Solaris is introducing its new, head-turning 40 Open at the Palma show in Spain this week. The 40 comes on the heels of the Solaris 48 Open, which won a European Powerboat of the Year Award two years ago, and then the 44 Open that was nominated for the same award this year.
Solaris Yachts has been making notable sailboats at its Italian yard since 1974; they started a power division in 2008, making yachts up to 100 feet. Their Lobster Boat line, with a 48 (pictured below) and 57, are just as eye-opening as the Open models. A new Open 60 is in the works. Solaris has earned a reputation in Europe for building seaworthy, solid and secure yachts; the 44 was on display at the Palm Beach show in the U.S. last month.
The new 40 Open comes with or without an optional T-Top, and its lines are clean and classic. The boat doesn’t have guard rails, as part of its clean profile, but the bulwarks are high enough that they should provide safety when moving around the boat.
Two cabins and one head, with separate shower, are standard. The master is forward with a large double bed. A second cabin is amidships with twin beds; if an owner doesn’t want this extra stateroom, the space can be devoted to storage.
Solaris says the new 40 has the largest cockpit in the category, with a three-person helm station, a wet bar and a convertible dinette that can be transformed into extra sun-bathing space aft. The boat doesn’t have a tender garage, but there are three lockers under the aft sun pad to stow lots of gear.
The 40 Open has a sharp bow and pronounced flare to deflect spray. The hull shape provides stability underway and at anchor.
Solaris offers a variety of gas and diesel engines for the 40, from 280- to 440-hp. With twin Volvo 440-hp D6 sterndrives, the boat tops out at 41 knots.
Specs.: 39’3”; Beam: 12’6”; Draft: 2’4”; Disp.: 19,929 lbs.; Fuel: 220 gals.; Water: 60 gals.; Power: 2×440-hp Volvo D6 diesels. Read more:
