English
Extensively refitted and very smart example of the very popular Grand Soleil 46.3 aft cockpit cruising yacht. Push-button winches, in-mast furling and plenty of big-ticket updates in recent seasons including new teak decks in 2021.
FURTHER BROKER’S COMMENTS:
ALBA is a sparkling and nicely refitted example of the hugely popular J&J Designs Grand Soleil 46.3 performance cruiser from Cantiere del Pardo in Italy. Benefitting from the 2.20m keel option and taller 3-spreader rig, ALBA is powerful to sail, yet easy to handle thanks to her inmast furling and Harken push-button primary winches.
Below decks, ALBA boasts a three-cabin, two heads layout with berths for up to six. Recent refit work updates her interior with new galley counters and saloon upholstery.
ALBA benefits from the following specification highlights:
• 3-cabin, 2-heads interior layout
• Dark green Awkgrip painted topsides
• 2.20m lead keel with triple-spreader tall mast option
• Teak laid decks, cockpit and bathing platform – replaced 2021
• Yanmar 4JH 56hp engine with saildrive gearbox and 3-bladed Flexofold propeller
• Inmast furling system plus inner forestay for staysail
• Recently replaced standing rigging
• 2015 Tri-radial mainsail and genoa
• Gennaker with snuffer
• Harken winches and deck-gear with electric primary winches
• Raymarine/Raytheon electronics with chart plotter and radar
• Tender with electric outboard
• Updated interior with Alcantara upholstery in saloon and upgraded galley counters
• Flat screen TV
• Recently replaced diesel-fired heating system
REFIT HISTORY:
• 2021: full new teak deck, new kitchen surface
• 2018: rebuilding the rudder, steering cables, new windlass, running rigging partially replaced
• 2017: new standing rigging
• 2015: new head sail, new genoa, underwater hull grounding and paint, new upholstery in saloon, new heating, new autopilot, new VHF, motor insulation, new batteries
PRESS REVIEW:
The new Grand Soleil 46.3 is a worthy successor to the popular Grand Soleil 45. While the hydrodynamics are a bit more refined, the powerful lines and beautiful styling remain unchanged. Built in northern Italy by Cantiere del Pardo and highly regarded in Europe, Grand Soleils are a line of performance cruisers, ranging from 34 to 64 feet. Following the path blazed by Nautor and Baltic, each Grand Soleil model is designed by a well-known naval architect and features a sleek deck profile, modern underbody, elegant interior appointments and top-quality construction.
At first glance, the Grand Soleil 46.3, designed by the J & J Design Group, looks a lot like the Frers-designed 45 it replaces. However, a closer inspection reveals more efficient hull sections, especially forward, where the bow overhang has been reduced. The 46.3 is actually more closely related to the Doug Peterson-designed Grand Soleil 50, which is not surprising since J & J Design Group worked closely with Peterson on that project. Although the 46.3 is only a little more than a foot longer overall than the 45, the waterline length is nearly 4 feet longer. By pushing the interior to the ends of the boat, useful space has been gained, although the prismatic coefficient has also increased slightly. The additional LWL and the fact that the 46.3 actually displaces less than the 45 and carries more sail area, translates into improved performance, at least on paper. I was eager to find out how the 46.3 actually performed on the water.
I joined the boat dockside at Port Annapolis. We quickly cast off the lines and motored toward the bay to catch a crisp morning breeze. The Yanmar 4JHE 56-horsepower diesel with a saildrive pushed the 46.3 through the water smartly and quietly. In the cockpit it was hard to hear the engine ticking and conversations continued in normal voices. Clear of the channel markers, we hastily made sail. I took the wheel as we skipped along on a tight reach in 10 to 12 knots of breeze. The 46.3 accelerated effortlessly under working sail and soon we were sailing steadily at 7 knots.
Cantiere del Pardo has built nearly 2,000 yachts during the past 27 years and the new 46.3 is a combination of time-honed construction methods infused with top-quality materials and high-tech fittings. The hull is laid up by hand to 14 layers, using unidirectional fiberglass impregnated with vinylester resin in the first layers to prevent osmotic blistering. There are eight longitudinal stringers and 12 transverse ribs or floors to stiffen and support the hull and keel. For durability and ultimate waterproofing, NPG isopthalic gelcoat is used on the hull.
