Solitaire 1490 Information, Review, Specs

Built by the family-owned Pantawee Marine Co., Ltd. near Pattaya City, Thailand, the Solitaire 1490 embodies the builder's commitment to quality and adherence to international construction standards. Pantawee Marine has a long-standing reputation for constructing robust vessels, a legacy that is clearly reflected in this modern multihull design., 9]

History and Design

The Solitaire 1490 began its production in 2018 and remains an active offering in Pantawee Marine's portfolio, with boats currently under construction. The design originates from Schionning Designs, a firm celebrated for its innovative multihull concepts. Schionning's philosophy for the Solitaire 1490 was to create an "efficient fast sailing cat" with key features aimed at enhancing both performance and comfort. This includes a high bridge deck clearance and the incorporation of chamfer panels, specifically designed to minimize wave slamming in various sea conditions. The emphasis on a high power-to-weight ratio underscores its performance aspirations, positioning it as a contender against larger production manufacturers by offering comparable internal space with superior structural integrity and lighter displacement.

Pantawee Marine, established in 1986 by New Zealand boatbuilder Jack Hall and his wife, has a history of adapting to market demands, transitioning from building a diverse range of monohulls to specializing in multihulls. This strategic shift, including collaborations with naval architects like Schionning Designs, aligns with their manufacturing ethos of utilizing cost-effective composite construction methods while meeting or exceeding stringent international standards such as ABYC and CE., 9] The Solitaire 1490 is part of a larger Solitaire series from Schionning Designs, which includes the 1520 and 1740 models, showcasing a consistent design language across the range.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Pantawee Solitaire 1490, with a length overall of 49.05 feet and a generous beam of 25.85 feet, is engineered for impressive sailing performance. Her design goals prioritize speed and efficiency, characterized by a light displacement of 26,455 pounds and a substantial reported sail area of 1,402 square feet. The presence of daggerboards as the keel type provides a significant advantage, allowing for excellent upwind performance and the flexibility to reduce draft to a mere 2.13 feet for shallow water access and beaching, which is highly beneficial for cruising in diverse locations.

Schionning Designs explicitly states the Solitaire 1490 is an "efficient fast sailing cat" engineered with a "high power to weight ratio," suggesting lively performance even in lighter winds. The design's focus on high bridge deck clearance and chamfer panels not only contributes to strength but also promises a more comfortable motion at sea by minimizing wave impact on the underside of the main deck. This combination of design elements points to a catamaran that is both responsive and stable, offering a confident and enjoyable sailing experience for its crew.

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed interior specifications vary depending on individual owner customization, the Solitaire 1490 is designed to offer substantial internal comfort and space, competitive with other production catamarans in its class. With a maximum headroom of 6.73 feet within the hulls, the interior feels open and spacious, a hallmark of well-designed multihulls. Data

Typical arrangements for a catamaran of this size would include multiple private cabins, often with island berths forward and queen or double berths aft in each hull, accompanied by dedicated heads with showers. The expansive bridge deck typically houses a large, panoramic salon offering excellent visibility, a well-equipped galley, and a navigation station. The Solitaire 1490's design aims to maximize these living areas, providing ample room for extended cruising or accommodating several guests. Based on Pantawee Marine's reputation for quality construction, the interior finish would likely feature durable, well-crafted composite elements, possibly complemented by wood accents, providing a comfortable and functional living environment suitable for long periods aboard. CAD rendered videos of the interior layout are available, illustrating the potential for sophisticated and practical living spaces.