2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 vs 1979 Pearson 37 — Comparison

2012 X-Yachts Xc 42
VS
1979 Pearson 371979 Pearson 37

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2012 X-Yachts Xc 421979 Pearson 37
General
ManufacturerX-YachtsPearson
Year2012–20181979–1985
TypeSloopSloop
CountryDenmarkUSA
DesignerNiels JeppesenWilliam Shaw
Dimensions
LOA12.73 m (41.8 ft)11.28 m (37.0 ft)
LWL10.90 m (35.8 ft)8.69 m (28.5 ft)
Beam3.93 m (12.9 ft)3.43 m (11.3 ft)
Draft2.10 m (6.9 ft)1.83 m (6.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement9,800 kg (21,605 lbs)7,258 kg (16,001 lbs)
Ballast3,600 kg (7,937 lbs)3,084 kg (6,799 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area79.0 m² (850 ft²)56.0 m² (603 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine55 HP28 HP
Fuel Capacity150 L (39.6 gal)95 L (25.1 gal)
Water Capacity300 L (79.3 gal)190 L (50.2 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2012 X-Yachts Xc 42
17.52
1979 Pearson 37
15.18
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2012 X-Yachts Xc 42
36.73
1979 Pearson 37
42.49
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2012 X-Yachts Xc 42
0.74
1979 Pearson 37
0.71
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2012 X-Yachts Xc 42
18.55
1979 Pearson 37
24.10

Detailed Comparison

The 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 and 1979 Pearson 37 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 is a modern design by X-Yachts from Denmark, while the 1979 Pearson 37 is a 1970s offering from Pearson from USA. The 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 was penned by Niels Jeppesen. The 1979 Pearson 37 was designed by William Shaw.

In terms of size, the 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 measures 12.73m (41.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.93m, compared to the 1979 Pearson 37 at 11.28m (37.0ft) with a 3.43m beam. The 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 is 1.45m longer than the 1979 Pearson 37. The 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 displaces approximately 35% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.52 and 79.0 m² of sail area. The 1979 Pearson 37, with an SA/D of 15.18 and 56.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.74). The 1979 Pearson 37 has a comfort ratio of 24.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.71. The ballast ratios are 36.7% for the 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 and 42.5% for the 1979 Pearson 37, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 300L of water capacity and 150L of fuel. The 1979 Pearson 37 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 190L water and 95L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1979 Pearson 37 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: 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 · 1979 Pearson 37