1973 Islander 37 vs 2005 X-Yachts X-35 — Comparison

1973 Islander 371973 Islander 37
VS
2005 X-Yachts X-352005 X-Yachts X-35

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1973 Islander 372005 X-Yachts X-35
General
ManufacturerIslanderX-Yachts
Year1973–19782005–2014
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSADenmark
DesignerAlan GurneyNiels Jeppesen
Dimensions
LOA11.28 m (37.0 ft)10.59 m (34.7 ft)
LWL8.69 m (28.5 ft)9.40 m (30.8 ft)
Beam3.28 m (10.8 ft)3.30 m (10.8 ft)
Draft1.68 m (5.5 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement6,577 kg (14,500 lbs)5,500 kg (12,125 lbs)
Ballast2,722 kg (6,001 lbs)2,000 kg (4,409 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area54.5 m² (587 ft²)56.0 m² (603 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine22 HP21 HP
Fuel Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)65 L (17.2 gal)
Water Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)130 L (34.3 gal)
Accommodation
Berths66
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1973 Islander 37
15.77
2005 X-Yachts X-35
18.26
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1973 Islander 37
41.39
2005 X-Yachts X-35
36.36
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1973 Islander 37
0.70
2005 X-Yachts X-35
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1973 Islander 37
23.18
2005 X-Yachts X-35
18.10

Detailed Comparison

The 1973 Islander 37 and 2005 X-Yachts X-35 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1973 Islander 37 is a 1970s design by Islander from USA, while the 2005 X-Yachts X-35 is a 2000s offering from X-Yachts from Denmark. The 1973 Islander 37 was penned by Alan Gurney. The 2005 X-Yachts X-35 was designed by Niels Jeppesen.

In terms of size, the 1973 Islander 37 measures 11.28m (37.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.28m, compared to the 2005 X-Yachts X-35 at 10.59m (34.7ft) with a 3.30m beam. The 1973 Islander 37 is 0.69m longer than the 2005 X-Yachts X-35. The 1973 Islander 37 displaces approximately 20% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1973 Islander 37 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.77 and 54.5 m² of sail area. The 2005 X-Yachts X-35, with an SA/D of 18.26 and 56.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2005 X-Yachts X-35 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1973 Islander 37 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 23.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.70). The 2005 X-Yachts X-35 has a comfort ratio of 18.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 41.4% for the 1973 Islander 37 and 36.4% for the 2005 X-Yachts X-35, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1973 Islander 37 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The 2005 X-Yachts X-35 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 130L water and 65L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1973 Islander 37 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 2005 X-Yachts X-35 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

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Or view individual specs: 1973 Islander 37 · 2005 X-Yachts X-35