innegra fabric and carbon-fiber elements adds strength, durability and weight savings. The builder takes great pride in its manufacturing process, outfitting boats with premium Gemlux hardware, fully finished bilges and underdeck compartments, and precise hatch tolerances.

The 32 CS features include an anchor locker with molded-in dedicated fender stowage, along with a standard through-bow stainless plow anchor and chute, with a Profish 1000 windlass. Two Gemlux pull-up stainless cleats are on deck. The forward bow has built-in U-shaped seating for six, with storage underneath and removable, magnetic cushions. In fact, all the cushions aboard are mounted with rare-earth magnets in the laminate—with no visible fasteners—that hold them in place at any speed.

The console features an integrated lounge seat complete with molded and upholstered armrests, and a glass windshield with electrically actuated rams and a windshield wiper with a washer. On the console dash, the steering wheel is to port, with the binnacle located along the centerline and a molded glove box to starboard. Our test boat came with the optional Mercury Joystick controller along with a pair of standard 16-inch Garmin 8616 multifunction displays. A centerline-mounted cellphone induction charging bracket between the MFDs was a great touch. A well-positioned switch panel with square push switches, large labels and indicator lights is mounted above the electronics screens just under the upper dash, in plain view and within easy reach of the helmsman. 

A door situated on the port side allows entry to the console’s interior, where you find a stainless-steel sink and a freshwater head, as well as a single bunk that doubles as lockable rod storage. A tall portside window lets natural light in, and there is a ceiling-to-deck door to access the back side of the console, and its electronics and respective rigging. 

The molded hardtop features an overhead mounting panel that accommodates an autopilot interface, VHF radios, JL Audio controllers and other electronics. The underside has a drop-down panel for easy access to the back side of the aforementioned units. There are molded-in speakers and side glass panels, and a standard Razor LED Lightbar mounted on the forward edge of the hardtop. There’s also life-jacket stowage over the leaning post, Gemlux outrigger bases and poles, and the Solace offers the ability to add an aft cockpit shade as an option.

The leaning post houses the freshwater tank under its two seats, which incorporate lift-up bolsters and fold-down armrests upholstered with Sileather, which does not turn pink over time. 

There are Plano 3700 tackle-storage cabinets on each side of the leaning post, with a Corian workstation complete with a sink, Starboard cutting boards, and drink holders in back. A Frigid Rigid 100-quart fiberglass cooler slides out of the base, creating an extra cushioned seat with a back bolster. 

The test boat featured an optional gyrostabilizer in the lazarette and a Danforth stern anchor holder. 

The 32 CS also incorporates a pair of large, insulated in-deck fish boxes on each side, as well as a recessed compartment for a fold-out ladder on the port side. The boat also features undergunwale storage bins with a waste basket to starboard forward, plus undergunwale racks to hold gaffs, boat hooks and brushes.

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The transom has a centerline molded dunnage box with a removable partition under the cushioned seating and a fold-out footrest. There are nine rod holders lined along the back of the transom, and a 30-gallon livewell installed in each corner. The boat also has an optional engine flush system, great for keeping the engines clean. 

The twin-stepped hull with variable deadrise on the 32 CS performed nicely.

The boat showed little bow rise on acceleration, got on plane quickly and carved turns with ease. The Solace’s sweet spot is at 3,200 rpm, where it runs 33.5 mph with a yield of 1.3 mpg. Water was thrown down and away, reducing the chance of spray blowing back on the boat. The 32 CS also drifted nicely at a good angle for jigging or flying kites, and offered a fairly clean bubble trail when trolling.

Test Conditions

• Weather: Partly cloudy
• Location: Palm Beach, Florida
• Wind: East 15 to 20 mph Sea State: 3- to 5-foot chop Test Load: Two adults, 150 gallons of fuel

Specifications

Solace Boats – solaceboats.com