1990 X-Yachts 452 vs 2016 Elan GT5 — Comparison
1990 X-Yachts 452
2016 Elan GT5
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1990 X-Yachts 452 | 2016 Elan GT5 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | X-Yachts | Elan |
| Year | 1990–1998 | 2016 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Denmark | Slovenia |
| Designer | Niels Jeppesen | Rob Humphreys / Studio F.A. Porsche |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 13.72 m (45.0 ft) | 13.85 m (45.4 ft) |
| LWL | 11.28 m (37.0 ft) | 12.20 m (40.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.96 m (13.0 ft) | 4.28 m (14.0 ft) |
| Draft | 2.30 m (7.5 ft) | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 11,340 kg (25,000 lbs) | 10,200 kg (22,487 lbs) |
| Ballast | 4,763 kg (10,501 lbs) | 3,200 kg (7,055 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 88.5 m² (953 ft²) | 92.0 m² (990 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 55 HP | 40 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 160 L (42.3 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 350 L (92.5 gal) | 350 L (92.5 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 8 |
| Cabins | 3 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1990 X-Yachts 452 and 2016 Elan GT5 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1990 X-Yachts 452 is a 1990s design by X-Yachts from Denmark, while the 2016 Elan GT5 is a modern offering from Elan from Slovenia. The 1990 X-Yachts 452 was penned by Niels Jeppesen. The 2016 Elan GT5 was designed by Rob Humphreys / Studio F.A. Porsche.
In terms of size, the 1990 X-Yachts 452 measures 13.72m (45.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.96m, compared to the 2016 Elan GT5 at 13.85m (45.4ft) with a 4.28m beam. The 2016 Elan GT5 is 0.13m longer than the 1990 X-Yachts 452. The 1990 X-Yachts 452 displaces approximately 11% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1990 X-Yachts 452 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.81 and 88.5 m² of sail area. The 2016 Elan GT5, with an SA/D of 19.87 and 92.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2016 Elan GT5 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1990 X-Yachts 452 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.71). The 2016 Elan GT5 has a comfort ratio of 14.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 42.0% for the 1990 X-Yachts 452 and 31.4% for the 2016 Elan GT5, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1990 X-Yachts 452 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 350L of water capacity and 200L of fuel. The 2016 Elan GT5 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 350L water and 160L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1990 X-Yachts 452 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 2016 Elan GT5 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 2016 Elan GT5 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.