1972 Morgan 34 vs 2006 X-Yachts X-43 — Comparison

1972 Morgan 341972 Morgan 34
VS
2006 X-Yachts X-43

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1972 Morgan 342006 X-Yachts X-43
General
ManufacturerMorganX-Yachts
Year1972–19782006–2012
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSADenmark
DesignerCharley MorganNiels Jeppesen
Dimensions
LOA10.36 m (34.0 ft)12.93 m (42.4 ft)
LWL8.08 m (26.5 ft)10.90 m (35.8 ft)
Beam3.25 m (10.7 ft)3.90 m (12.8 ft)
Draft1.52 m (5.0 ft)2.25 m (7.4 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,897 kg (13,001 lbs)9,500 kg (20,944 lbs)
Ballast2,449 kg (5,399 lbs)3,600 kg (7,937 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area50.2 m² (540 ft²)83.0 m² (893 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFullFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine22 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)130 L (34.3 gal)
Water Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)250 L (66.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths67
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1972 Morgan 34
15.63
2006 X-Yachts X-43
18.80
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1972 Morgan 34
41.53
2006 X-Yachts X-43
37.89
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1972 Morgan 34
0.72
2006 X-Yachts X-43
0.74
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1972 Morgan 34
24.55
2006 X-Yachts X-43
17.98

Detailed Comparison

The 1972 Morgan 34 and 2006 X-Yachts X-43 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1972 Morgan 34 is a 1970s design by Morgan from USA, while the 2006 X-Yachts X-43 is a 2000s offering from X-Yachts from Denmark. The 1972 Morgan 34 was penned by Charley Morgan. The 2006 X-Yachts X-43 was designed by Niels Jeppesen.

In terms of size, the 1972 Morgan 34 measures 10.36m (34.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.25m, compared to the 2006 X-Yachts X-43 at 12.93m (42.4ft) with a 3.90m beam. The 2006 X-Yachts X-43 is 2.57m longer than the 1972 Morgan 34. The 2006 X-Yachts X-43 displaces approximately 61% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1972 Morgan 34 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.63 and 50.2 m² of sail area. The 2006 X-Yachts X-43, with an SA/D of 18.80 and 83.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2006 X-Yachts X-43 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1972 Morgan 34 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 24.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.72). The 2006 X-Yachts X-43 has a comfort ratio of 18.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 41.5% for the 1972 Morgan 34 and 37.9% for the 2006 X-Yachts X-43, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1972 Morgan 34 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The 2006 X-Yachts X-43 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 250L water and 130L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1972 Morgan 34 is the better choice for comfortable cruising thanks to its higher comfort ratio, offering a gentler motion at sea that crews will appreciate on longer passages.

For racing: The 2006 X-Yachts X-43 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 2006 X-Yachts X-43 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

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Or view individual specs: 1972 Morgan 34 · 2006 X-Yachts X-43