1989 J/35 vs 2014 X-Yachts X-40 — Comparison

1989 J/35
VS
2014 X-Yachts X-40

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1989 J/352014 X-Yachts X-40
General
ManufacturerJ/BoatsX-Yachts
Year1989–19932014–2019
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSADenmark
DesignerRod JohnstoneNiels Jeppesen
Dimensions
LOA10.67 m (35.0 ft)12.15 m (39.9 ft)
LWL9.14 m (30.0 ft)10.70 m (35.1 ft)
Beam3.43 m (11.3 ft)3.70 m (12.1 ft)
Draft1.98 m (6.5 ft)2.20 m (7.2 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,216 kg (11,499 lbs)8,000 kg (17,637 lbs)
Ballast2,268 kg (5,000 lbs)3,000 kg (6,614 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area57.6 m² (620 ft²)75.0 m² (807 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP40 HP
Fuel Capacity57 L (15.1 gal)110 L (29.1 gal)
Water Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)220 L (58.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths67
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1989 J/35
19.46
2014 X-Yachts X-40
19.05
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1989 J/35
43.48
2014 X-Yachts X-40
37.50
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1989 J/35
0.79
2014 X-Yachts X-40
0.74
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1989 J/35
16.84
2014 X-Yachts X-40
17.35

Detailed Comparison

The 1989 J/35 and 2014 X-Yachts X-40 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1989 J/35 is a 1980s design by J/Boats from USA, while the 2014 X-Yachts X-40 is a modern offering from X-Yachts from Denmark. The 1989 J/35 was penned by Rod Johnstone. The 2014 X-Yachts X-40 was designed by Niels Jeppesen.

In terms of size, the 1989 J/35 measures 10.67m (35.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.43m, compared to the 2014 X-Yachts X-40 at 12.15m (39.9ft) with a 3.70m beam. The 2014 X-Yachts X-40 is 1.48m longer than the 1989 J/35. The 2014 X-Yachts X-40 displaces approximately 53% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1989 J/35 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 19.46 and 57.6 m² of sail area. The 2014 X-Yachts X-40, with an SA/D of 19.05 and 75.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 1989 J/35 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1989 J/35 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The 2014 X-Yachts X-40 has a comfort ratio of 17.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 43.5% for the 1989 J/35 and 37.5% for the 2014 X-Yachts X-40, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1989 J/35 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 76L of water capacity and 57L of fuel. The 2014 X-Yachts X-40 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 220L water and 110L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2014 X-Yachts X-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 1989 J/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 2014 X-Yachts X-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: 1989 J/35 · 2014 X-Yachts X-40