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X-55 Standard

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• Last update: 3rd April 2020

X-55's main features

• 2007: European Yacht of the Year: L > 14m

X-55's main dimensions

X-55's rig and sails, x-55's performances, x-55's auxiliary engine, x-55's accommodations and layout.

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X-Yachts X46: Best Full-Size Cruiser 45 to 55 Feet

• By Herb McCormick
• Updated: December 9, 2019

The big-boat classes in the 2020 Boat of the Year competition presented some big problems for the judging panel. Take the Full-Size Cruiser 45 to 55 Feet fleet, with a quartet of extremely solid contenders across a wide range of price points and with different design briefs and objectives, ranging from versatile performance-style cruisers to a dedicated bluewater passagemaker. Decisions, decisions, decisions.

At $550,000, the Bavaria C50 packed a lot of punch into a 50-footer. “It’s billed as a family cruiser, and features twin helms and a single rudder,” judge Dan Spurr said. “The representative who presented the boat emphasized the division between the entertainment area and the cockpit and working areas, and that cockpit really resonated with me—for a bigger boat, it’s very efficient to sail.” The Bavaria also struck a chord with fellow judge Ed Sherman: “I’ve been watching the evolution of Bavarias since they first started coming to the United States, and they’ve come a long way. Everything about them is significantly better than the earlier boats, and you get a lot of features for the price. It’s a player in this group.”

From a value standpoint, the Elan Impression 41.5 left a strong, good impression on the judging panel. Judge Ralph Naranjo was particularly enamored with the overall build quality of the hull laminate. “It’s an ­ISO-approved Category A offshore boat; they did a really nice job with the vacuum infusion,” he said. “I was crawling in those aft lockers looking at the autopilot arrangement, and could see how well the deck elements and bulkheads went in. And the autopilot installation was great, with an excellent stainless-steel bracket that was bolted and cantilevered to catch both the deck and the bulkhead. The autopilot and rams have to take a huge amount of thrust or push/pull; they need to be in there securely. And they were.”

It was clearly going to take an outstanding vessel to sway the panel’s opinions. It turned out there was not only one other formidable yacht to choose from, but two.

“The Amel 50 is truly an oceangoing globe-trotter,” Sherman said, speaking about the latest, highly anticipated model from the long-standing stalwart French builder. “With a signature watertight forward crash bulkhead, a centrally located sea chest for easily isolating a leak and shutting it down, to a globally conscious shore-power system that can deal with 50 or 60 hertz and 120 or ­230-240 volts, Amel has designed a boat that will have you covered wherever your travels take you. For those who want to cruise in luxury, this is the boat.”

“Amel has long been one of the only worldwide ­companies to offer what is essentially a ‘ready to cruise’ boat,” Spurr said. “The boat can be operated entirely from the security of the cockpit, which has a windshield and hardtop, like many solo offshore racers. Some of my colleagues didn’t like this feature, feeling it isolated the helm from feeling the weather. The boat is not inexpensive, but it also seemed to have the highest-quality finish.”

“To me, it’s more of a motorsailer than a traditional cruising sailboat,” Naranjo said. “Her performance under sail is somewhat limited by a fairly high displacement and a modest sail area. She is easy to handle, though, because of her power-assisted sail ­trimming and setting capabilities.”

Sailing prowess is never a debatable issue with X-Yachts, however, and after treating the judges to a world-class sailing experience, they ­ultimately decided that the X-Yachts X46 was the Best Full-Size Cruiser 45 to 55 Feet for 2020. (It was a back-to-back winning effort from X-Yachts; in 2019, X-Yachts’ X49 was also honored as the Best Full-Size Cruiser.)

“This was just a joy to sail,” Sherman said. “A ­performance sailing boat in every sense —very close-winded. It was everything I’ve come to expect from X-Yachts. They are put together by real craftspeople who take a great deal of concern in everything they do. So many little things. For instance, the wiring connections behind the panel board are all bent to 90 degrees and secured in place, and they hand-solder the solid copper bus links between the switches. This is all labor-intensive stuff that you just don’t see on most boats. They’ve always been known for using top-quality gear, and they certainly didn’t cut any corners here.

“X-Yachts are put ­together by real craftspeople who take a lot of pride in their work.”

