Design and Construction
Stephen Jones drew a modern, well-balanced hull that carries its beam well aft into a wide, powerful transom. He also added volume to the bow sections to balance the waterlines without blunting the forward entry. The result is one of the sleekest cruisers around, although the delta-shaped afterbody brings a known handling trade-off: as the boat heels, the broad aft sections lift the stern and tend to pitch the bow down.
Bowman aimed for both strength and grace. Northshore moulded the hulls to a very high standard, while Bowman made its own plugs. Every bulkhead, longitudinal member, and transverse member is glassed into the hull; only the heads use additional moulding during fit-out.
The keel is secured to a moulded stub with 11 bolts. The rudder sits on a half-skeg with a solid bronze bottom bearing and a stainless Edson rudder shaft. The prop shaft runs through a full-length, moulded-in shaft log that is aligned for life. Cockpit drains discharge below the waterline, keeping the topsides free of streaks.
Rig, Cockpit, and Handling
Owners can choose a cutter or sloop rig. The boat can also take a self-tacking staysail if required, with provision for several control-line arrangements. Halyards and reefing lines run from the mast to the cockpit beneath hinged hatches, leaving the decks clear. Halyard winches flank the companionway, and all control lines lead back to clutches.
Despite its powerful rig, the Starlight 46 is well suited to short-handed sailing and was designed to be handled comfortably by two people. Twin wheels dominate the spacious, practical cockpit, which is more than 3.2 metres long. Each wheel has switchable engine controls. Two independent steering linkages, an independent autopilot link, and an emergency steering system provide backup. Between the wheels, the transom folds out to reveal liferaft stowage and a boarding ladder.
Test sailors found the boat well balanced and responsive under sail. In 17–32 knots true, she felt surefooted and cruised effortlessly at 9–10 knots. The helm was direct and crisp without being too lively. Under engine and without bow thrusters, she remained easy to handle, needed little throttle, and could turn quickly to clear trouble.
Accommodation and Stowage
Buyers can specify the layout. Interior options range from six to eight berths in four cabins to four berths in two, and Jonathan Sherwill’s reputation for interior design shows in the execution. Eight deck hatches and opening ports give the saloon a light, airy feel, while the hand-built furnishings can be finished in teak or cherry.
The galley may be arranged as a linear unit in the saloon or as a traditional offset L-shaped galley. The builder’s own account notes that a healthy chunk of the early build time is spent developing the layout and specification with each owner.
Boat No 1 had a robust American cherry interior designed for two families sharing the boat, with four cabins. Boat No 2 had just two double cabins, along with a different galley and navigation station. Huge aft lockers complete the practical deck stowage.
Known Issues
The engine sits beneath the lower companionway step rather than in a dedicated engine room, and testers found the boat noisier under power than expected. The fitted two-bladed MaxProp was thought to be over-pitched, contributing to vibration.
Neither issue detracted from the easy throttle response or tight turning circles. Even so, a prospective owner should weigh cabin noise and shaft harmonics against the boat’s otherwise refined manners underway.
Verdict
The Starlight 46 is a serious ocean thoroughbred, combining a modern Jones performance hull with Bowman’s bluewater detailing and Sherwill’s flexible interiors. She is fast, manageable short-handed, and built with structural integrity. However, the engine beneath the companionway and the over-pitched prop warrant a hearing at sea before purchase.
Pros
- Modern, balanced hull with beam carried aft for power and a wide transom
- Fully glassed-in bulkheads and structural members
- Half-skeg rudder with a solid bronze bottom bearing
- Customizable layouts, ranging from four cabins to two, with cherry or teak finishes
- Twin-wheel cockpit with independent steering and autopilot links
- Effortless 9–10-knot cruising and a crisp, surefooted helm under sail
Cons
- Engine beneath the companionway step makes motoring louder than expected
- Over-pitched two-bladed MaxProp contributed to vibration under power