The external fin keel is fastened with stainless steel bolts, which are backed by galvanized steel U-brackets. The strength of galvanized steel is unquestioned but it may ultimately corrode in the bilge. To prevent this, Cantiere de Pardo coats the entire assembly with epoxy.
The deck is cored with termanto, a type of manufactured cell-foam coring, and bonded to the hull chemically and mechanically. Like other European builders, stainless steel rivets are used instead of bolts. The deck joint is further strengthened by an aluminum toerail that is anchored with 200 screws. The single-pod chainplates are attached to the hull by stout tie rods and massive stainless steel bolts through a stringer. The rudder stock is stainless steel as is the rudder's internal structure. The aluminum mast is stepped on the keel, well supported by a bridge.
The cockpit handily accommodated six adults as I eased off onto a beam reach. The view from the helm was excellent when standing, although a shorter person might have trouble seeing past the instrument pods mounted on the pedestal. A curved helmsman's seat makes for level seating when heeled, and the large wheel makes steering from the coaming possible as well. All sail controls are led aft to rope clutches on the cabintrunk and the Harken ball bearing mainsheet traveller and track car system runs just aft of the companionway, allowing for an efficient end-boom sheeting arrangement. There are small lockers port and starboard. The stern steps are wide and teak decking offers good traction when climbing out of the water. The ladder is cleverly recessed into the bottom step when not deployed.
Although teak decks are not standard, 95 percent of the production includes them. It would be hard to picture the 46.3 without them. Today's teak decks are not the maintenance nightmare and potential source of leaks they once were. The 46.3 decks have a minimum of fasteners, with just the king and outer planks screwed down while the rest of the deck is chemically secured to the subdeck. In addition to being lovely to look at, teak decks provide an excellent nonskid surface, especially when wet.
A sturdy stainless steel bow fitting with double anchor roller is standard as is a Harken, or equivalent, roller-furling headstay system. The chain locker is beautifully recessed into the deck and houses the standard electric windlass. The deck and water fills are also here on a small bridgedeck, a good location that protects them from seawater intrusion. The locker doesn't have much of a lip, but that is by design since it is nearly impossible to keep water out of a chain locker anyway, the key is to make sure it drains well. Aft of the chain locker is a storage locker, which is a practical spot to stow fenders and docklines. The stanchions and double lifelines are well supported.
Our test boat was fitted with the optional tall rig, a triple-spreader aluminum spar set up with running backstays. A 120-percent furling genoa, mechanical backstay adjuster and rigid vang are also included in the standard package. The Barbarossa genoa tracks include load-adjustable leads and Harken turning blocks. The standard primary winches are Harken 53.2 STCS, while halyard winches are Harken 44.2 STCS.
Dropping below, I was immediately impressed by the warm, Old World joinerwork and the open interior plan. American cherrywood, stained a mahogany color, gives the bulkheads and cabinetry a rich yet light look. Traditionalists might balk at the layout, which features the owner's cabin forward, an in-line galley to port, and a large table, settee and island settee to starboard in the saloon. But while I admit the arrangement is designed more for life at anchor or alongside a dock than for life at sea, in many ways it makes sense. During my mother's four-year circumnavigation, she calculated that for every day spent at sea, 12 were spent in port.
I have mixed feelings about locating the owner's cabin forward, but there is no disputing that the owner's stateroom on the 46.3 is superb. It includes an island double bunk, a dressing seat and a large hanging locker. The head features a separate shower with a curved door held in place by magnets. The island settee in the saloon fronts the table, which can comfortably seat six for dinner-no small accomplishment in a 46-foot boat. There are well-placed handholds throughout. The fiddles in the galley and at the nav station are also designed for a seagoing boat.
The galley occupies the port side of the saloon and includes double stainless sinks, a
stove and oven, and a 12-volt refrigeration system. When the drop-down leaf over the stovetop is in place there is a lot of counter space to complement the large storage lockers behind. But there is no disputing that this will be a difficult galley to work in while at sea, especially on port tack when sailing rail down. The electrical panel is above and outboard of the large nav desk and there is plenty of room for instrument repeaters. The second head is aft of the galley to port. The identical aft cabins include double berths, hanging lockers, dressing seats and bookshelves. Ventilation is excellent with six opening hatches and opening portlights throughout.