“The epoxy resin they use in the layup is going to last forever, and the post-cure process is just top shelf,” Sherman continued. “I mean, what can I say? And I believe the pricing is actually pretty darn good. This boat costs $740,000, which is nothing to laugh at—it’s a significant amount of money. But when you compare it dollarwise to some of the other boats out there of similar lengths, you know what? It kind of stands out. And so, yes, I’m a fan. I’ve always been.”

“Like all X-Yachts, it has a unique feature in the construction, with a steel grid that sits on stringers with a balanced lifting point where you can actually lift the entire boat with a crane, with a strop that comes down through a hatch,” Spurr said. “The quality of construction all around seemed very good, with the keel actually bolted to the grid. Basically, we were told that you can’t lose the keel on this boat, which is pretty remarkable. And it’s really a handsome boat all the way around.”

Not to mention, when the final votes were cast, it was a winning one.

See All Winners:

2020 Boats of the Year

Other Winners:

• Overall Boat of the Year
• Best Performance Cruiser
• Best Midsize Cruiser Under 45 feet
• Best Full-size Cruiser
• Best Full-size Cruiser Over 55 Feet
• Best Midsize Cruising Catamaran
• Best Full-size Multihull
• Best Charter Boat
• Most Innovative
• More: boty , boty 2020 , Sailboats
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• Sailboat Guide

X-55 is a 54 ′ 11 ″ / 16.8 m monohull sailboat designed by Niels Jeppesen and built by X-Yachts between 2005 and 2012.

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

Shallow draft 1: 2.90m/9.51’ Shallow draft 2: 2.50m/8.20’

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Over the years nearly 60 designs have been built; ranging from hugely popular ISAF One-design classes such as the X-99 to large and luxurious performance cruisers such as the X6, X-65, IMX 70 and X-73. With 15 yachts in the current range, Previous X-Yachts Models can be seen below

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Previous Models

The X6⁵ steps into the future of modern performance cruising. Designed for the discerning sailor who dreams of luxury blue water and coastal cruising without compromise.

Production Years: 2016 — 2021 Number Built: 3 Hull Length: 19.18 m

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The smallest member of the award-winning Xc family, the Xc 35 is a compact cruiser with a big heart. She is a compact but surprisingly well equipped bluewater cruising yacht with a smooth hull line, a stylish yet practical cockpit and uncluttered but functional deck layout. Easily sailed short-handed, she can also accommodate guests with a two double cabin layout, spacious saloon and ample storage.

Production Years: 2014 — 2019 Number Built: 30 Hull Length: 10.36 m

The Xp 55 raises the bar for performance sailing yachts. This model offers an unbeatable sailing experience combined with luxurious levels of comfort. Since its launch in 2013 it has impressed reviewers and sailors alike, with test reports praising the boat for its ‘dinghy-like feel’, fast pace, and the ability to sail the boat rapidly and easily double-handed.

Production Years: 2013 — 2021 Number Built: 13 Hull Length: 16.76 m

The smallest yacht in the range, the Xp 33 is designed for pure sailing enjoyment. This model is a high stability 30-footer which benefits from the same advanced construction techniques as the larger yachts in the Xperformance range for superb sailing performance and build quality.

Production Years: 2012 — 2017 Number Built: 64 Hull Length: 9.99 m

The Xp 38 delivers an unrivalled sailing experience in a dual-purpose cruiser-racer. High stability and ease of handling makes the Xp 38 a rapid and comfortable luxury yacht to cruise with excellent sea-keeping in all conditions, as well as a high performance racing design for both inshore and offshore. It has scored a host of race victories under both IRC and ORC.

Production Years: 2011 — 2021 Number Built: 83 Hull Length: 11.58 m

The Xc 38 offers superb performance in an easily handled package, ideal for doublehanded sailing. This model was the second yacht in the Xcruising range to be named European Yacht of the Year in the Luxury Cruiser category, on its launch. The judges were particularly impressed by the spaciousness and luxurious levels of comfort in the interior.

Production Years: 2010 — 2021 Number Built: 61 Hull Length: 11.58 m

The Xc 42 was launched in 2009, following the same philosophy as the Xc 45. The second yacht in the Xcruising range, offers no-compromise comfort and impressive pace combined with ease of handling.

Production Years: 2009 — 2018 Number Built: 99 Hull Length: 12.81 m

The X-65 offered ‘Maxi’ yacht performance and cruising comfort, in an accessible 65ft package. This model was a high specification, high performance cruising yacht, which exuded X-Yachts quality throughout.

