Solaris Power 40 Open first look: Much more than just a pretty face

In fact Solaris is adamant that its primary design priority is seaworthiness, and judging from our sea trials of both the larger Solar Power 44 and Solaris Power 48, they do seem to have an uncannily soft, dry ride for boats that look like they were designed for lazy days at anchor rather than pounding through the rough stuff.

The difference with this new model is that it runs on Volvo Penta sterndrives rather than IPS pods, which should make for an even more sporty, agile 41-knot driving experience – something we hope to be able confirm in a forthcoming sea trial.

What we can tell you from crawling all over it at the Palma Boat Show is that all the usual Solaris qualities are still here in abundance, despite the smaller dimensions and lower starting price.

It still has single-level walkaround decks with tall enough bulwarks not to need guardrails on top, the pop-up cleats and clip-in fender holders are just as neat as ever, and the elegant workings of the stainless thru-hull anchor mechanism could grace the insides of a Swiss clock.

Sunpads at both ends and moveable backrests on the dinette bench seats make the most of the available deck space while still leaving plenty of room for an exceptionally well equipped outdoor galley and three supportive triple helm seats.

Article continues below…

Solaris Power 44 test drive: €1m Italian stunner has a trick up its sleeve

Pardo 38 yacht tour: Is this the perfect Mediterranean dayboat?

The layout below decks is largely open plan with a good sized double bed forwards and a pair of singles with limited headroom tucked under the cockpit, which Solaris claims is the longest in its sector. Judicious use of light woods, deck hatches and LEDs ensures it all looks and feels very airy.

The separate heads even has a proper walk-in shower compartment. The only obvious compromise is a rather cramped engineroom with access for daily checks through a surprisingly small deck hatch and restricted clearance over the engines once you get there, although there is a removable panel under the sunpad if you need better access.

There is also no tender garage but three large lockers beneath the aft sunpad can swallow plenty of gear. If you want even more storage space, you can remove the amidships cabin for that purpose.

This aside, the Solaris Power 40 appears to deliver form and function with typical Solaris panache.

There are copious T-top sportscruisers on the market but when it comes to styling, the Solaris range has them all licked. One rendering even shows a Solaris Power 40 without the optional T-top and it looks absolutely glorious – a true modern classic.

It’s not all about looks, however, because Solaris claims the boat has the longest cockpit in the sector, which includes a three-person helm station, wet bar and convertible dinette that transforms to double the amount of sunbathing space at the stern.

Solaris Power 40 Open specifications

LOA: 39ft 3in (11.97m)
Beam: 12ft 7in (3.85m)
Engines: Twin petrol/diesel sterndrives up to 880hp
Top speed: 41 knots
Starting price: €650,000 (ex. VAT)