Solace Boats and Volvo Penta teamed up to produce a boat that will rock the super-console segment. The 41.5 CS features Volvo Penta’s Aquamatic diesel system, with twin 440 hp D6 diesel engines turning through the latest iteration of Volvo Penta’s Duoprop drive units.
An obvious Aquamatic advantage is the 41.5 CS’s wide-open, uncluttered transom, an attribute not possible with outboards. The installation of the Aquamatic system allows for a more sociable cockpit that boaters can enter and exit more easily, whether for dockside entertaining or swimming and diving. Note the large convertible lounge with backrests that faces forward or aft, or folds flat to create a sun pad bracketed by transom doors. Additionally, Aquamatic diesel power proves highly efficient, delivering a boat with more range than its outboard counterpart. In this case, the 41.5 CS hits 51 mph fully loaded and nets 1.25 mpg at 41 mph—great numbers for a 41-foot boat.
We also applaud Volvo Penta’s Glass Helm, a touchscreen interface integrated with the Volvo Penta Electronic Vessel Control (EVC) system. Glass Helm provides an overview and control of navigation and engine data. The DPI joystick provides fingertip control; Solace mounted it on the armrest of the captain’s chair for convenience.
Solace also installed Garmin’s Surround View, six cameras that feed images of the boat in its environs to a helm display. The system eliminates blind spots, increases situational awareness, and makes docking so very simple.
In the bow, recessed side seating makes the most of space. (Check out the removable Frigid Rigid coolers.) The bow sun lounge beckons, upholstered in memory foam; the longer you relax, the more it conforms to your shape.
Belowdecks, there’s a decorator cabin with a settee that converts to a queen berth. There’s also a galley, a 32-inch TV and a posh stand-up head. The 16,000 Btu air conditioning keeps the cabin cool and is ducted to the helm as well.
Look for our sea trial of the Solace 41.5 CS powered by Volvo Penta’s Aquamatic system coming soon.
High Points
- Volvo Penta’s Aquamatic diesel delivers great range and control, and opens up the cockpit.
- The back of the 41.5 CS is wide-open, helping the craft be more versatile than those powered by outboards. Check out the convertible lounge.
- Magnets keep cushions from blowing away, a great alternative to troublesome snaps and just one of myriad nice details discovered during our dockside tour.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | Not available (at press time) |
|---|---|
| LOA: | 41’0″ |
| Beam: | 12’3″ |
| Draft: | 2’0″ (hull) |
| Dry Weight: | 19,000 lb. |
| Seat/Weight Capacity: | Yacht Certified |
| Fuel Capacity: | 444 gal. |
| Available Power: | Twin Volvo Penta Aquamatic diesels to 880 hp total |
Solace Boats – Edgewater, Florida; solaceboats.com