Production Years: 2009 — 2014 Number Built: 6 Hull Length: 20.01 m

The Xc 45 was the first model in the Xcruising range to be launched, and was named European Yacht of the Year in 2009. She was praised for her combination of cruising comfort, performance under sail and responsive handling. The Xc 45 incorporates the X-Yachts steel hull/keel girder for strength and resistance to grounding, with deck and sail layouts designed for ease of handling, when sailing two-up.

Production Years: 2008 — 2023 Number Built: 128 Hull Length: 13.86 m

The X-41 is another hit on the sailing scene. Sporting the latest within fast hull and appendage design; a non overlapping headsail configuration; double spreader, carbon mast and boom from one of Europe’s leading suppliers; large diameter carbon wheel; all trimlines leading to both sides of the coach roof; and a backstay adjustment run via the Magic Wheel.

Production Years: 2007 — Number Built: Hull Length: 12.35 m

The X-34 has been designed and specified to deliver the best of both worlds: Highly competitive on the racecourse as an IRC flyer one weekend. Then the following weekend capapable of taking the whole family out for lazy cruising and entertaining.

Production Years: 2007 — 2013 Number Built: 144 Hull Length: 10.36 m

The vision behind the design was to create a sporty and simple yacht to sail, with extremely pleasing lines. Below deck she provides comforts suitable not only for the crew after racing, but also for the active family during a weekend trip or for holiday cruising.

Production Years: 2005 — 2012 Number Built: Hull Length: 10.61 m

Winner of the prestigious “Yacht of the Year” in 2007, as chosen by the 10 largest European yachting magazines. The X-55 is elegant and timeless, yet very fast and comfortable, enabling the owner to specify exactly the sail handling system and details to suit his needs.

Production Years: 2005 — 2012 Number Built: 34 Hull Length: 16.76 m

X-Yachts latest one-off project, sold to an existing X-562 client. The hull and deck was laminated in the UK by Green Marine with Gurit (formerly SP-Systems) supplying laminates and engineering. The creation of this inspirational yacht has led to many new design solutions that will feature on future models.

Production Years: 2005 — 2005 Number Built: 1 Hull Length: 21.40 m

When launched she was highly praised for her stunning looks and great performance. The X-50 was another trendsetter with her flat deck, sprayhood recess and open transom. She is sleek and stylish with a modest beam for her length. Stability comes mainly from a heavy lead bulb. The X-50 is largely sold as a fast cruiser, enabling the owner and his crew to reach far horizons quickly and in comfort.

Production Years: 2004 — 2011 Number Built: 63 Hull Length: 15.24 m

A relatively narrow yet stiff 37-footer that has won a number of prestigious regattas and races worldwide. The latest notable result was a third consecutive win in the ORC 670 World Championship, with the 2008 event sailed in Lanzarote, Spain.

Production Years: 2004 — 2010 Number Built: 148 Hull Length: 11.35 m

A replacement for the exceptionally popular X-412. The X-40 is part of the second generation of X-Yachts’ Performance Cruisers. The hull model was made by extending the IMX 40 by 100mm, modifying the bow rake and adding a cruising oriented deck layout and teak interior. The X-40 has proved to be as competetive as the IMX 40, and rates more favouable in both ORC and IMS. ”Sirena”, owned and sailed by Denmark’s Peter Buhl, has won many major races in Denmark as well as the 2005 X-Yachts Gold Cup in Arendal, Norway.

Production Years: 2004 — 2010 Number Built: 140 Hull Length: 12.19 m

Just two months after the launch of the all new X-43, came the unveiling of the X-46. The hull was developed by adding 30 cm to the stern of the IMX 45 hull model. The X-46 features a large sail storage cabin but otherwise is identical to the concept of the X-43.

Production Years: 2003 — 2010 Number Built: 75 Hull Length: 14.01 m

This was another trendsetter for the marine industry and represented the start of a new generation of yacht design. Her hull lines were created by a pure downscaling of the stunning IMX 45. The X-43 was smoother, heavier and stiffer than the competition. All the boats were fractionally rigged and all featured built-in hull portlights.

Production Years: 2003 — 2010 Number Built: 169 Hull Length: 12.93 m

The IMX 45 was introduced on the back of the success of IMX 40, but also incorporated features that made her appeal to a wider audience such as an interior crafted in teak, an optional anchor locker and below deck headsail furler. Production started in the spring of 2002 and 24 yachts were launched, eight of which participated in the “Copa del Rey” in Palma, Mallorca.

