The Livingston Family Legacy of Innovation.
Born from a passion for ingenuity and beauty in design, Solara is the latest chapter in the Livingston Family’s legacy of innovation. Every Solara is built to be equally suited for an action-packed day of fishing and a relaxing evening of entertaining.
Fluid Motion President, John Livingston has been immersed in the world of fiberglass boats since before he could walk. His father and business partner Dave Livingston built his first boat when he was fifteen years old using schematics from Popular Mechanics magazine. Not long after building the popular mechanics dinghy, Dave built his first hydroplane which he raced AND skied behind. During those early years, it was a regular occurrence for the neighbors to see Dave hauling lumber home on his bike until he was finally old enough to get his driver’s license.
After completing four years of service in the Navy, Dave designed and built what would soon become his first commercially successful vessel, his iconic design bearing the family name, the Livingston dinghy.
After several successful years at the helm of Livingston, Dave eventually sold the company to Reinell. Over the years, he has created, modified, or consulted for many boat manufacturers including Bayliner, Reinell, Wellcraft, Regal, Larson, and many more.
John Livingston’s boating history began early, with his mother building Livingston dinghies while she was pregnant with him. John says his family was always on boats, as far back as he can remember. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, he has fond memories of boating up to the San Juans, the Canadian Gulf Islands and Queen Charlotte Strait.
After college, John started and ran the US division of U-Flex, a marine steering and control company. After years of full-time travel, he decided it was time for a change. John left U-Flex and started building boats with his father. John and Dave contracted with Regal boats in Florida for three years before deciding to move back to Washington State and start their own boat company. This is where they crossed paths with Howard “Smitty” Smith.
Howard started the Ranger Fiberglass Boat Company on Pacific Highway in Kent, WA in 1958. Dave, John, and John’s wife, Jennifer, purchased the company from Howard in 1998, beginning what would become Ranger Tugs, Cutwater Boats and finally, Solara.
A Trusted History.
Solara is the third brand to be manufactured by Fluid Motion, builder of the popular award-winning brands, Ranger Tugs and Cutwater Boats. With thousands of happy boaters on the water in vessels built by Fluid Motion, we have a well-established reputation for quality and customer service.
“Fluid Motion, LLC, the builder of the highly successful Ranger Tugs and Cutwater brands. This is a builder who has figured out the secret sauce, largely by listening to their customers and understanding what they want.” - Power & Motoryacht Feb. 2023
Solara and sister-brand Cutwater have more in common than just their parent company. In 2019 Cutwater released two new open boat models, the Cutwater C-24 CW (Center Walkaround) and C-24 DC (Dual Console). These models were different from previous Cutwaters as they traded larger interior spaces for more outdoor areas perfect for all kinds of on the water al fresco activities. The C-24 CW and C-24 DC were popular Cutwater models produced until the end of the 2022 model year when Fluid Motion launched Solara. Being centered around day boating activities, Solara was a perfect fit for the open Cutwater 24 models. For 2023, the new versions of the C-24 CW and C-24 DC have found their permanent home in the Solara brand lineup as the S-250 CW and S-250 DC. To see the new look and features of the S-250 series, please visit the model pages.
The new S-250 Coupe also shares deep roots with Cutwater. The S-250 C was derived from the wildly popular C-24 C built from 2016 until the launch of Solara in 2022. The S-250 C incorporates the unparalleled standard feature set of Solara while sporting a redesigned cabin with exceptional use of space. The S-250 C cabin is fully climate controlled with reverse cycle heat and AC and includes a mid-berth cabin and a private forward cabin with a new, enclosed head and shower.
Forward-Thinking Design.
The Livingstons have made a name for themselves after decades of producing the most innovative features and design elements in the industry. Listed below are a few examples of the designs that set Solara apart.
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Laminar Flow Interrupters
Located between the strakes on the forward running surface, our LFI’s prevent the inherent suction created by laminar flow, resulting in enhanced cornering performance.
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Clear Path Swim Platform
Designed to provide maximum usability and safety aft of the transom, our Clear-Path swim platform recesses all outboard engine rigging below deck, eliminating the tripping hazards found on conventional outboard powered boats.
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Reachable Rocket Launchers
With a simple pull of the handle, our Reachable Rocket Launchers lower to make them easily accessible. When you’ve finished loading them, a compressed gas strut assists in raising the Reachable Rockets well above the hardtop.
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Integrated Trailer Lighting
Our S-250 models feature LED trailer lights built into the hull, increasing visibility and safety while trailering.
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Bow Utility Console
This all-in-one console houses a large self-draining anchor locker, windlass and folding stainless steel ladder. The flush design eliminates snags while fishing, while providing a level bow platform.
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Advanced Double Stepped Hull
Our advanced double stepped hull designs provide increased efficiency and a quick time to plane. The deep V forward cuts through rough water with ease, while tapering aft to an efficient and stable keel pad.
Continue Exploring the World of Solara.
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Learn About Factory Delivery
Take delivery of your Solara in the Pacific Northwest and explore Puget Sound.
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Explore our Model Range
Find your Solara, view specifications, features and more.
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Download our Model Line Up Brochure
Find detailed specifications and feature lists for every model.