2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 vs 2003 Sabre 402 — Comparison

2015 X-Yachts Xc 38
VS
2003 Sabre 402

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2015 X-Yachts Xc 382003 Sabre 402
General
ManufacturerX-YachtsSabre
Year2015–20202003–2010
TypeSloopSloop
CountryDenmarkUSA
DesignerNiels JeppesenJim Taylor
Dimensions
LOA11.58 m (38.0 ft)12.19 m (40.0 ft)
LWL10.15 m (33.3 ft)10.36 m (34.0 ft)
Beam3.64 m (11.9 ft)3.72 m (12.2 ft)
Draft2.05 m (6.7 ft)1.83 m (6.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,800 kg (17,196 lbs)8,165 kg (18,001 lbs)
Ballast2,800 kg (6,173 lbs)3,266 kg (7,200 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area66.0 m² (710 ft²)66.0 m² (710 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine30 HP40 HP
Fuel Capacity100 L (26.4 gal)151 L (39.9 gal)
Water Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)227 L (60.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths77
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2015 X-Yachts Xc 38
17.05
2003 Sabre 402
16.54
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2015 X-Yachts Xc 38
35.90
2003 Sabre 402
40.00
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2015 X-Yachts Xc 38
0.74
2003 Sabre 402
0.74
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2015 X-Yachts Xc 38
19.16
2003 Sabre 402
18.32

Detailed Comparison

The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 and 2003 Sabre 402 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 is a modern design by X-Yachts from Denmark, while the 2003 Sabre 402 is a 2000s offering from Sabre from USA. The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 was penned by Niels Jeppesen. The 2003 Sabre 402 was designed by Jim Taylor.

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 2003 Sabre 402 at 12.19m (40.0ft) with a 3.72m beam. The 2003 Sabre 402 is 0.61m longer than the 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38. The 2003 Sabre 402 displaces approximately 5% 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 2003 Sabre 402, with an SA/D of 16.54 and 66.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 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 2003 Sabre 402 has a comfort ratio of 18.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 35.9% for the 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 and 40.0% for the 2003 Sabre 402, 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 2003 Sabre 402 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 227L water and 151L 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 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 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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