Access to the Yanmar is from behind the companionway and through panels in the quarter cabins. The fuel tank is stainless steel. Engine room insulation is excellent. Overall, the electrical and plumbing systems are well-designed and user-friendly. Fluid gauges are standard, which is a nice feature on any boat. The water capacity is in two polyurethane tanks.
Back on deck the wind was holding steady and the 46.3 was sailing effortlessly on a reach. It took a moment for me to realize we were still topping 7 knots; the motion is that smooth. I conned my way back onto the helm and we put the boat through her paces. Sheeting in tight, we found that the 46.3 maintained speed at less than 40 degrees apparent. If you were racing the boat, you could definitely hit upwind targets at 32 to 35 degrees apparent with a little coaxing.
As is always the case during a boat test, just when you really start to get a feel for the boat, it's time to head back to the dock. The wind was diminishing as we ambled toward the gilded spire of the capital building on a broad reach. I was impressed with every aspect of the Grand Soleil 46.3. Shamelessly, I offered Mark Karlin, Grand Soleil's American rep, my services for a transatlantic delivery-you know, just so I could really get a feel for the boat.
Sailing Magazine – April 2000
SPECIFICATION
CONSTRUCTION
RCD Status:
• Our understanding is that the vessel conforms with the essential safety requirements of Directive 94/25EC (Recreational Craft Directive) and is categorised A – “Ocean”
Hull Construction:
• Hand laid GRP construction with 14 layers, using unidirectional fiberglass impregnated with vinylester resin in the first layers to prevent osmotic blistering.
• There are eight longitudinal stringers and 12 transverse ribs or floors to stiffen and support the hull and keel.
• For durability and ultimate waterproofing, NPG isopthalic gelcoat is used on the hull.
• Dark green Awlgrip paint finish above waterline with gold cavita line
• Underwater sections blasted back to gelcoat in 2015
Deck & Superstructure Construction:
• Teak laid deck – replaced 2021
• GRP deck, and superstructure construction with closed-cell foam core
Keel & Rudder:
• The lead bulb/fin keel is bolted to the structural cross-grid, with the nuts accessible through the cabin sole.
• The rudder is an elliptical shape and is suspended: the stock is made of stainless steel while the blade is made from GRP and in reinforce with a stainless steel frame welded to the stock.
• Self-aligning upper and lower rudder bearings
• Rebuilt rudder and steering cables 2018
MACHINERY
Engine & gearbox:
• Yanmar 4JH3E 55HP naturally aspirated diesel engine
• Saildrive gearbox
• Fresh water engine cooling via raw water intake and heat exchanger
• Single lever throttle/gear control
• Engine room insulation replaced 2015
Maintenance & Performance:
• Engine hours - Approx. 2000 hours as of autumn 2023
• Engine servicing carried out on regular basis
Propulsion & Steering:
• Flexofold 3-blade folding propeller
• Wheel steering with hide covered stainless steel helm wheel
• Cable steering to quadrant
• Emergency tiller
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
Voltage systems:
• 12vDC domestic system with 220vAC via shorepower
Battery Banks:
• 5x 12vDC batteries for services - 2015
• 1x 12vDC battery for engine start – 2015
Charging:
• 12vDC/220vAC Automatic battery charger
Alternators:
• 12vDC engine-mounted alternator
Shore Power:
• 220vAC shore power connection
Other Electrical:
• 12V / 220V Power outlets in chart table, kitchen, and forward cabin
PLUMBING & GAS SYSTEMS
Fresh Water:
• Pressurised fresh water supply via 12vDC pressure pump
• Hot water supplied via engine-driven calorifier or via 220vAC immersion heater element in 18 litre well-insulated hot water tank
• Cockpit shower
Bilge Pumps:
• 12vDC electric bilge pumps
• Manual bilge pump
TANKAGE
Fuel:
• Approximately 250 litres capacity
• Fill¬i¬ng of fuel tanks is through deck inlet.
