2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 vs 2014 Elan 400 — Comparison

2015 X-Yachts Xc 38
VS
2014 Elan 4002014 Elan 400

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2015 X-Yachts Xc 382014 Elan 400
General
ManufacturerX-YachtsElan
Year2015–20202014–2018
TypeSloopSloop
CountryDenmarkSlovenia
DesignerNiels JeppesenRob Humphreys
Dimensions
LOA11.58 m (38.0 ft)12.07 m (39.6 ft)
LWL10.15 m (33.3 ft)10.50 m (34.4 ft)
Beam3.64 m (11.9 ft)3.90 m (12.8 ft)
Draft2.05 m (6.7 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,800 kg (17,196 lbs)8,200 kg (18,078 lbs)
Ballast2,800 kg (6,173 lbs)2,600 kg (5,732 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area66.0 m² (710 ft²)76.0 m² (818 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine30 HP30 HP
Fuel Capacity100 L (26.4 gal)120 L (31.7 gal)
Water Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)250 L (66.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths77
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2015 X-Yachts Xc 38
17.05
2014 Elan 400
18.99
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2015 X-Yachts Xc 38
35.90
2014 Elan 400
31.71
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2015 X-Yachts Xc 38
0.74
2014 Elan 400
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2015 X-Yachts Xc 38
19.16
2014 Elan 400
17.08

Detailed Comparison

The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 and 2014 Elan 400 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 is a modern design by X-Yachts from Denmark, while the 2014 Elan 400 is a modern offering from Elan from Slovenia. The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 was penned by Niels Jeppesen. The 2014 Elan 400 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 2014 Elan 400 at 12.07m (39.6ft) with a 3.90m beam. The 2014 Elan 400 is 0.49m longer than the 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38. The 2014 Elan 400 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 2014 Elan 400, with an SA/D of 18.99 and 76.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2014 Elan 400 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 2014 Elan 400 has a comfort ratio of 17.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 35.9% for the 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 and 31.7% for the 2014 Elan 400, 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 2014 Elan 400 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 250L water and 120L 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 2014 Elan 400 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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Or view individual specs: 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 · 2014 Elan 400