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Solaris 43
Designer: D. Peterson  ·  Builder: Solaris Yachts  ·  First built: 1988
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About the Solaris 43

Designed by Doug Peterson and first launched in 1988, this impressive 43-footer represents Solaris Yachts' commitment to blending performance with comfort. The Solaris 43 features Peterson's signature fin keel and spade rudder configuration, delivering responsive handling and excellent upwind performance that made it popular among serious cruising sailors. With a moderate displacement of 24,251 pounds and a comfortable beam of 13.78 feet, this masthead sloop strikes an appealing balance between speed and stability. The hull's 34.45-foot waterline length contributes to a theoretical hull speed of 7.87 knots, while the fiberglass construction ensures durability for extended voyages. A comfort ratio of 30.87 indicates this boat will provide a relatively comfortable ride in moderate conditions, though it maintains enough performance orientation to satisfy sailors who don't want to sacrifice speed entirely. The Solaris 43 excels at coastal cruising and longer offshore passages, with accommodations that can handle extended time aboard. Peterson's proven design philosophy shows in the boat's seaworthiness, evidenced by a capsize screening formula of 1.91, well within the range considered suitable for offshore sailing. The reliable 42-horsepower auxiliary engine provides adequate power for maneuvering in tight quarters and motoring in calm conditions.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 42.65 ft / 13.00 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 34.45 ft / 10.50 m
Beam 13.78 ft / 4.20 m
Max Draft 6.89 ft / 2.10 m
Displacement 24,251.00 lb / 11,000 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer D. Peterson
Builder Solaris Yachts
First Built 1988
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Performance Ratios
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
264.8
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
30.87
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
1.91
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 7.87 kn
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 1,696.23 pounds/inch
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Volvo
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 42
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