Production Years: 2002 — 2004 Number Built: 24 Hull Length: 13.74 m

An X-612 owner wanted X-Yachts to supply his final yacht. X-Yachts 73 took the company’s experience to new levels and integrated as many complex installation systems as possible. Two of these fantastic, true blue water cruisers were built.

Production Years: 2001 — 2001 Number Built: 2 Hull Length: 22.43 m

With the X-412, X-442 and similar models selling in high numbers, the development department found time to maintain the X-Yachts’ reputation in the world of racing. The IMX 40 was introduced as an IMS winner, sporting a carbon mast, boom and wheel as standard and introducing the ‘magic wheel’ backstay adjuster. The design won the European Championship as well as forming two-thirds of the Spanish team that won the Sardinia Cup

Production Years: 2000 — 2004 Number Built: 99 Hull Length: 12.10 m

This design closed the gap between the X-482 and X-612 and was built with the same high standard specification as her bigger and smaller sisters. In effect she was a petite version of the X-612 with the benefit of the very latest detailing. An open transom version was also developed.

Production Years: 1999 — 2004 Number Built: 21 Hull Length: 17.23 m

X-362 Sport

In 1998 the X-362 Sport was introduced. She had a deeper, lighter keel, fractional rig, enlarged wheel and mahogany interior.

Production Years: 1998 — 2004 Number Built: 156 Hull Length: 10.70 m

The X-482 replaced the X-512 and incorporated most of the deck details introduced on the X-612 such as the main sheet systems being led beneath deck and integrated storage for the sprayhood and captive wash boards.

Production Years: 1996 — 2004 Number Built: 156 Hull Length: 14.63 m

In common with the first three models in the new Performance Cruiser range, the X-382 sported a large masthead rig, a large wheel, and a teak interior with moulded teak bulkheads that ensured maximum use of space. The X-382 was mainly focused on the cruising market, but was completely in tune with the new line, offering excellent sailing performance and comfort.

Production Years: 1995 — 2003 Number Built: 141 Hull Length: 11.73 m

The X-612 represented another milestone in the company’s development. The design incorporated honey-comb-cored sandwich bulkheads and floorboards, recessed sprayhood storage and mainsheet led under benrath the deck. There was also a stern garage for a 2.8 m RIB, something never seen before on a yacht of this size. Owners included Hanseatische Yachtschule, the world’s largest sailing school. One example, “Dali”, raced in Scandinavia for several years, under the control of X-Yachts’ world-class sailors, Dan Petersen and Niels Ditmar.

Production Years: 1995 — 2004 Number Built: 12 Hull Length: 18.29 m

Replacing the X-312 using almost the same hull, though with a less raked bow and stern. The first series was delivered with a composite cast iron/lead bulb keel, which made her very stiff. A cheaper cast iron keel version was subsequently introduced with improved light wind performance.

Production Years: 1994 — 2004 Number Built: 117 Hull Length: 9.08 m

Developed in parallel with the X-302 and one of the most successful and popular X-Yachts models ever. The X-332 was unmatched in the way she combined performance and comfort. A composite cast iron/ lead bulb keel and fractional rig with discontinuous rod rigging were standard. Later a Sport version appeared featuring a deeper, lighter keel, to match developments of the IMS rule.

Production Years: 1994 — 2005 Number Built: 432 Hull Length: 10.06 m

The third Performance Cruiser also became a “classic” and remained in production for more than 10 years. She was stiffer than the competition, and soon she became a benchmark for designers and builders of this new breed of performance cruisers.

Production Years: 1993 — 2003 Number Built: 127 Hull Length: 13.51 m

This was an exceptionally stiff yacht and appealed to more conservative sailors who demanded high levels of comfort. First introduced with a masthead rig and a curved mahogany interior. A more traditional teak interior was subsequently offered.

Production Years: 1993 — 2003 Number Built: 93 Hull Length: 10.70 m

The good looks of the X-382 were obvious from the moment she emerged from the production mould. She was so appealing that the idea was born to create a new racer/cruiser that would perform well under the dominant IMS international handicap rule.

Production Years: 1992 — 2000 Number Built: 92 Hull Length: 11.41 m

X-Yachts’ first model in the new “Performance Cruiser” range where the influence of IOR had completely disappeared as IMS became the dominant international handicap rule. The X-412 became another trendsetter and remained in production for more than 10 years.

