2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 vs Bavaria 42 — Comparison

2015 X-Yachts Xc 38
VS
Bavaria 42Bavaria 42

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2015 X-Yachts Xc 38Bavaria 42
General
ManufacturerX-YachtsBavaria
Year2015–20202003–2008
TypeSloopSloop
CountryDenmarkGermany
DesignerNiels JeppesenJ&J Design
Dimensions
LOA11.58 m (38.0 ft)12.99 m (42.6 ft)
LWL10.15 m (33.3 ft)11.29 m (37.0 ft)
Beam3.64 m (11.9 ft)4.06 m (13.3 ft)
Draft2.05 m (6.7 ft)1.95 m (6.4 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,800 kg (17,196 lbs)9,300 kg (20,503 lbs)
Ballast2,800 kg (6,173 lbs)2,900 kg (6,393 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area66.0 m² (710 ft²)79.0 m² (850 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine30 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity100 L (26.4 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Water Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)350 L (92.5 gal)
Accommodation
Berths78
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2015 X-Yachts Xc 38
17.05
Bavaria 42
18.15
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2015 X-Yachts Xc 38
35.90
Bavaria 42
31.18
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2015 X-Yachts Xc 38
0.74
Bavaria 42
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2015 X-Yachts Xc 38
19.16
Bavaria 42
15.87

Detailed Comparison

The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 and Bavaria 42 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 is a modern design by X-Yachts from Denmark, while the Bavaria 42 is a 2000s offering from Bavaria from Germany. The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 was penned by Niels Jeppesen. The Bavaria 42 was designed by J&J Design.

In terms of size, the 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 measures 11.58m (38.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.64m, compared to the Bavaria 42 at 12.99m (42.6ft) with a 4.06m beam. The Bavaria 42 is 1.41m longer than the 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38. The Bavaria 42 displaces approximately 19% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.05 and 66.0 m² of sail area. The Bavaria 42, with an SA/D of 18.15 and 79.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Bavaria 42 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.74). The Bavaria 42 has a comfort ratio of 15.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 35.9% for the 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 and 31.2% for the Bavaria 42, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 100L of fuel. The Bavaria 42 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 350L water and 200L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 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 Bavaria 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 Bavaria 42 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended 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: 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 · Bavaria 42