Fresh Water:
• 500 litres freshwater capacity
• Tank gauge at chart table
NAVIGATION & COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT
• Raymarine C80 Chartplotter at helm with Navionics Charts
• Raytheon RL70 radar display at chart table
• Raymarine closed array radar scanner side-mounted on mast
• Raytheon ST60 Tridata with speed/depth transducers
• Raytheon ST60 wind display with masthead wind transducer
• Raymarine ST6000 autopilot control head – 2015
• Raytheon GPS antenna
• Raymarine ST60 depth speed log
• Steering compass
Communication Equipment:
• Navicon VHF with DSC - 2015
DOMESTIC EQUIPMENT
Galley:
• Gimballed stainless gas cooker with 2-burners and oven
• 12vDC top-opening refrigerator
• Twin stainless steel sinks with pressurised hot & cold water supply
Heads:
• 2x Jabsco marine manual heads
• Hot & cold pressurised water supplies to heads and showers
Heating & Ventilation:
• Eberspächer Airtronic D4 diesel fired hot air cabin heating with 6 outlets – fitted 2015
Entertainment:
• CD/Radio with speakers in saloon and cockpit
• LCD flatsceeen TV
ACCOMMODATION
Summary of Accommodation:
• Three double cabins plus two heads
• Large forward double cabin with one hanging lockers port side
• Owner’s cabin heads starboard side with shower
• Saloon with u-shaped settee and central bench seat
• Linear galley opposite saloon to port
• Forward facing chart table with dedicated chart seat forward to starboard
• Forepeak workshop space
• Twin double aft cabins, one with pullman berth
Accommodation Finish:
• All interior woodwork in varnished light mahogany wood.
• Floor is varnished teak wood with inlaid holly strips.
• Laminate counters in galley and heads
• Galley counters replaced 2021
• Blue Alcantara upholstery in saloon - 2015
DECK EQUIPMENT
Rig:
• Keel-stepped mast with 3-sets of spreaders
• Stainless steel wire standing rigging – replaced 2017
• Manual furling genoa
• Inmast-furling mainsail system
• Cutter stay for staysail
• Checkstays
• Control lines led aft to the cockpit
• Harken adjustable mainsheet track in cockpit
• Harken deck gear
• Rigid boom vang
• Backstay with mechanical adjustment
• Running rigging partially replaced 2018
Winches:
• 2x Harken electric 2-speed self-tailing primary winches
• 2x Harken 2-speed manual self-tailing spinnaker winches
• 2x Harken 2-speed manual self-tailing control line winches at companionway
Sails:
• Prime Sails Dacron tri-radial inmast furling mainsail – 2015
• Prime Sails Dacron tri-radial furling genoa – 2015
• Dacron staysail
• Nylon gennaker with snuffer
General:
• Pulpit and pushpit have openings for easy access on board
• Side-boarding gates
• Swimming ladder
• Gangway
• Cockpit table
• Teak on cockpit seats
• Teak cockpit table with folding leafs
Tender & Outboard:
• Zodiac Tender
• Electric outboard motor
Anchoring & Mooring:
• 12vDC anchor windlass with remote control in cockpit
• Anchor with chain
• Kedge reel
Covers, Cushions & Canvas:
• Canvas sprayhood
SAFETY EQUIPMENT:
General note on safety equipment: Any safety equipment such as liferafts, Epirbs, fire extinguishers and flares etc. are usually personal to the current owner(s) and if being left on-board as part of the sale of a used vessel may require routine servicing, replacement, or changing to meet a new owners specific needs.
• Liferaft – requires servicing
• MOB Recovery sling
VIEWING ARRANGEMENTS
Lying in Oxelösund (Stockholm), Sverige
Available to view strictly by appointment
Office Hours Mon- Fri 0900 – 17.00
Saturday by prior appointment
For more information or to arrange a viewing please contact us.
Please Note: Due to the varying locations of our yachts, your travel time and the distances that may be involved, we recommend that you only make arrangements to view if you are actively considering purchase.
Lead broker: Matias Renlund – Grabau international (Scandinavia)
Tel: +358406861501
Email: matias@grabauinternational.com