2018 X-Yachts 4.0 vs 1972 Ericson 32 — Comparison

2018 X-Yachts 4.0
VS
1972 Ericson 321972 Ericson 32

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2018 X-Yachts 4.01972 Ericson 32
General
ManufacturerX-YachtsEricson
Year20181972–1978
TypeSloopSloop
CountryDenmarkUSA
DesignerNiels JeppesenBruce King
Dimensions
LOA12.35 m (40.5 ft)9.75 m (32.0 ft)
LWL11.30 m (37.1 ft)7.62 m (25.0 ft)
Beam3.81 m (12.5 ft)3.05 m (10.0 ft)
Draft2.20 m (7.2 ft)1.52 m (5.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement8,500 kg (18,739 lbs)4,309 kg (9,500 lbs)
Ballast3,200 kg (7,055 lbs)1,814 kg (3,999 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area79.0 m² (850 ft²)39.0 m² (420 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine40 HP15 HP
Fuel Capacity120 L (31.7 gal)57 L (15.1 gal)
Water Capacity230 L (60.8 gal)95 L (25.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2018 X-Yachts 4.0
19.27
1972 Ericson 32
14.97
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2018 X-Yachts 4.0
37.65
1972 Ericson 32
42.10
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2018 X-Yachts 4.0
0.75
1972 Ericson 32
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2018 X-Yachts 4.0
16.30
1972 Ericson 32
21.98

Detailed Comparison

The 2018 X-Yachts 4.0 and 1972 Ericson 32 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2018 X-Yachts 4.0 is a modern design by X-Yachts from Denmark, while the 1972 Ericson 32 is a 1970s offering from Ericson from USA. The 2018 X-Yachts 4.0 was penned by Niels Jeppesen. The 1972 Ericson 32 was designed by Bruce King.

In terms of size, the 2018 X-Yachts 4.0 measures 12.35m (40.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.81m, compared to the 1972 Ericson 32 at 9.75m (32.0ft) with a 3.05m beam. The 2018 X-Yachts 4.0 is 2.60m longer than the 1972 Ericson 32. The 2018 X-Yachts 4.0 displaces approximately 97% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2018 X-Yachts 4.0 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 19.27 and 79.0 m² of sail area. The 1972 Ericson 32, with an SA/D of 14.97 and 39.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 2018 X-Yachts 4.0 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2018 X-Yachts 4.0 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.75). The 1972 Ericson 32 has a comfort ratio of 22.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 37.7% for the 2018 X-Yachts 4.0 and 42.1% for the 1972 Ericson 32, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2018 X-Yachts 4.0 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 230L of water capacity and 120L of fuel. The 1972 Ericson 32 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 95L water and 57L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1972 Ericson 32 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 2018 X-Yachts 4.0 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 2018 X-Yachts 4.0 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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