2006 X-Yachts X-43 vs 1991 Westerly Seahawk — Comparison

2006 X-Yachts X-43
VS
1991 Westerly Seahawk1991 Westerly Seahawk

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2006 X-Yachts X-431991 Westerly Seahawk
General
ManufacturerX-YachtsWesterly
Year2006–20121991–1997
TypeSloopSloop
CountryDenmarkUK
DesignerNiels JeppesenEd Dubois
Dimensions
LOA12.93 m (42.4 ft)10.36 m (34.0 ft)
LWL10.90 m (35.8 ft)8.53 m (28.0 ft)
Beam3.90 m (12.8 ft)3.35 m (11.0 ft)
Draft2.25 m (7.4 ft)1.80 m (5.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement9,500 kg (20,944 lbs)6,123 kg (13,499 lbs)
Ballast3,600 kg (7,937 lbs)2,495 kg (5,501 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area83.0 m² (893 ft²)48.0 m² (517 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine55 HP28 HP
Fuel Capacity130 L (34.3 gal)114 L (30.1 gal)
Water Capacity250 L (66.0 gal)220 L (58.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths77
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2006 X-Yachts X-43
18.80
1991 Westerly Seahawk
14.57
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2006 X-Yachts X-43
37.89
1991 Westerly Seahawk
40.75
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2006 X-Yachts X-43
0.74
1991 Westerly Seahawk
0.73
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2006 X-Yachts X-43
17.98
1991 Westerly Seahawk
22.81

Detailed Comparison

The 2006 X-Yachts X-43 and 1991 Westerly Seahawk represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2006 X-Yachts X-43 is a 2000s design by X-Yachts from Denmark, while the 1991 Westerly Seahawk is a 1990s offering from Westerly from UK. The 2006 X-Yachts X-43 was penned by Niels Jeppesen. The 1991 Westerly Seahawk was designed by Ed Dubois.

In terms of size, the 2006 X-Yachts X-43 measures 12.93m (42.4ft) overall with a beam of 3.90m, compared to the 1991 Westerly Seahawk at 10.36m (34.0ft) with a 3.35m beam. The 2006 X-Yachts X-43 is 2.57m longer than the 1991 Westerly Seahawk. The 2006 X-Yachts X-43 displaces approximately 55% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2006 X-Yachts X-43 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.80 and 83.0 m² of sail area. The 1991 Westerly Seahawk, with an SA/D of 14.57 and 48.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 2006 X-Yachts X-43 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2006 X-Yachts X-43 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.74). The 1991 Westerly Seahawk has a comfort ratio of 22.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 37.9% for the 2006 X-Yachts X-43 and 40.8% for the 1991 Westerly Seahawk, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2006 X-Yachts X-43 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 250L of water capacity and 130L of fuel. The 1991 Westerly Seahawk offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 220L water and 114L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1991 Westerly Seahawk 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 2006 X-Yachts X-43 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.

Compare Different Boats

Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats

Or view individual specs: 2006 X-Yachts X-43 · 1991 Westerly Seahawk