TE' Salt Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Salt are defined by an exceptional power-to-weight ratio. The Salt 19, for instance, carries approximately 24 square meters of upwind sail area on a displacement of only 450 kilograms (992 lbs). This yields a Sail Area-to-Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio in the low 40s, placing it firmly in the category of high-performance planing sportboats. According to technical specifications from Felci Yacht Design, the boat utilizes a deep T-shaped bulb keel to provide the necessary righting moment for its powerful rig, allowing it to remain stiff even in freshening breezes.

On the water, the Salt is reported to be exceptionally responsive, with a high-aspect-ratio rudder that provides "dinghy-like" tactile feedback. The hull features a wide, flat aft section and a sharp entry, designed to transition to a plane quickly when reaching or running under a large asymmetric spinnaker. Tracking is assisted by the vertical lift of the keel, though the boat requires active weight management from the crew to maintain optimal trim. Because the boat is so light, it reacts instantly to sail trim adjustments, making it an excellent platform for sailors looking to hone their technical skills.

Interior Comfort & Variations

While the Salt 19 is a pure open-cockpit daysailer with no interior accommodations, the lineage includes the larger Salt 30, which introduces a minimalist living space suitable for short-duration coastal cruising or "camping style" overnighting. The Salt 30 utilizes the same performance-oriented hull DNA but adds a low-profile coachroof. Inside, the Salt 30 offers a stripped-back environment focused on weight saving; berths are typically simple molded platforms, and amenities are kept to a functional minimum to avoid compromising the vessel’s displacement targets.

Across the variants, the focus remains on the cockpit. In the Salt 19, the layout is entirely ergonomic, featuring clean decks and a lack of unnecessary hardware to facilitate fast maneuvers. The use of carbon fiber in the spars and occasionally in the deck reinforcements is visible, highlighting the industrial-chic aesthetic that T.E. and Felci intended for the model.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a used Salt should focus on the high-load areas typical of carbon-reinforced sportboats.

• Keel Attachment and Lift Mechanism: The Salt features a lifting keel for easy trailering. The internal trunk and the locking mechanism should be inspected for stress fractures or "play" that can develop if the boat has been sailed hard in heavy seas or grounded.
• Sandwich Core Integrity: Given the lightweight epoxy/sandwich construction, it is vital to check for delamination or soft spots, particularly around the chainplates and the mast step where compression loads are highest.
• Carbon Rigging Fatigue: Many Salt models are equipped with carbon fiber masts. Buyers should perform a close visual inspection for any UV damage, hairline cracks, or fraying near the spreaders and exit boxes.
• Rudder Bearings: Because the boat relies on a high-aspect rudder for control at high speeds, any slop in the rudder bearings can lead to vibration and loss of feel. This is a common wear item on performance boats of this age.

Community & Resources

The primary resource for technical data and design history for the Salt series remains the Felci Yacht Design archives, which maintain the original blueprints and performance polar diagrams for the 19 and 30-foot variants. Owners often interact through broader European sportboat associations, as the Salt was frequently raced in "Open" classes across the Italian lakes and the Mediterranean coast.

The Verdict

The Salt is a specialist’s tool, designed for those who prioritize speed and design purity over creature comforts.

Pros:

• Exceptional Agility: Offers dinghy-like responsiveness with keelboat stability.
• Advanced Construction: High-tech materials ensure a stiff, durable, and lightweight hull.
• Ease of Transport: The lifting keel and light displacement make it highly trailerable.
• Timeless Design: Felci’s aesthetic ensures the boat looks modern decades after its launch.

Cons:

• Minimalist Accommodations: Even the larger 30-foot version is too sparse for traditional cruising.
• Crew Dependent: Requires an active, athletic crew to reach its full performance potential.
• Niche Market: Rare outside of Europe, which may make sourcing specific T.E. shipyard parts difficult.