1978 Bristol 40 vs 2010 X-Yachts Xc 35 — Comparison

1978 Bristol 401978 Bristol 40
VS
2010 X-Yachts Xc 35

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1978 Bristol 402010 X-Yachts Xc 35
General
ManufacturerBristolX-Yachts
Year1978–19832010–2016
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSADenmark
DesignerTed HoodNiels Jeppesen
Dimensions
LOA12.19 m (40.0 ft)10.57 m (34.7 ft)
LWL9.14 m (30.0 ft)9.20 m (30.2 ft)
Beam3.35 m (11.0 ft)3.35 m (11.0 ft)
Draft1.68 m (5.5 ft)1.80 m (5.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement8,165 kg (18,001 lbs)5,800 kg (12,787 lbs)
Ballast3,402 kg (7,500 lbs)2,100 kg (4,630 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area62.4 m² (672 ft²)52.0 m² (560 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine35 HP21 HP
Fuel Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)70 L (18.5 gal)
Water Capacity189 L (49.9 gal)140 L (37.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1978 Bristol 40
15.63
2010 X-Yachts Xc 35
16.37
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1978 Bristol 40
41.67
2010 X-Yachts Xc 35
36.21
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1978 Bristol 40
0.67
2010 X-Yachts Xc 35
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1978 Bristol 40
24.80
2010 X-Yachts Xc 35
19.28

Detailed Comparison

The 1978 Bristol 40 and 2010 X-Yachts Xc 35 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1978 Bristol 40 is a 1970s design by Bristol from USA, while the 2010 X-Yachts Xc 35 is a modern offering from X-Yachts from Denmark. The 1978 Bristol 40 was penned by Ted Hood. The 2010 X-Yachts Xc 35 was designed by Niels Jeppesen.

In terms of size, the 1978 Bristol 40 measures 12.19m (40.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.35m, compared to the 2010 X-Yachts Xc 35 at 10.57m (34.7ft) with a 3.35m beam. The 1978 Bristol 40 is 1.62m longer than the 2010 X-Yachts Xc 35. The 1978 Bristol 40 displaces approximately 41% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1978 Bristol 40 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.63 and 62.4 m² of sail area. The 2010 X-Yachts Xc 35, with an SA/D of 16.37 and 52.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2010 X-Yachts Xc 35 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1978 Bristol 40 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 24.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.67). The 2010 X-Yachts Xc 35 has a comfort ratio of 19.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 41.7% for the 1978 Bristol 40 and 36.2% for the 2010 X-Yachts Xc 35, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1978 Bristol 40 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 189L of water capacity and 114L of fuel. The 2010 X-Yachts Xc 35 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 140L water and 70L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1978 Bristol 40 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 2010 X-Yachts Xc 35 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1978 Bristol 40 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: 1978 Bristol 40 · 2010 X-Yachts Xc 35