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X-Yachts X-43 - Opinions As A Performance Live-Aboard Cruiser?

• Thread starter Laser310
• Start date 12 Jul 2020
• 12 Jul 2020

Well-known member

I did a search, as I am sure it has been discussed.., but I could not get any results. Within this generation of X-yachts, I have only ever been on the X-40 - I liked it, but it is a bit small (for me) as a live-aboard with wife and children/friends as occasional guests. It seems like the X-43 is pretty similar.., just a bit bigger. I am guessing it has similar sailing characteristics..? I've raced quite a bit on the XP-44,and it's very nice, but they are ~2X the cost. I also like Arcona's but they are somewhat rare on the 2nd hand market, and typically more expensive than comparable X-yachts. Cruising grounds would be northern Europe, and the Med.  

KompetentKrew

I've owned only dinghies and one-design keel boats up to 33ft - mostly without any accommodations. I am a racing navigator, and also do many deliveries - I've sailed on quite a few boats. Mostly they are very nice and larger than what I am contemplating- Gunboats, many Swans, some Oysters.., As I mentioned, I have been on the X-40, and I have also sailed a lot on an XP-44. I think the X-Yachts in general are quite a bit better than an AWB - certainly the AWB typically does not have the galvanized keel grid of the X-40 and 43. The 44 has a composite grid - to be lighter - but it still looks pretty good. The only boat that one might call an AWB that I know of with the grid is the Salona - the 41, don't know about other salonas. To me, it's really important that the keel stays on - I think there is no comparison of X-Yachts with say Beneteau, Hanse, Dehler, Bavaria.., and so on  

This all surely turns on budget and what available but curious as to why an Arcona might be more ?  

ashtead said: This all surely turns on budget and what available but curious as to why an Arcona might be more ? Click to expand...

These boats are well regarded but not particularly numerous in the U.K. - hence to get more info and owner views might be worth contacting / joining the X Yachts UK Owners Association  

Active member

My 2 cents. IMO these types of cruiser racers rarely make for a good cruiser- too much sail area, easily overpowered, very light so parking in a marina and a crosswind is always fun , all the lines led into the front of the cockpit to help the kids trip up, the traveller right in the middle of where you sit. Small tanks for water and fuel etc etc If you want a racing boat, get a racing boat. If you want to cruise, get a cruiser.  

STILA 44 sailing yacht for sale | De Valk Yacht broker Nice boys at Monnickendam, too.  

kof said: My 2 cents. IMO these types of cruiser racers rarely make for a good cruiser- too much sail area, easily overpowered, very light so parking in a marina and a crosswind is always fun , all the lines led into the front of the cockpit to help the kids trip up, the traveller right in the middle of where you sit. Small tanks for water and fuel etc etc If you want a racing boat, get a racing boat. If you want to cruise, get a cruiser. Click to expand...

KompetentKrew said: STILA 44 sailing yacht for sale | De Valk Yacht broker Nice boys at Monnickendam, too. Click to expand...

• 13 Jul 2020

Laser_310 said: i agree about the traveler - mostly because having the mainsheet in the cockpit cane be dangerous. putting the traveler in front of the companionway is an acceptable compromise for a cruising boat - lose a little upwind performance for a good measure of safety. the other factors you mention i can deal with - sail area in particular. you can always reef.., and it's nice to have it when you need it. the thing about "performance" boats is they don't need as much diesel - because they sail more; upwind, because they can.., in light air, because they have more easily driven hulls and the sail power... Click to expand...

The X34/37/40/43 generation of X boats and Arcona are quite different from a 40.7 Higher ballast ratios, through deck jib furlers, recessed mounting of spray hood, better internal fit out, etc.  

Little Grebe said: The X34/37/40/43 generation of X boats and Arcona are quite different from a 40.7 Higher ballast ratios, through deck jib furlers, recessed mounting of spray hood, better internal fit out, etc. Click to expand...

I will admit to not being disinterested as I own a boat from one of the brands being discussed here (and a .7 series First some time back) However I see features like having a decent sail plan with the efficient sail handing equipment as a positive thing rather than making for a poor choice. No doubt other boats have greater fuel and water tankage but my boat has an endurance of around 50 hours under motor which is sufficient for my needs.  

I like a fast cruising boat but it needs to be stiff under sail as has been mentioned. Have cruised on a First 42s7 with the heavier lead keel (std was cast iron) and it proved a great boat to sail especially in the Med. Not all X-Yachts are designed as cruiser racers - here's a cruising 42 footer: 2009 X-Yachts Xc 42 Sail New and Used Boats for Sale -  

E39mad said: I like a fast cruising boat but it needs to be stiff under sail as has been mentioned. Have cruised on a First 42s7 with the heavier lead keel (std was cast iron) and it proved a great boat to sail especially in the Med. Not all X-Yachts are designed as cruiser racers - here's a cruising 42 footer: 2009 X-Yachts Xc 42 Sail New and Used Boats for Sale - Click to expand...

