With over 30 years in the business, we don’t just build boats that last, we build lasting relationships.

A SOLAS boat is a collaboration of unparalleled marine experts.

We have an eclectic client base that recognizes our willingness to dig in on a challenge. Very few projects are identical and our clients are equally diverse. Foils, muli-hull hybrids, and non-fossil fuel possibilities are all on the table. Whether you are a high-traffic, tour boat operation in a tropical climate or conducting oceanography research in remote, arctic conditions; we dive in and rise to meet your needs.

The SOLAS design team is made up of experienced mariners, engineers, globally renowned scientists, and LOMOcean Marine as the hub for new development. It is this collective collaboration that transforms our rigid inflatable hulled boats into the 4×4 of the sea.

Our Hawaii manufacturing capacity– new and exciting!

As a Hawaiian Tour Operator, you no longer have to go to the mainland for your new vessel. Based in Kona on the big Island, Blackreef Boats can produce all SOLAS hulls and you can easily access your project at any time you choose. This allows you to be involved and finesse any final details; as well as liaise with local USCG inspection during the build. Both of which will prevent all too common misunderstandings that can occur. The team behind this development brings global expertise in design and naval architecture, along with decades of experience. Bring us your challenge – your ideas – we will bring outcomes.

 

 

Showcase Renderings: Hoku Kai – In production.

Featuring a Lay-down gunwale.

The SOLAS Advantage

Design
Rigid hulled inflatable concepts have been our foundation since inception. Our design team and network of global marine experts continue to evolve in step with technology and materials.
Materials
Aluminum is our primary material for hull structures meeting customer driven performance goals dictated by weight, hydrodynamics and resistance curves. A replaceable air-filled sponson system (tube) is another core element of our boats.
Size

Our vessels typically range from 4 meters to 14 meters, but we have no horizon.

Service
As a custom boat builder, the service we provide our customers is very important to us. We get to know you well and value the relationship for many years to come. Our boats do not have a “service life”. We want you to grow old together.

The SOLAS story began with a Kiwi that ventured to Alaska.

Homer, Alaska inspired the soul of SOLAS. As an eighteen year resident with exposure to all that the Alaskan Coastal waters have to offer, Alan Shaw felt the challenge to develop what a journalist later coined “a better boat”. Working in regions from the Arctic to Southern Cook Inlet, he encountered conditions that quickly taught him to always respect the ocean. He wanted to design a small boat that provided the confidence he was looking for when encountering a difficult seaway – not unusual in Alaskan waters.

Growing up in New Zealand, Alan spent all of his spare time playing in and around boats and the ocean. This sparked the beginning of a lifelong interest in marine craft. It also exposed him to a plethora of small boat designs, some good and some not. Out of this curious groundswell and a desire to fill the gap, innovation has proven to be successful.

Now you’ve heard our story. We’d like to hear yours. Every boat we build begins with a conversation. Let’s talk.