The Grand Soleil GS 46 2008 vs Grand Soleil GS 47 2014 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 47 2014 at 48,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Grand Soleil GS 47 2014 tips the scales at 24 251 lbs — 1 764 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.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 55 hp for the Grand Soleil GS 46 2008 and 55 hp for the Grand Soleil GS 47 2014. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 66 gal and 66 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
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 — 22 487 lbs for the Grand Soleil GS 46 2008 and 24 251 lbs for the Grand Soleil GS 47 2014. 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 8,7 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.
Sailboat comparisons often come down to details that specs don't fully capture — the quality of the standing rigging, the layout of the cockpit, and how the boat feels on a beat in 20 knots. A sea trial on both is strongly recommended.
Hull speed is rated at 8,7 knots for the Grand Soleil GS 47 2014 and 8,5 knots for the Grand Soleil GS 46 2008.
Bottom line: The Grand Soleil GS 46 2008 and Grand Soleil GS 47 2014 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.