GRAND SOLEIL 52 (FRERS)
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 53.48 ft |
| LWL | 45.58 ft |
| Beam | 15.58 ft |
| Draft | 9.83 ft |
| Displacement | 41,590 lb |
| Ballast | 16,760.8 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 9.0 kn |
About the GRAND SOLEIL 52 (FRERS)
Designed by German Frers and built by Cantiere del Pardo (ITA) between 1987 and 1991, the Grand Soleil 52 is a performance-oriented cruising sloop with a displacement of 41590.0 lb. While the exact build count is unknown, the fleet is characterized by a masthead sloop rig and a fin keel with a max draft of 9.83 ft.
- Best for:
- This boat suits experienced coastal cruisers and offshore racers who prioritize performance and comfort, as evidenced by the high prevalence of North sails and B&G electronics upgrades. It is well-suited for those willing to invest in significant maintenance, given the critical structural issues reported.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 1.8 and a comfort ratio of 34.61, the boat is structurally capable of offshore passages, though its bluewater readiness is heavily contingent on addressing critical structural defects like deck core moisture and keel integrity.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to other late-80s European performance cruisers like the Beneteau First 50 or Hallberg-Rassy 53, which share similar displacement and beam characteristics. These boats are comparable due to their shared era, designer pedigree, and focus on a balance of speed and liveaboard comfort.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(2 certificates)
Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.
Polar Diagram
Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC
Racing Ratings
Triple Number
ORC Measured
Sail Areas (ORC)
Speed Table (kn)
| TWA \ TWS | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 | 24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 4.3 | 5.8 | 6.9 | 7.5 | 7.9 | 8.0 | 8.1 | 8.2 | 8.2 |
| 60° | 4.6 | 6.2 | 7.2 | 7.8 | 8.1 | 8.3 | 8.4 | 8.5 | 8.5 |
| 75° | 4.9 | 6.4 | 7.4 | 8.0 | 8.3 | 8.5 | 8.7 | 8.8 | 8.9 |
| 90° | 4.8 | 6.3 | 7.4 | 8.0 | 8.4 | 8.6 | 8.8 | 9.1 | 9.3 |
| 110° | 4.5 | 6.2 | 7.5 | 8.3 | 8.7 | 9.0 | 9.2 | 9.6 | 10.0 |
| 120° | 4.4 | 6.1 | 7.4 | 8.2 | 8.6 | 9.0 | 9.3 | 9.8 | 10.3 |
| 135° | 3.9 | 5.5 | 6.8 | 7.7 | 8.3 | 8.8 | 9.1 | 9.8 | 10.6 |
| 150° | 3.2 | 4.6 | 5.8 | 6.8 | 7.7 | 8.2 | 8.6 | 9.2 | 9.8 |
| Beat VMG | 2.7 | 3.7 | 4.5 | 5.1 | 5.3 | 5.5 | 5.6 | 5.7 | 5.7 |
| Run VMG | 2.8 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.9 | 6.7 | 7.2 | 7.6 | 8.3 | 8.8 |
Pricing
We don't have market pricing data for the GRAND SOLEIL 52 (FRERS) yet. If you own one, help other buyers — what did you pay for it? Reports build a community price estimate over time.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 53.48ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
10 reported issues across 6 systems for the GRAND SOLEIL 52 (FRERS), compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a GRAND SOLEIL 52 (FRERS)? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 10 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
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Which engine powers your GRAND SOLEIL 52 (FRERS)?
We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.
Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar, Volvo Penta — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the GRAND SOLEIL 52 (FRERS)
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…