The Grand Soleil GS 44 2020 vs Grand Soleil GS 52 LC 2017 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 52 LC 2017 measures 55,7 feet overall (2017), giving it roughly 8,7 additional feet of deck space compared to the Grand Soleil GS 44 2020 at 47,0 feet (2020). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Grand Soleil GS 52 LC 2017 tips the scales at 40 600 lbs — 20 000 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 52 LC 2017 tops out at 110 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 52 LC 2017 carries 79 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.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Grand Soleil GS 52 LC 2017 is rated for 16 passengers, while the Grand Soleil GS 44 2020 caps at 14. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Grand Soleil GS 52 LC 2017 could be the deciding factor.
Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Grand Soleil GS 52 LC 2017 displaces 40 600 lbs — a 20 000-lb difference over the Grand Soleil GS 44 2020 at 20 600 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 — 8,5 ft and 8,2 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.
The Grand Soleil GS 44 2020 is rigged as a Sloop while the Grand Soleil GS 52 LC 2017 carries fractional_rig_sloop rigging — a meaningful difference in sail handling complexity, upwind performance, and the size of crew you'll need to work the boat comfortably. Helm style differs too: the Grand Soleil GS 44 2020 uses a 1 tiller versus a 2 wheels on the Grand Soleil GS 52 LC 2017. Wheel helms give better leverage and visibility on larger boats; tillers offer direct feedback and simplicity on smaller ones. The Grand Soleil GS 52 LC 2017 has a documented auxiliary engine of 110 hp.
For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Grand Soleil GS 52 LC 2017 carries 238 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 52 LC 2017 is the offshore and bluewater choice — at 40 600 lbs displacement and 56 ft it has the load capacity, range, and seakeeping for extended passages. The Grand Soleil GS 44 2020 at 20 600 lbs is the more nimble, accessible option — easier to single-hand and better suited to coastal and inland sailing.