2008 X-Yachts 34 vs 2014 Elan 400 — Comparison

2008 X-Yachts 342008 X-Yachts 34
VS
2014 Elan 4002014 Elan 400

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2008 X-Yachts 342014 Elan 400
General
ManufacturerX-YachtsElan
Year2008–20132014–2018
TypeSloopSloop
CountryDenmarkSlovenia
DesignerNiels JeppesenRob Humphreys
Dimensions
LOA10.33 m (33.9 ft)12.07 m (39.6 ft)
LWL9.35 m (30.7 ft)10.50 m (34.4 ft)
Beam3.28 m (10.8 ft)3.90 m (12.8 ft)
Draft1.85 m (6.1 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,300 kg (11,684 lbs)8,200 kg (18,078 lbs)
Ballast1,800 kg (3,968 lbs)2,600 kg (5,732 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area55.0 m² (592 ft²)76.0 m² (818 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine21 HP30 HP
Fuel Capacity65 L (17.2 gal)120 L (31.7 gal)
Water Capacity130 L (34.3 gal)250 L (66.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths67
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2008 X-Yachts 34
18.38
2014 Elan 400
18.99
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2008 X-Yachts 34
33.96
2014 Elan 400
31.71
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2008 X-Yachts 34
0.75
2014 Elan 400
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2008 X-Yachts 34
18.00
2014 Elan 400
17.08

Detailed Comparison

The 2008 X-Yachts 34 and 2014 Elan 400 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2008 X-Yachts 34 is a 2000s design by X-Yachts from Denmark, while the 2014 Elan 400 is a modern offering from Elan from Slovenia. The 2008 X-Yachts 34 was penned by Niels Jeppesen. The 2014 Elan 400 was designed by Rob Humphreys.

In terms of size, the 2008 X-Yachts 34 measures 10.33m (33.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.28m, compared to the 2014 Elan 400 at 12.07m (39.6ft) with a 3.90m beam. The 2014 Elan 400 is 1.74m longer than the 2008 X-Yachts 34. The 2014 Elan 400 displaces approximately 55% 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 2014 Elan 400, with an SA/D of 18.99 and 76.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2014 Elan 400 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 2014 Elan 400 has a comfort ratio of 17.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 34.0% for the 2008 X-Yachts 34 and 31.7% for the 2014 Elan 400, 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 2014 Elan 400 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 250L water and 120L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2008 X-Yachts 34 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 2014 Elan 400 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 Elan 400 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: 2008 X-Yachts 34 · 2014 Elan 400