2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 vs Dufour 45E — Comparison
Dufour 45E
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 | Dufour 45E |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | X-Yachts | Dufour |
| Year | 2015–2020 | 2008–2011 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Denmark | France |
| Designer | Niels Jeppesen | Umberto Felci |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.58 m (38.0 ft) | 13.80 m (45.3 ft) |
| LWL | 10.15 m (33.3 ft) | 11.90 m (39.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.64 m (11.9 ft) | 4.20 m (13.8 ft) |
| Draft | 2.05 m (6.7 ft) | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,800 kg (17,196 lbs) | 10,500 kg (23,149 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,800 kg (6,173 lbs) | 3,200 kg (7,055 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 66.0 m² (710 ft²) | 88.0 m² (947 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 30 HP | 55 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 100 L (26.4 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 380 L (100.4 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 8 |
| Cabins | 3 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 and Dufour 45E represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 is a modern design by X-Yachts from Denmark, while the Dufour 45E is a 2000s offering from Dufour from France. The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 was penned by Niels Jeppesen. The Dufour 45E was designed by Umberto Felci.
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 Dufour 45E at 13.80m (45.3ft) with a 4.20m beam. The Dufour 45E is 2.22m longer than the 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38. The Dufour 45E displaces approximately 35% 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 Dufour 45E, with an SA/D of 18.64 and 88.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Dufour 45E 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 Dufour 45E has a comfort ratio of 15.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 35.9% for the 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 and 30.5% for the Dufour 45E, 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 Dufour 45E offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 380L 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 Dufour 45E has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The Dufour 45E 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: 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 · Dufour 45E