Solace Boats: Rethinking the Centre Console
Episode 7, Mar 06, 2023, 06:00 AM
Centre console boats are undeniably the keystone of the boating scene in the United States. They boast almost universal appeal amongst buyers of all ages and types. They use their centre consoles for every conceivable purpose including fishing, diving and watersports. That’s in addition to cruising and generally exploring the many different bodies of water, both inland and offshore, that that country and its coastal neighbours have to offer.
But while there are many centre console boats on the market in the US, there are none quite like those offered by Solace Boats. And now, hot on the heels of its headline-grabbing appearance at the Caribbean Charter Yacht Show in St Thomas in December 2022, we caught up with the diverse team behind Solace Boats to get the inside scoop on this dynamic brand.
A history of high-end
Based in Edgewater, Florida, Solace boats manufactures a range of high-performance, high-end centre console boats serving primarily the upper end of the centre console market.
The company was established by co-owners Sarah and Steven Dougherty, who boast an impressive pedigree within the boatbuilding industry in Florida. Steven’s father enjoyed an illustrious 30-year career at Boston Whaler as Senior Vice President where he was intimately involved with the development of that company’s entire product line during his tenure.
After leaving Boston Whaler, Mr Dougherty Sr and son Steven went on to establish - and then sell - Edgewater Boats and then Everglades boats, before Steven and Sarah decided to open Solace Boats. “The bulk of my career has been spent building high-end saltwater fishing boats,” Steven recalled. “When we started Solace Boats, we decided there was room within the market to build a higher-end boat than those we’d built in the past, and we already knew that there were customers who’d be interested in that.”
Redesigning a classic
The process of designing the range of Solace Boats involved rethinking every aspect of typical centre console boatbuilding, Steven explained. “We were looking to improve every square inch of a typical centre console boat. We looked for a better way to do everything, with better technology. We stepped outside of the box in the design of the whole boat, from the running surface to the way we designed our console and hardtop. We weren’t concerned about trying to do it cheaper. Our mission was how to make it better. Price wasn’t a concern.”
For the Full Written Story:
https://www.onboardonline.com/superyacht-news/interviews/solace-boats-rethinking-the-centre-console/
#Yachting #YachtCrew #Superyacht #Boating #BoatBuilding #Maritime #Boats #News #OnboardOnline
But while there are many centre console boats on the market in the US, there are none quite like those offered by Solace Boats. And now, hot on the heels of its headline-grabbing appearance at the Caribbean Charter Yacht Show in St Thomas in December 2022, we caught up with the diverse team behind Solace Boats to get the inside scoop on this dynamic brand.
A history of high-end
Based in Edgewater, Florida, Solace boats manufactures a range of high-performance, high-end centre console boats serving primarily the upper end of the centre console market.
The company was established by co-owners Sarah and Steven Dougherty, who boast an impressive pedigree within the boatbuilding industry in Florida. Steven’s father enjoyed an illustrious 30-year career at Boston Whaler as Senior Vice President where he was intimately involved with the development of that company’s entire product line during his tenure.
After leaving Boston Whaler, Mr Dougherty Sr and son Steven went on to establish - and then sell - Edgewater Boats and then Everglades boats, before Steven and Sarah decided to open Solace Boats. “The bulk of my career has been spent building high-end saltwater fishing boats,” Steven recalled. “When we started Solace Boats, we decided there was room within the market to build a higher-end boat than those we’d built in the past, and we already knew that there were customers who’d be interested in that.”
Redesigning a classic
The process of designing the range of Solace Boats involved rethinking every aspect of typical centre console boatbuilding, Steven explained. “We were looking to improve every square inch of a typical centre console boat. We looked for a better way to do everything, with better technology. We stepped outside of the box in the design of the whole boat, from the running surface to the way we designed our console and hardtop. We weren’t concerned about trying to do it cheaper. Our mission was how to make it better. Price wasn’t a concern.”
For the Full Written Story:
https://www.onboardonline.com/superyacht-news/interviews/solace-boats-rethinking-the-centre-console/
#Yachting #YachtCrew #Superyacht #Boating #BoatBuilding #Maritime #Boats #News #OnboardOnline