Design and Construction
The Salona 46’s waterline-extended hull measures 13.50m (44ft 4in). Short overhangs produce a long waterline, while the slightly raked stern gives her looks that should last. The stem sits a few degrees off vertical. It is narrow at the waterline but broad enough at deck level to accommodate the furling drum below deck.
Salona builds the 46 with vacuum-infused laminates and vinylester resins. Below the waterline, clear gel coat allows the underlying fiberglass to be inspected visually. Inside the hull, a bonded stainless steel frame distributes loads from the keel, mast, and rigging.
Lift the saloon sole boards and that frame is clearly visible. The keel is secured through its center with ten M30 bolts, while moulded reinforcement runs from the frame up the topsides to the chainplates.
A watertight bulkhead is fitted at each of the bow and stern. Below deck level, the heads contain the only moulded liners. This arrangement eases access to the inside of the hull and allows the bulkheads to be bonded cleanly, while moulded headliners receive the slotted bulkheads.
Rig, Cockpit, and Handling
The high-fractional rig has a minimal-overlap headsail and a keel-stepped Seldén mast. Mast bend is induced by either a hydraulic tensioner or twin cascades on the Dyneema backstay.
A full-width traveller is recessed into the cockpit sole between the winches and helm stations. Lewmar 45 self-tailers handle the German-style mainsheet, which is led aft on each side. A pair of Lewmar 50s on the coamings serves the headsail, while another pair of 45s sits on the coachroof. The port main-halyard winch is often upgraded to electric operation.
The reasonably high-geared Jefa steering goes from lock to lock in less than 1.5 turns. As Yachting Monthly found during its test, the deep rudder made the boat tolerant when provoked. Combined with the balanced hull form, the single deep rudder provides ample grip and feedback through the wheel—qualities twin rudders can lack.
Foot braces hinge up from the cockpit sole to hold crew on the high side. The substantial wooden toerail is lowered and flattened abaft the chainplates to make hiking more comfortable.
Accommodation
Below, the accommodation is light and airy, with light European oak as the standard finish. Tubular handholds run along both sides beneath the windows, with another overhead. The companionway steps have bevelled edges for secure footing, although the non-slip finish could be a touch stronger.
Twin double aft cabins are standard. Space between them on the centerline can instead be allocated to a generator room.
The chart table is on the small side and mounted at the aft end of the starboard saloon berth—a concession that purists may regret. A removable table with folding leaves and a stainless steel frame also serves as a central handhold or foot brace.
Engine, Drivetrain, and Options
A 57hp Yanmar is standard. It drove the test boat to nearly 9 knots at full chat and 6.7 knots at a comfortable 1,600 rpm. Power is delivered through a saildrive and folding propeller: a two-blader is standard, while the test boat had a three-blader.
For those inclined otherwise, a system developed by Oceanvolt in Finland offers electric propulsion with hydro-generation under sail. The test boat also had a retractable bow-thruster.
A deck locker abaft the bow watertight bulkhead swallows warps, fenders, and a downwind sail or two.
Verdict
The Salona 46 is a considered performance cruiser that pairs a serious structural frame and bolted keel with a racy but manageable rig and a clean, accessible interior. She is aimed at sailors who want feedback and speed without surrendering single-rudder manners and traditional stern lines to fashion.
Pros
- Stainless steel internal frame, ten M30 keel bolts, and topside reinforcement for the chainplates
- Clear gel coat below the waterline for inspecting the laminate
- Crisp Jefa steering and a deep, tolerant single rudder
- Long-waterline hull with short overhangs and a narrow waterline beam for performance
- Light, accessible interior with twin aft doubles and an oak finish as standard
Cons
- Non-slip deck finish is gentle underfoot
- Chart table is small and awkwardly placed
- No twin rudders or chined stern for sailors who expect them
