Design and Construction
Solaris Yachts built the ONE 42 with a vacuum-infused hull and deck of E-fiberglass over a PVC Airex core. The composite sandwich was laid up in negative moulds using vinylester resin to resist osmosis.
The main bulkheads are bonded to both hull and deck, while a substantial structural GRP grid reinforces the hull. The keel-stepped mast sits on a steel base bedded on a GRP support, which is tied into the longitudinals and bolted through. The keel bolts are oversize, and the deep lead-bulbed keel provides a strong ballast ratio. The builder cites a five-month build time for each hull.
The hull measures 12.36 m long and 3.99 m wide, a beam testers described as relatively modest for this type of boat. Displacement is 8.8 tonnes, including 3,000 kg of lead ballast, and draft is offered at either 2.25 or 2.5 m.
Rig, Steering, and Performance
The fractional sloop rig has a keel-stepped, painted alloy mast from Sparcraft. A Furlex 300 roller reefer carries a high-spec North 3Di genoa, while a self-tacking track accommodates a small headsail. A solid vang controls the boom.
All lines run beneath the deck to Spinlock XTS jammers. The German mainsheet emerges from a chromed recess at the correct angle for the winch, and the mainsheet-track jammers are within reach of either a dedicated trimmer or the steerer. Halyards are hidden. The Y-shaped backstay has no adjuster—an omission that surprised testers and limits tuning options under way.
Jefa linkages connect the steering system to a balanced, foam-cored GRP spade rudder. Carbon Jefa wheels sit on alloy binnacles glassed into the hull.
Acebal drew the hull to minimize wetted area. On the water, the sistership Unica carries an IRC rating of 1.095 TCC. The test boat reached 6.7 knots on a beam reach in 7.6 knots of breeze while flying a gennaker.
Cockpit and Deck Equipment
Teak cladding covers the deck, which has a squared toerail and folding cleats all around, including amidships. A hydraulic teak swim platform lowers nearly to sea level.
At the bow, a vertical Lewmar windlass serves a deep chain locker, while a chromed roller houses the anchor. Solimar hatches and a sturdy gas-strut hatch complete the deck fittings. The high lip around the main hatch, together with traditional wooden washboards, was praised as a seaworthy finish.
In the cockpit, B&G Triton T7 plotters are mounted in the coamings, with wind instruments and a compass arranged across the companionway. Harken 46.2 winches handle the foresails and gennaker. On the coachroof, an electric Harken 40.2 at the starboard corner is paired with a manual winch opposite.
Accommodation
The three-cabin interior places the en suite owner’s cabin forward. Its island bed is surrounded by overhead lockers and tall storage units. Aft, the cabins have either two twin berths or a single berth.
In the saloon, a U-shaped couch faces a lounge to port. The semi-gloss oak joinery has matching grain throughout.
The L-shaped galley includes a three-burner stove and oven, dual sinks, and both chest-opening and front-opening fridges. A wet locker with drainage is fitted in the port cabin. The owner’s en suite has an upgraded electric head and a Perspex divider to contain shower spray.
Known Issues
Testers noted a fuel cut-off switch prone to inadvertent use, along with the lack of window blinds in the accommodation. The Y-shaped backstay also lacks an adjuster, reducing the crew’s ability to tune the mast under way.
Verdict
The Solaris ONE 42 is a thoughtfully engineered crossover. Its ORC-driven hull geometry brings racing precision, while its bonded, vacuum-infused structure and genuinely livable three-cabin interior support serious cruising. It should suit a knowledgeable owner prepared to work around a few minor ergonomic omissions.
Pros
- Vacuum-infused sandwich hull with bonded bulkheads and oversize keel bolts
- Minimized wetted area and a strong ballast ratio from the deep lead-bulbed keel
- Well-considered cockpit with underdeck lines, a German mainsheet, and integrated B&G electronics
- Roomy three-cabin layout with a proper owner’s en suite and a drained wet locker
Cons
- Fuel cut-off switch can easily be knocked off unintentionally
- No window blinds supplied as standard
- Y-shaped backstay lacks an adjuster for mast tuning
