Nelson Marek 46 Information, Review, Specs

The Nelson Marek 46 entered production in 1995 under the meticulous craftsmanship of Carroll Marine, a Rhode Island-based builder renowned for its high-performance custom race boats. Carroll Marine, founded in 1984 by Janice and Barry Carroll, quickly established itself through a commitment to cutting-edge design and construction, often utilizing advanced materials and innovative techniques. This ethos perfectly aligned with the vision of designers Bruce Nelson and Bruce Marek, who formed their influential yacht design firm in 1979 and were known for their performance-oriented creations.

The design philosophy behind the Nelson Marek 46 was rooted in achieving competitive performance under various handicapping rules. She was specifically engineered to race under either the International Level Class (ILC 46) or International Measurement System (IMS) rules. Throughout its production run, which lasted until Carroll Marine ceased sailboat manufacturing in 2003, the Nelson Marek 46 was offered in several variations: the pure racing-focused NELSON MAREK 46 IMS, the versatile NELSON MAREK 46CR (Cruiser/Racer), and the more amenity-rich NELSON MAREK 46PC (Performance Cruiser). 3, 4, Builder Article These different configurations allowed buyers to tailor the boat to their specific blend of racing ambition and cruising desire.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Nelson Marek 46 exhibits characteristics of a truly performance-oriented vessel, borne out by its calculated ratios. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 27.29, she possesses a significant amount of sail power relative to her weight, suggesting lively performance, particularly in light to moderate air. Her Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio, at a remarkable 0.59, indicates exceptional stiffness and stability, allowing her to stand up to a strong breeze and carry her sail area effectively. Furthermore, a low Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of around 136.7 confirms her status as a lightweight, agile performer for her size.

Owners and reviewers consistently praise the Nelson Marek 46 for its "exceptional performance, especially in upwind," making it a "perfect distance boat." The hull, constructed from advanced materials like Kevlar and S-Glass with epoxy resin, combined with a carbon rudder and post, underscores its design for stiffness and light weight, crucial elements for a high-performance boat. The addition of a sprit was a thoughtful design choice to enhance ease of handling and increase downwind sail area with larger spinnakers. Her fin keel and spade rudder further contribute to responsive handling and excellent maneuverability.

Accommodations and Layout

While the Nelson Marek 46 was undeniably built for speed, its interior accommodations varied depending on the specific model. For the pure IMS racing versions, the interior was designed to be minimal, with all weights centered to optimize performance under measurement rules. In these configurations, vacuum-molded components were integrated with the structural system, contributing to the overall stiffness of the hull.

The CR (Cruiser/Racer) and PC (Performance Cruiser) versions, while retaining the boat's competitive edge, would have offered more amenities to enhance comfort for extended cruising. Although detailed layout descriptions are not extensively documented in available records, these versions were designed to provide a more comfortable environment than a stripped-out racer. Common features would include a diesel engine, typically a 50 HP Volvo Penta, and tankage for both fuel (20 gallons) and water (40 gallons), indicating provisions for self-sufficiency on longer voyages. Given Carroll Marine's reputation for quality construction, the interior finish in the cruising variants would likely have been functional and well-executed, if not overly luxurious, balancing durability with the boat's performance-driven identity.