The Grand Soleil GS 43 2006 vs Grand Soleil GS 46 LC 2016 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Grand Soleil GS 46 LC 2016 measures 48,3 feet overall (2016), giving it roughly 4,7 additional feet of deck space compared to the Grand Soleil GS 43 2006 at 43,6 feet (2006). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Grand Soleil GS 46 LC 2016 tips the scales at 28 800 lbs — 9 179 lbs less than the Grand Soleil GS 43 2006 at 19 621 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 80 hp, the Grand Soleil GS 46 LC 2016 has a 25-hp advantage over the Grand Soleil GS 43 2006's 55-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Grand Soleil GS 46 LC 2016 carries 79 gallons versus 61 gallons in the Grand Soleil GS 43 2006. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Grand Soleil GS 46 LC 2016 is rated for 14 passengers, while the Grand Soleil GS 43 2006 caps at 13. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Grand Soleil GS 46 LC 2016 could be the deciding factor.

Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Grand Soleil GS 46 LC 2016 displaces 28 800 lbs — a 9 179-lb difference over the Grand Soleil GS 43 2006 at 19 621 lbs. That gap separates two entirely different categories of sailing: the heavier boat is built for offshore passage-making and load-carrying, while the lighter hull rewards performance sailing and easier handling in lighter air.

Both boats draw a similar depth — 7,6 ft and 7,5 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.

The Grand Soleil GS 43 2006 uses Sloop rigging. Helm style differs too: the Grand Soleil GS 43 2006 uses a 1 wheel versus a 2 wheels on the Grand Soleil GS 46 LC 2016. Wheel helms give better leverage and visibility on larger boats; tillers offer direct feedback and simplicity on smaller ones. For auxiliary power the Grand Soleil GS 46 LC 2016 carries a 80-hp engine against 55 hp on the Grand Soleil GS 43 2006. Motoring range and ability to punch through a foul current or enter a tight marina under power will favour the more powerful installation.

Hull speed is rated at 8,7 knots for the Grand Soleil GS 46 LC 2016 and 8,2 knots for the Grand Soleil GS 43 2006. For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Grand Soleil GS 46 LC 2016 carries 159 gallons versus 106 gallons on the Grand Soleil GS 43 2006 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.