Production Years: 1990 — 2003 Number Built: 252 Hull Length: 12.90 m

40 ft One Ton

The last X-Yachts model built to win an official World Championship. Greek banker, Yannis Costopoulos was the owner of the 1988 and 1989 “World Champion” X-3/4 Ton yachts (“Okyalos IIX” and “Okyalos IX”) and ordered the best one-off One Ton that could be built. “Okyalos X” duly won the One Ton Cup in Marstrand, Sweden.

Production Years: 1990 — 1990 Number Built: 1 Hull Length: 12.12 m

Entering the 50ft market for the new Performance Cruiser range, sporting twin wheel steering, a large masthead rig and a comfortable teak interior.

Production Years: 1990 — 1995 Number Built: 17 Hull Length: 15.57 m

Designed to replace the X-95 she was kept simple, yet practical. The X-312 sported a fractional rig and tiller steering and was the first X-Yachts model to benefit from a stern integrated bathing platform.

Production Years: 1989 — 1994 Number Built: 64 Hull Length: 9.24 m

Originally sold as a one-off to a Swedish newspaper publisher, with the rights for X-Yachts to put into production. She followed the X-79/X-99 design philosophy, featuring a T-keel and became popular among those who wanted a very fast, non-handicap racer/cruiser.

Production Years: 1988 — 1992 Number Built: 74 Hull Length: 12.00 m

IOR had become less important as handicap rules were more locally based and didn’t take the stability into account. This allowed for the production of a much stiffer yacht than the IOR-designed X-102 and X-95. A masthead version was offered but almost all clients chose the fractional rig.

Production Years: 1988 — 1994 Number Built: 105 Hull Length: 10.21 m

Built in the same hull mould, this luxury version of the X-452 was very much oriented to cruising. A variety of layouts, including three- and four-cabin versions were offered and became popular around the Mediterranean.

Production Years: 1987 — 1991 Number Built: 20 Hull Length: 13.92 m

With the demand for IOR cruiser/racers fading, the X-372 was designed without consideration towards handicap rules. A Sport version was offered with tiller steering and fractional rigging while the popular Prestige version had wheel steering, teak decks and a masthead rig.

Production Years: 1987 — 1992 Number Built: 120 Hull Length: 11.28 m

X-One Ton Mk1

Based on the same hull as X-402, but with new deck layout, keel and rudder as well as a lighter interior and modified sail plan. The Irish owned “Alliance” finished eighth at the first One Ton Cup, with IOR’s upper rating band of 30.55 ft, sailed in La Trinité, France. In 1985 Hull 05 “Maitresse”, together with two other X-One Ton yachts, formed the first ever Danish Admiral’s Cup team and came fifth. X-One Ton “Euro” was the third best scoring individual yacht.

Production Years: 1986 — 1986 Number Built: 12 Hull Length: 12.12 m

X-One Ton Mk 2

The successful modifications made to the X-3/4 Ton were also introduced to the X-One Ton. The prototype was nicknamed “Dolly Parton” as her measurement bumbs were quite impressive! Hull 14 “Andelstanken” won the One Ton Yachts World Championship in Mallorca in 1986, skippered by Henrik Søderlund of North Sails with tactics by Niels Ditmar from X-Yachts. The X-One Ton “Seaways” came fourth.

Production Years: 1986 — 1989 Number Built: 12 Hull Length: 12.12 m

X-3/4 Ton Mk 2

With a modified hull (including added measurement bumps), a new semi-elliptical keel and rudder and increased stability and sail area, this version came first, second, fourth and fifth in the Three Quarter Ton Cup World Championship. A winner was born!

Production Years: 1985 — 1990 Number Built: 51 Hull Length: 10.03 m

Launched in July 1985 as a big sister to the X-79. More than 100 units were presold and initially four yachts had to be built each week to satisfy the hungry market. The X-99 became X-Yachts’ first ISAF recognized class, and still hosts annual World Championships. X-99/155 “Hong Kong X-Press” owned by X-Yachts Hong Kong importer Rick and Inge Strompf, participated in the X-99 World Championship in Copenhagen in 1987 and the following year in Vejle, Denmark, where they won the title with Volvo 70 “PUMA” skipper, Ken Read, at the helm.

