Design and Construction
The 46.3 measures 46 feet 10 inches overall, with a 14-foot 5-inch beam and a displacement near 25,300 pounds. Where the 45 had a longer bow overhang, the 46.3 uses tighter forward sections for greater efficiency. Although it is only a little more than a foot longer overall, its waterline is nearly four feet longer, helping to account for its lower displacement.
The hull is hand-laid with 14 layers of unidirectional fiberglass. Vinylester resin in the first plies helps guard against osmotic blistering, while an NPG isophthalic gelcoat finishes the exterior. Eight longitudinal stringers and 12 transverse floors stiffen the hull.
The termanto foam-cored sandwich deck is bonded to the hull chemically and mechanically. The hull-to-deck joint uses stainless rivets rather than through-bolts, and an aluminum toerail is secured with 200 screws for additional security.
Stainless bolts backed by galvanized U-brackets hold the external fin keel in place. The yard epoxy-coated the entire assembly to help keep corrosion at bay. The standard draft is 7 feet 3 inches.
A stainless rudder stock and internal structure support the spade rudder. The keel-stepped aluminum mast sits on a well-supported bridge, while single-pod chainplates are tied into the hull by stout rods and massive bolts through a stringer.
Rig, Sailing Hardware, and Engine
The standard rig is a double-spreader sloop with spreaders swept back five degrees and a generous foretriangle. The test boat carried the optional tall, triple-spreader spar with running backstays.
With a 100-percent jib, the sail plan totals about 1,050 square feet, producing a sail-area-to-displacement ratio of 19.47. The standard inventory includes a 120-percent furling genoa, a Harken or equivalent roller-furling headstay, a mechanical backstay adjuster, a rigid vang, and a two-reef mainsail. Harken 53.2 STCS primary winches and 44.2 STCS halyard winches handle the sheets and hoists.
Under power, a Yanmar 4JHE 56-horsepower diesel drives a saildrive and three-bladed fixed propeller. This arrangement pushed the 46.3 through the water smartly and quietly. Fuel comes from a 180-liter stainless tank, giving a range near 300 miles.
Accommodations
Cantiere del Pardo offered two interior plans: one with a centerline double berth forward, and another with two staterooms in the bow.
In the centerline layout, the owner’s cabin has an island double, a dressing seat, and a large hanging locker. Its private head includes a shower enclosed by a curved door held shut with a magnet.
In the saloon, the galley runs along the port side and includes double sinks, a three-burner stove and oven, and 12-volt refrigeration. To starboard, a large table between a settee and an island seat accommodates six for dinner.
The two identical aft cabins each have a double berth, locker, dressing seat, and bookshelf. A second head is located aft of the galley. Cherrywood-stained mahogany gives the joinery its tone, while six opening hatches and portlights provide ventilation. Aft storage is minimal, with essentially no lazarette.
Verdict
The Grand Soleil 46.3 is a thoughtfully evolved cruiser. Its longer waterline and lower displacement give it a more modern edge than the 45, while it retains the comfortable volume associated with its Grand Soleil 50 lineage. Construction is detailed and robust, the rig is well equipped for short-handed sailing, and the choice of accommodation plans suits both private and charter use. The lack of aft storage is the main concession to the sleek hull lines.
Pros
- More efficient forward sections and a longer waterline than the 45, with lower displacement
- Hand-laid hull with vinylester protection and an epoxy-coated keel assembly
- Well-equipped standard rig with a furling genoa, rigid vang, and quality winches
- Two flexible interior layouts, with a generous owner’s cabin and saloon seating
Cons
- Essentially no lazarette storage aft
- Standard draft of 7 feet 3 inches is on the shoal side for a boat of this size
