Design and Construction
The hull carries its maximum beam aft and uses twin rudder blades to hold efficiency at any angle of heel. The outboard helm stations are coupled to those rudders. Other defining features include a plumb bow, a straight-edged walk-through transom, a long, fully stretched waterline, a flat sheerline, and a low, sloping coachroof.
Freeboard is high, with only about 8.92 inches of difference from forward to aft and roughly 2 inches of spring to the sheer.
The hull and deck are vacuum-bagged, using vinylester resin over an Airex foam core. The tabbed forward and main bulkheads are built as composite sandwiches. The T-shaped keel combines a cast-iron steel foil with a substantial lead ballast bulb. Deep and shallow versions draw 8 feet 5 inches and 7 feet 10 inches, respectively.
Real teak decks are standard, while a faux composite deck is optional.
Rig and Sail Plan
The standard double-spreader Seldén rig is aluminum, though owners can specify a carbon mast. The 3Di North Sails inventory is impressive. A self-tacking jib track sits just forward of the mast.
A fixed, extended bowsprit carries a code-zero headsail to increase off-wind sail area, while a short sprit keeps off-the-wind sails clear of the working-jib stay. The mainsheet traveler is recessed beneath the cockpit sole.
Most of the running rigging is stowed below deck and led to winches and clutches on both port and starboard. All lines can be brought to just two winches within easy reach of the helmsman, making the boat manageable with a reduced crew. An optional fifth winch can be fitted atop the starboard coaming.
Handling and Performance
The Solaris 44-2 displaces 21,826 lb and carries 7,937 lb of ballast. Its D/L is 146.2, while SA/D is around 25.33.
Upwind under the self-tacking jib, the steering was silky-smooth even in the gusts. The wheels felt light and responsive, and the twin rudders provided complete control. Closehauled with the self-tacking jib, the boat made an easy 7.6 knots.
On a deep reach with the large headsail, it tracked well at 8 knots. Bringing the wind abeam lifted its speed to a solid 10 knots.
The test boat’s 60 hp Volvo Penta diesel with sail drive delivered better than 8 knots while ticking over at 2,400 rpm. A 30 hp engine is standard, and a 75 hp version is available.
Accommodations and Stowage
Below, the Solaris 44-2 has a three-cabin, two-head layout. The forward owner’s stateroom includes a centerline double berth and an en suite head, with enough volume forward for a sail-stowage fo’c’sle.
The basic layout also includes a starboard quarter cabin with split single berths and a port quarter cabin with a double berth. The boat’s 13-foot-9-inch beam allows for a large stern cabin with wide twin beds.
At the foot of the companionway, an L-shaped galley lies to port and a proper navigation station sits to starboard. An optional arrangement sacrifices the nav station for a shower stall adjoining the starboard quarter cabin. Light-oak furniture gives the interior a handsome finish.
On deck, stowage includes a roomy sail locker, large cockpit lockers, and a separate space for the liferaft.
The Verdict
The Solaris 44-2 is well suited to performance cruising and gave the Boat of the Year judges a thrilling sail. It’s a considered evolution of the modern fast cruiser, combining beam carried aft, twin rudders, a recessed traveler, and a rig that two people can manage.
Pros
- Twin rudders and outboard helms provide complete control and silky steering
- All lines can be led to two winches for fast cruising with a reduced crew
- Vacuum-bagged vinylester-and-Airex construction with composite bulkheads
- Three-cabin, two-head layout with a forward owner’s suite and sail fo’c’sle
Cons
- High freeboard and modest sheer spring may make the hull look slab-sided
- The 8-foot-5-inch deep keel limits access to shallow anchorages
