2008 X-Yachts 34 vs 1979 Westerly Fulmar — Comparison
2008 X-Yachts 34
1979 Westerly Fulmar
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2008 X-Yachts 34 | 1979 Westerly Fulmar |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | X-Yachts | Westerly |
| Year | 2008–2013 | 1979–1986 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Denmark | UK |
| Designer | Niels Jeppesen | Ed Dubois |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.33 m (33.9 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.35 m (30.7 ft) | 8.00 m (26.2 ft) |
| Beam | 3.28 m (10.8 ft) | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.85 m (6.1 ft) | 1.07 m (3.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,300 kg (11,684 lbs) | 4,990 kg (11,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,800 kg (3,968 lbs) | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 55.0 m² (592 ft²) | 36.0 m² (388 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Bilge |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 21 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 65 L (17.2 gal) | 68 L (18.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 130 L (34.3 gal) | 136 L (35.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2008 X-Yachts 34 and 1979 Westerly Fulmar represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2008 X-Yachts 34 is a 2000s design by X-Yachts from Denmark, while the 1979 Westerly Fulmar is a 1970s offering from Westerly from UK. The 2008 X-Yachts 34 was penned by Niels Jeppesen. The 1979 Westerly Fulmar was designed by Ed Dubois.
In terms of size, the 2008 X-Yachts 34 measures 10.33m (33.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.28m, compared to the 1979 Westerly Fulmar at 9.75m (32.0ft) with a 3.20m beam. The 2008 X-Yachts 34 is 0.58m longer than the 1979 Westerly Fulmar. The 2008 X-Yachts 34 displaces approximately 6% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2008 X-Yachts 34 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.38 and 55.0 m² of sail area. The 1979 Westerly Fulmar, with an SA/D of 12.53 and 36.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 2008 X-Yachts 34 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2008 X-Yachts 34 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.75). The 1979 Westerly Fulmar has a comfort ratio of 22.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 34.0% for the 2008 X-Yachts 34 and 36.4% for the 1979 Westerly Fulmar, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2008 X-Yachts 34 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 130L of water capacity and 65L of fuel. The 1979 Westerly Fulmar offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 136L water and 68L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1979 Westerly Fulmar 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 2008 X-Yachts 34 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.
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Or view individual specs: 2008 X-Yachts 34 · 1979 Westerly Fulmar