Design and Construction
Where the 45 carried a longer bow overhang, the 46.3 tightens the forward sections for greater efficiency, and although it is only a little more than a foot longer overall, its waterline stretches nearly four feet farther, helping account for a lower displacement than its predecessor. The hull is hand-laid in 14 layers of unidirectional fiberglass, with vinylester resin in the first plies to guard against osmotic blistering, and an NPG isophthalic gelcoat finishes the exterior. Eight longitudinal stringers and a dozen transverse floors stiffen the shell, while the deck is a termanto foam-cored sandwich bonded to the hull chemically and mechanically, with stainless rivets rather than through-bolts at the joint and an aluminum toerail screwed down with 200 fasteners for extra security.
The external fin keel is held by stainless bolts backed with galvanized U-brackets, and the entire assembly is epoxy-coated by the yard to keep corrosion at bay. Below, a stainless rudder stock and internal structure carry the spade rudder, and the keel-stepped aluminum mast sits on a well-supported bridge with single-pod chainplates tied into the hull by stout rods and massive bolts through a stringer.
Rig and Handling
The standard rig is a double-spreader sloop with spreaders swept back five degrees and a generous foretriangle, while the test boat carried the optional tall triple-spreader spar with running backstays. Sail plan totals about 1,050 square feet with a 100-percent jib for a sail-area-to-displacement ratio of 19.47, and the standard inventory includes a 120-percent furling genoa, a Harken or equivalent roller-furling headstay, mechanical backstay adjuster, rigid vang, and a two-reef mainsail. Harken 53.2 STCS primaries and 44.2 STCS halyard winches handle the sheets and hoists. Under power, a Yanmar 4JHE 56-horsepower diesel on a saildrive with a three-bladed fixed prop pushed the 46.3 through the water smartly and quietly, drawing from a 180-liter stainless tank for a range near 300 miles.
Accommodations
Two interior plans were offered: one with a centerline double forward and another with two staterooms in the bow. In the centerline layout, the owner's cabin ahead holds an island double, a dressing seat, and a large hanging locker, with a private head whose shower is closed off by a magnet-held curved door. The saloon places the galley along the port side with double sinks, a three-burner stove and oven, and 12-volt refrigeration, while to starboard a large table flanked by a settee and an island seat seats six for dinner. Two identical aft cabins each provide a double berth, locker, dressing seat, and bookshelf, and a second head sits aft of the galley. Cherrywood stained mahogany tones the joinery, and six opening hatches with portlights keep the boat ventilated. Note that storage aft is minimal, with essentially no lazarette.
The Verdict
The Grand Soleil 46.3 is a thoughtfully evolved cruiser whose longer waterline and lighter displacement give it a modern edge over the 45 while keeping the comfortable volume of the 50 lineage. Construction is detailed and robust, the rig is well-equipped for short-handed sailing, and the accommodation plans suit both private and charter use. The lack of aft storage is the main concession to the sleek hull lines.
Pros
- Efficient forward sections and longer waterline than the 45 with less displacement
- Hand-laid vinylester-protected hull with epoxy-coated keel bolts
- Well-equipped standard rig with furling genoa, rigid vang, and quality winches
- Two flexible interior layouts with 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 the size
