The Grand Soleil GS 46 2008 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Grand Soleil GS 46 2008 at 46,2 ft versus Grand Soleil GS 46 LC 2016 at 48,3 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Grand Soleil GS 46 LC 2016 tips the scales at 28 800 lbs — 6 313 lbs less than the Grand Soleil GS 46 2008 at 22 487 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 46 2008'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 66 gallons in the Grand Soleil GS 46 2008. 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.
Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Grand Soleil GS 46 LC 2016 displaces 28 800 lbs — a 6 313-lb difference over the Grand Soleil GS 46 2008 at 22 487 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 7,5 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.
For auxiliary power the Grand Soleil GS 46 LC 2016 carries a 80-hp engine against 55 hp on the Grand Soleil GS 46 2008. 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 8,5 knots for the Grand Soleil GS 46 2008. For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Grand Soleil GS 46 LC 2016 carries 159 gallons versus 118 gallons on the Grand Soleil GS 46 2008 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.
Bottom line: The Grand Soleil GS 46 LC 2016 is the offshore and bluewater choice — at 28 800 lbs displacement and 48 ft it has the load capacity, range, and seakeeping for extended passages. The Grand Soleil GS 46 2008 at 22 487 lbs is the more nimble, accessible option — easier to single-hand and better suited to coastal and inland sailing.