2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 vs 2004 Oyster 46 — Comparison

2015 X-Yachts Xc 38
VS
2004 Oyster 462004 Oyster 46

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2015 X-Yachts Xc 382004 Oyster 46
General
ManufacturerX-YachtsOyster
Year2015–20202004–2010
TypeSloopSloop
CountryDenmarkUnited Kingdom
DesignerNiels JeppesenRob Humphreys
Dimensions
LOA11.58 m (38.0 ft)14.02 m (46.0 ft)
LWL10.15 m (33.3 ft)11.60 m (38.1 ft)
Beam3.64 m (11.9 ft)4.20 m (13.8 ft)
Draft2.05 m (6.7 ft)2.05 m (6.7 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,800 kg (17,196 lbs)12,500 kg (27,558 lbs)
Ballast2,800 kg (6,173 lbs)4,800 kg (10,582 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area66.0 m² (710 ft²)90.0 m² (969 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine30 HP75 HP
Fuel Capacity100 L (26.4 gal)250 L (66.0 gal)
Water Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)450 L (118.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths77
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2015 X-Yachts Xc 38
17.05
2004 Oyster 46
16.97
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2015 X-Yachts Xc 38
35.90
2004 Oyster 46
38.40
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2015 X-Yachts Xc 38
0.74
2004 Oyster 46
0.73
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2015 X-Yachts Xc 38
19.16
2004 Oyster 46
18.69

Detailed Comparison

The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 and 2004 Oyster 46 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 is a modern design by X-Yachts from Denmark, while the 2004 Oyster 46 is a 2000s offering from Oyster from United Kingdom. The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 was penned by Niels Jeppesen. The 2004 Oyster 46 was designed by Rob Humphreys.

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 2004 Oyster 46 at 14.02m (46.0ft) with a 4.20m beam. The 2004 Oyster 46 is 2.44m longer than the 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38. The 2004 Oyster 46 displaces approximately 60% 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 2004 Oyster 46, with an SA/D of 16.97 and 90.0 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 2004 Oyster 46 has a comfort ratio of 18.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 35.9% for the 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 and 38.4% for the 2004 Oyster 46, 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 2004 Oyster 46 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 450L water and 250L 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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