1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331 vs 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 — Comparison

1998 Beneteau Oceanis 3311998 Beneteau Oceanis 331
VS
2012 X-Yachts Xc 42

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1998 Beneteau Oceanis 3312012 X-Yachts Xc 42
General
ManufacturerBeneteauX-Yachts
Year1998–20042012–2018
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceDenmark
DesignerGroupe FinotNiels Jeppesen
Dimensions
LOA10.14 m (33.3 ft)12.73 m (41.8 ft)
LWL8.84 m (29.0 ft)10.90 m (35.8 ft)
Beam3.40 m (11.2 ft)3.93 m (12.9 ft)
Draft1.65 m (5.4 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,990 kg (11,001 lbs)9,800 kg (21,605 lbs)
Ballast1,700 kg (3,748 lbs)3,600 kg (7,937 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area50.0 m² (538 ft²)79.0 m² (850 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity68 L (18.0 gal)150 L (39.6 gal)
Water Capacity120 L (31.7 gal)300 L (79.3 gal)
Accommodation
Berths67
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331
17.40
2012 X-Yachts Xc 42
17.52
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331
34.07
2012 X-Yachts Xc 42
36.73
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331
0.80
2012 X-Yachts Xc 42
0.74
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331
17.63
2012 X-Yachts Xc 42
18.55

Detailed Comparison

The 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331 and 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331 is a 1990s design by Beneteau from France, while the 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 is a modern offering from X-Yachts from Denmark. The 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331 was penned by Groupe Finot. The 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 was designed by Niels Jeppesen.

In terms of size, the 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331 measures 10.14m (33.3ft) overall with a beam of 3.40m, compared to the 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 at 12.73m (41.8ft) with a 3.93m beam. The 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 is 2.59m longer than the 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331. The 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 displaces approximately 96% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.40 and 50.0 m² of sail area. The 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42, with an SA/D of 17.52 and 79.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 has a comfort ratio of 18.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 34.1% for the 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331 and 36.7% for the 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 120L of water capacity and 68L of fuel. The 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 300L water and 150L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 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 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 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: 1998 Beneteau Oceanis 331 · 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42