An evolution of the Solaris 40
This 40 ST version, for Square Top, is an evolution of the Solaris 40, due to leave the yard in 2021.
The construction method remains the same, with the hull, deck and bulkheads made of GRP sandwich with E-Glass and Airex foam core, using vinylester resin. The whole is very stiff, but with a rather substantial displacement of around 9.7 T in running order, the Solaris 40 ST is no lightweight.
The main modifications to this fast-cruising unit concern the rig and cockpit:
- a horn-type GV has been installed, bringing more power to the unit
- the boom has been shortened for easier manoeuvring
- space in the cockpit has been optimized to facilitate installation of the large bimini
A circulating deck plan that will quickly be adopted by its crew
The hull of the Solaris 40ST is quite wide, around 4.10 m. The side decks stop in front of the helm station, allowing the shipyard to keep the two steering wheels as off-center as possible. The helmsman has an excellent view of his surroundings and the sail plan. But he won't be the most comfortable. A small optional helm seat can be fitted to the bulwark, but there are no footrests on deck.
Further forward, all manoeuvring is below deck and returns to two optional electric winches. It's solid and inspires confidence. To starboard, the turn-counter is integrated into the companionway step, with a slight overhang to protect it from run-off, but the helmsman will have to contort himself to control it.
The cockpit table comfortably accommodates a full crew. Opposite a large, beautifully crafted table, passengers can sit on deep cockpit benches.
Above the companionway are the B&G displays, which are a little too small to be clearly visible to the helmsman. The companionway canopy integrates perfectly into the roof.
Forward, the self-tacking jib track is discreetly integrated into the deck. The Code 0 will be moored on the dolphin area in front of the large anchor locker. During mooring maneuvers, you'll appreciate the roller fairleads on the bow and stern.
Conventional fittings of the highest quality
Inside, the layout is fairly conventional for a 40-foot cruiser. Thanks to the relatively high freeboard, the interior is very spacious. Two double cabins aft and a spacious owner's cabin with en-suite bathroom forward. As an option, one of the aft cabins can be replaced by a large storage locker, only accessible from the outside. A separate shower cubicle can then be added to the aft bathroom.
A U-shaped sofa extends to the left of the large dining table, while the kitchen is arranged in an L-shape behind it. As an option, the living room table can be transformed into a pull-down version to provide additional double sleeping accommodation.
As is often the case with Solaris, the overall look inspires confidence and is finished to a very high standard. Technical installations, such as the water circuit and power supply, are well executed, with clear, easily accessible layout. In the event of a technical problem, the components involved and potential sources of error can be quickly identified, even by non-experts.
Solaris chose a standard three-cylinder Volvo Penta engine with 30 hp. For a 40-foot boat weighing nine tons, this power seems insufficient. As an option, the shipyard offers four-cylinder engines rated at 50 or 60 hp.
Pricing in keeping with Italian-style high-end
True to its reputation, the Solaris shipyard offers subtle upgrades to this top-of-the-range 40-footer. And the budget reflects this. The Solaris 40 ST is available at a starting price of ?435,000 incl. VAT. The model we visited, with many options, costs ?587,000 incl. VAT.
