1989 Solaris Suncrest 46 Catamaran

This single-owner catamaran was designed for crossing oceans in safety and comfort. The owner of this boat was not just a customer but, also the owner of Solaris Yachts, and built the Suncrest 46 to fulfill their own dreams of sailing the world. As with most catamarans, there is an amazing amount of space aboard this 46 ft adventure vessel. The extremely spacious salon opens to the cockpit which provides for a massive living space. It is set up for owners to cruise with two cabins, two heads, and a large galley with lots of storage throughout.  

  Solaris Marine was the builder of several models of ocean-going catamarans in South Hampton UK, well known for its quality shipbuilding yards. There were only two Solaris Suncrest 46s manufactured and they were the largest of the Solaris line which included the Solaris 42, Sunrise 36, Sunstream 40, and Sunstar 32/36. The Suncrest mold was adapted from Rod Macalpine-Downies 44 Apache, a well-known performance sailing catamaran.  The Suncrest added two feet to the length overall as well as widened both the starboard and port hulls for additional interior space.

The owner was going through a re-fit in 2012-2014 in preparation to head south. Lots of new gear was purchased including new sails but due to health issues, the trip did not happen. The optimism of one day heading south has kept the boat in a holding pattern and the decision has been made to sell her and let its next owners decide where MalanaCat should venture next. Much of the equipment is unused. The sails are in almost new condition.

The hull and machinery have been assessed and all significant and most insignificant deficiencies have been addressed. This included full engine service with fuel injection pumps and fuel injectors being removed and rebuilt. The fuel tanks were emptied, cleaned, and filled with new fuel. A marine electrician has gone through the boat to ensure the vessel is safe and functional, upgrading aspects of the AC and DC systems as needed.  

Accommodation

The Solaris 46 was designed for crossing oceans and enjoying your time while at anchor. The salon is simply massive. The settee extends the full width for lots of space for lounging when in port.

When you step down into the starboard hull, there is storage on the outer hull as well as a desk space on the interior with storage above and engine access below. Forward is a head with a sink, shower, and toilet leading into the forward cabin. The forward cabin has a double V-berth, with plenty of storage throughout. In the aft of the starboard hull is the full-sized galley.

The port hull could be considered the entire owner's cabin. There is lots of accessible storage in the center on the interior and exterior of the hull with engine access under the desk. Aft is the larger, owner's cabin with a queen-sized bed, settee, and storage throughout. In the forward hull is the head with vanity sink and further forward the marine toilet.

Galley

The large galley is located at the aft end of the starboard hull. There is an amazing amount of storage, as well as everything you need for preparing meals, is close at hand. Besides venting, there is a large opening hatch at the stern and two smaller hatches to allow for great ventilation and a cross breeze as well as views for the chef.

• Dual stainless steel sink

• Ample counter space.

• Microwave

• Spinflow 4 burner propane stove

• Spinflow Propane Oven and Grill

• Dometic refrigerator

• Waeco Adler/Barbour Marine Freezer 

• Force10  6 Gallon Electric Water Heater

Electronics and Electrical

The electronics suite is certainly adequate for cruising with a chart plotter, depth sounder, radar, and full wind instrumentation. As well, there are 4 solar panels, as well as charging via both Yanmar engines. The main system is all 12-volt DC as well there is 120-volt AC 30-amp system.  

• Autohelm ST50 Plus Wind & Close hauled /VMG

• Autohelm ST50 Depth Sounder

• Standard Horizon GSU-5H Smart DGPS Receiver

• Standard Horizon GPS Chart Plotter CP300

• Icom  Marine Radar MR-570R

• Raymarine Smartpilot Autopilot ST8001

• Protechi 1240 Plus Marine Battery Charger 40Amp, 3 Banks

• 2 X Balmar Smart Regulator ARS-5

• Blue Seas Systems Automatic Charging Relay SI-ACR

• Blue Seas Systems L Series Solenoid Switch PN 9012

• Motomaster Eliminator Power Inverter 1500W Model 011-1866-8

• 4 Solar Panels and controllers

• 1 Battery, 8D, 225A/hr AGM Type

Machinery

The Solaris has two Yanmar 50 hp diesel engines providing reliable and redundant power. These are coupled with direct drive shafts. Recently serviced with rebuilt injectors and injector pumps. As well, the alternators have been set up to charge all batteries from either engine, independently or in combination.

If you have not driven a catamaran before they are amazingly maneuverable. With limited windage and propellers offset by so far, you can slowly and precisely maneuver this boat in close quarters with incredible control.

• Yanmar 4JH2E 50 Hp
• Sea Star Hydraulic Steering System

On Deck

A catamaran's deck becomes an extension of the living space and on this Solaris 46, there is plenty of space.

The cockpit has two comfortable captain chairs at the helm station and the cockpit itself is very spacious with plenty of room for additional seating or lounge chairs. Aft of the cockpit is an outdoor kitchen with a BBQ as well as a sink, making it a great place to prepare your catch of the day.

Up front, there are multiple, deep storage hatches for holding lots of equipment including two large sail lockers. The forward trampolines are also a very fun place to relax.

There is a reason why catamarans are so popular and living space is one of them.

• Lofrans Windlass

• Hood Roller Furling - Head Sail

• Whale Twist Deck Shower

• Mainsail (like-new) Leitch & McBride

• Genoa (un-used) Leitch & McBride

• Asymmetric spinnaker

• Spare Yankee

• Johnson Outboard 2005 3.5 HP

• Fiberglass tender on stern davit