2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 vs 1990 Sabre 36 — Comparison

2012 X-Yachts Xc 42
VS
1990 Sabre 361990 Sabre 36

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2012 X-Yachts Xc 421990 Sabre 36
General
ManufacturerX-YachtsSabre
Year2012–20181990–1998
TypeSloopSloop
CountryDenmarkUSA
DesignerNiels JeppesenRoger Hewson
Dimensions
LOA12.73 m (41.8 ft)10.97 m (36.0 ft)
LWL10.90 m (35.8 ft)9.14 m (30.0 ft)
Beam3.93 m (12.9 ft)3.35 m (11.0 ft)
Draft2.10 m (6.9 ft)1.60 m (5.2 ft)
Weight
Displacement9,800 kg (21,605 lbs)5,897 kg (13,001 lbs)
Ballast3,600 kg (7,937 lbs)2,449 kg (5,399 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area79.0 m² (850 ft²)52.5 m² (565 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine55 HP28 HP
Fuel Capacity150 L (39.6 gal)76 L (20.1 gal)
Water Capacity300 L (79.3 gal)151 L (39.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2012 X-Yachts Xc 42
17.52
1990 Sabre 36
16.34
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2012 X-Yachts Xc 42
36.73
1990 Sabre 36
41.53
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2012 X-Yachts Xc 42
0.74
1990 Sabre 36
0.74
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2012 X-Yachts Xc 42
18.55
1990 Sabre 36
19.29

Detailed Comparison

The 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 and 1990 Sabre 36 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 is a modern design by X-Yachts from Denmark, while the 1990 Sabre 36 is a 1990s offering from Sabre from USA. The 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 was penned by Niels Jeppesen. The 1990 Sabre 36 was designed by Roger Hewson.

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 1990 Sabre 36 at 10.97m (36.0ft) with a 3.35m beam. The 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 is 1.76m longer than the 1990 Sabre 36. The 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 displaces approximately 66% 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 1990 Sabre 36, with an SA/D of 16.34 and 52.5 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 1990 Sabre 36 has a comfort ratio of 19.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 36.7% for the 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 and 41.5% for the 1990 Sabre 36, 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 1990 Sabre 36 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 151L water and 76L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1990 Sabre 36 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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