The Grand Soleil GS 44 2020 vs Grand Soleil GS 46 2008 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Grand Soleil GS 44 2020 at 47,0 ft versus Grand Soleil GS 46 2008 at 46,2 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Grand Soleil GS 46 2008 tips the scales at 22 487 lbs — 1 887 lbs less than the Grand Soleil GS 44 2020 at 20 600 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 Grand Soleil GS 46 2008 tops out at 55 hp. Engine specs for the Grand Soleil GS 44 2020 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Grand Soleil GS 46 2008 carries 66 gallons versus 24 gallons in the Grand Soleil GS 44 2020. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
Both boats are rated for 14 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.
Both boats sit in a similar displacement bracket — 20 600 lbs for the Grand Soleil GS 44 2020 and 22 487 lbs for the Grand Soleil GS 46 2008. Comparable displacement means broadly similar seakeeping behaviour and load capacity, though hull form and ballast ratio will still produce noticeably different sailing characteristics.
Both boats draw a similar depth — 8,5 ft and 8,5 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.
The Grand Soleil GS 44 2020 uses Sloop rigging. Helm style differs too: the Grand Soleil GS 44 2020 uses a 1 tiller versus a 2 wheels on the Grand Soleil GS 46 2008. Wheel helms give better leverage and visibility on larger boats; tillers offer direct feedback and simplicity on smaller ones. The Grand Soleil GS 46 2008 has a documented auxiliary engine of 55 hp.
For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Grand Soleil GS 46 2008 carries 118 gallons versus 21 gallons on the Grand Soleil GS 44 2020 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.
Bottom line: The Grand Soleil GS 44 2020 and Grand Soleil GS 46 2008 are closely matched on paper. A sea trial on both in representative conditions is the only reliable way to find which one suits your sailing style, home port, and intended cruising ground.