A live-aboard especially with kids has to do many things well and sailing ability whilst important may not be as critical as you think. A fuller underwater section should mean that it copes well with all the extra weight that you put on board and is more likely to float to it's designed waterline. A shallower draft will allow you into harbours (particularly Northern Europe) that others cannot get into or closer to the beach to drop the kids off or anchor in more sheltered water. It's all a compromise - just need to find the boat which best suits your priorities. Personally I'd like a lifting keel, fewer cabins than most and more storage. Not many choices when you narrow that down.  

E39mad said: A live-aboard especially with kids Click to expand...

E39mad said: Personally I'd like a lifting keel, fewer cabins than most and more storage. Not many choices when you narrow that down. Click to expand...

I see the forum's normal distrust of anything fast is alive and well! From the sound of it, you're a little like me in that even when not racing the satisfaction of sailing a good boat well is worth just as much as a bit more comfort in harbour. My dad had a Dufour 40 and I thought that to be about perfect in terms of the comfort/ performance compromise for longish term cruising. The 44 of the same era was also a fabulous boat, but well under your budget so probably a bit long in the tooth for your search. With a budget of £200k and a preference for fast boats, have you considered the Pogos? The 1250 is a similar size... Or is that a step too far down the performance road? Boats like the Elan E5 are a step back towards comfort from Pogo, but if you're looking at X-Yachts you may have opinions of the build quality. Certainly a fun search!  

flaming said: have you considered the Pogos? The 1250 is a similar size Click to expand...

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Yachting World

• Digital Edition

First look: X43 – second generation

• Toby Heppell
• August 11, 2021

Replacing the popular X43 will be a new second generation of the yacht from X-Yachts. Toby Hodges takes a look at the plans

Mark 2 versions of a good yacht are often a lot better than the original, with many small changes that improve ergonomics and collectively make life on board easier and more comfortable.

X-Yachts’ replacement for the X43 in its Pure X range goes a stage further, with new hull and deck shapes and therefore promises to be an outstanding yacht.

Along with the X60, this was the first model launched in the line back in 2016 and has proved extremely successful, with more than 100 boats sold.

The new design incorporates many of the detailed improvements that have gradually been introduced on other models in the range. It also has more space in the aft cabins, better ventilation throughout and will sail faster, especially in light airs.

The new hull shape has maximum beam further aft and stern sections are wider, with soft chines. A redesigned deck gives the coachroof and coamings a sleeker style, while a modified sprayhood shape improves forward visibility.

Article continues below…

X-Yachts X4-9 test: Danish yard strikes a tough balance with hybrid design

The X49 is squarely aimed at the no-compromise sailor who wants it all. It combines a comfortable, stylish interior, with…

The jaw-dropping X6 from X-Yachts – a super-stylish step up for this Danish builder

The X6 is a bold design: a muscular, small superyacht blessed with powerful lines; a yacht that will place most…

A taller rig, plus a slightly longer integrated bowsprit fitted as standard, allow larger asymmetric and Code sails to be set. These changes will boost light airs performance and are offset by the additional stability the revised hull shape provides.

There’s also an optional, even taller, carbon mast. A choice of three keels is offered – torpedo bulbs with 2.2m or 2.5m draughts, or a shallow L-bulb with 1.85m draught.

The additional beam aft also improves cockpit space. At the companionway the hinged doors and integrated rope stowage first seen on the X40 are fitted.

These offer a neat solution to the perennial problem of stowing washboards and keeping lines in the pit area tidy.

In addition to the new design giving wider bunks in the aft cabins, the cockpit sole has also been raised slightly, which increases clearance over the berths.

Second generation X43 specifications

LOA: 13.24m 43ft 5in Hull length: 12.67m 41ft 7in LWL: 11.33m 37ft 2in Beam: 3.99m 13ft 1in Draught: 1.85m, 2.2m or 2.5m 6ft 1in, 7ft 2in or 8ft 2in Displacement: 9,400kg 20,700lb Ballast 3,700kg 8,160lb Base price: €344,000 ex VAT Builder: x-yachts.com

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First look: X-Yachts X 4.3

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The first, second generation X-Yacht in the 'Pure' range, the X 4.3, has big boots to fill following a universally loved predecessor.

Product Overview

The new version of the X 4.3 has some pretty big boots to fill. Not only had X-Yachts sold more than 100 of the yachts, she impressed many on launch, with Yachting Monthly’s own Graham Snook stating that she was ‘One of the best boats I’ve ever sailed’.

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The hull shape has been redesigned to carry max beam further aft, which provides a wider transom and cockpit. The cines running aft finish much higher than previously, which should help increase stability when heeled but keep wetted area down when in lighter winds.

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X 4.3 specifications

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