FishTalk readers may remember that a few years ago we were utterly blown away by the Solace 30 HCS, this builder's initial entry into the hybrid bay boat market. But this model wasn’t just among the techiest and highest-performing hybrids out there, it was also among the biggest. So we were psyched to hear of the launch of their new 28 HCS, giving anglers who demand the latest and the greatest an option that’s a bit smaller and easier to handle.
Like its bigger sibling, the 28 HCS is designed with a variable-degree deadrise twin-stepped hull. It begins with a wave-chopping 45-degree entry deadrise and tapers down to 18-degrees at the transom. That establishes a happy medium for inshore anglers concerned about draft (1’5” with the engines up) and stability for casting in the shallows, and open water anglers looking to run out when the sea conditions might not be picture perfect.
Construction is uber-techy, with a vacuum-infused carbon fiber and epoxy blend. A fascinating—and advantageous—trait of the 28 HCS is the use of magnets. They’re laminated into the seat bases, and magnets are also integrated into the Sileather upholstered cushions. Dropped in place they stick tight, but when you slide your hand under the cushion and pull up they pop right off. You know all the fumbling and grumbling that goes along with trying to remove a seat cushion so you can easily access the compartment below, on most boats? That’s definitely not an issue here. And it works so well that Solace also laminates magnets into the gunwales to secure cupholders and accessories.
All the other high-end construction details one might hope to find are present and accounted for. Aluminum gets a PPG Coraflon coating, which improves corrosion resistance and has 20 times better color retention over time as compared to regular powder coat. Wiring is tinned-copper with Deutsch waterproof connectors. 316-grde stainless-steel fasteners are chrome-plated. Integrated hard top supports are carbon fiber. The list goes on and on.
On the fishing front the 28 HCS delivers the same level of foresight. The bow converts from seating to a full-sized casting deck with a filler insert, and the transom seat’s seatback flips down to become an aft casting platform. There are 30-gallon fishboxes in the deck, a 30-gallon livewell, fresh and raw water washdowns, eight flush-mount rodholders in the gunwales, six rocket launchers on the hard top and supports, a pair of kingfish holders on the top, and three more rodholders on the transom. The real standout feature, however, is tackle stowage. Fold down the back of the aft-facing seat on the back of the leaning post, and there’s room for eight big Planos and a long lure/rig rack with room for a full spread of lures and then some. The bow-mount trolling motor with lithium-ion battery system and charger, 18’ Gemlux outriggers, twin Power Poles, and a cobia tower are all angling options you’ll want to consider.
The boat is available with twin Yamaha V6 or Mercury V8 or V10 outboards in 600-hp and 700-hp packages—plan on speeds in excess of 60 mph whichever you opt for—and a joystick and autopilot are considered stock features. Same goes for a Garmin 8616 in the helm along with a 500-watt transducer with sideVu and ClearVu. Oh, and there’s a 1400-watt JL audio system with six speakers, two subwoofers, and a pair of amps. And an onboard engine flush system, RGB underwater lights, an articulating bow ladder, a through-stem anchor with windlass, a sink inside the head compartment, a ski tow pylon on the hard top, and just for good measure engine cowl lighting. Whew!
The 30 HCS blew us away us, and the 28 is more of the best of the best, just in a slightly smaller package. If you drive a Lamborghini, wear Canali, and eat Wagyu beef, your sea trial awaits you.
Solace 28 HCS Specifications
- LOA – 29’6”
- Beam – 9’10”
- Displacement – 6950 lbs.
- Draft – 1’5”
- Transom Deadrise – 18 degrees
- Fuel Capacity – 205 gal.
- Water Capacity – 20 gal.
- Max. Power – 700 hp
- Area Dealers – North Point Yacht Sales, Annapolis, MD (410) 280-2038 and Gloucester Point, VA, (804) 885-4090.