Production Years: 1985 — 2004 Number Built: 605 Hull Length: 9.96 m

The first 40ft model was a true trendsetter with Hull 01 “X-Large” having its World Premiere at Copenhagen International Boatshow in January 1984. Sporting a large diameter wheel and rod rigging as standard, she was offered with both masthead and fractional rigs and opened up the more luxury oriented market for X-Yachts. The masthead version proved the most popular.

Production Years: 1984 — 1990 Number Built: 79 Hull Length: 12.09 m

X-3/4 Ton Mk 1

Based on the hull mould of the X-102, with a new deck, keel and rudder, as well as a new interior and sail plan. Hull lamination was also improved incorporating unidirectional carbon and R-glass fibres in both hull and deck. Came fourth at the official “Three Quarter Ton Cup” in Kiel, Germany, in 1984, beaten by the first Dehler DB2.

Production Years: 1984 — 1990 Number Built: 84 Hull Length: 9.98 m

The third model was a scaled down X-102, and was designed to race in the popular Half Ton class. Won the World Championship for production half tonners in 1983 in Hankö, Norway.

Production Years: 1982 — 1988 Number Built: 153 Hull Length: 9.25 m

The second X-Yachts model launched was a true cruiser/racer sporting a centre cockpit. It was designed for IOR’s 3/4 Ton upper rating limit of 24.55ft. Hull 07, “Soldier Blue”, won the 3/4 Ton World Championship in 1981 and was skippered by Ib Ussing Andersen, helmed by Jens Christensen with tactics by Lars Bo Ive, all now of North Sails fame. In 1982 “Lille du” won the same title and gave X-Yachts a head start in the international yachting arena.

Production Years: 1981 — 1987 Number Built: 173 Hull Length: 10.02 m

Launched on May 9th 1979 and instantly became a successful Northern European one design class that is still active in five countries. See the refurbushing project of the very first X-79 here

Production Years: 1979 — 1994 Number Built: 468 Hull Length: 7.96 m

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X-Yachts Xp 50

From eur 650,000.

Price data is acquired from numerous open sources and aggregated, it can only be used as a rough starting point and not a precise tool for comparison.

It most cases price:

• does not include VAT
• does not include delivery to a client
• accurate only for most basic options

Final price might be 30%-80% higher if you choose high specification.

2.35 m - 3.0 m

Anchored boats.

Look for this area at top right corner of the page.

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Yacht Feature- The Xp 50 from X Yachts

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Similar boats, beneteau first 44, beneteau first yacht 53.

from EUR 507,300

from EUR 285,000

Grand Soleil 44

from EUR 320,000

Boats by X-Yachts

X-yachts x4-0.

from EUR 280,000

X-Yachts X4-3

X-yachts x4-6.

from EUR 440,000

X-Yachts X4-9

from EUR 580,000

Yachting World

• Digital Edition

X-35 review: from the archive

• Matthew Sheahan
• May 3, 2021

X-Yachts' X-35 follows the hugely successful X-99, which has been a firm favourite of cruiser racers for years. But does it live up to its younger sisters reputation?

She has more gears upwind than you'll know what to do with at first. Credit: X-Yachts Credit: X-Yachts

Product Overview

Manufacturer:.

When it comes to serious numbers in one ­design yachts, the X-99 rates as one of the most successful designs of modern times, with 600 built since 1985. But after 21 years, the company that created one of the few big-boat classes to have ISAF status has launched its replacement, the X-Yachts X-35.

Given the huge success of the X-99, it’s clear X-Yachts have set themselves a very high target if they are to get anywhere near repeating this success.

But while no specific numbers have been issued on what X-­Yachts expect of this class in years to come, it’s clear they are planning to use a similar technique to kick-start the class.

More than a year ago and with little more than a few drawings to go by, 42 boats were sold in the first month of 2005.

Plans for the launch of the new model involved a distribution strategy to ensure that fleets stood the best chance of sowing the seeds from which future local classes would grow.

After a long wait and much talk, the first few boats are now in the water and the class is close to taking off.

X-Yachts have attempted to recapture their former success.

Partly through computer graphics being what they are and partly for reasons of cosmetic modesty, the X-­Yachts X-35 isn’t much of a surprise when you first see her.

In fact, she doesn’t stand out at all at the dock – at best she looks typical of a modern X-Yacht.

She has a simple open cockpit, a large wheel and a pair of cockpit seats flanked by shallow coamings. However, she offers a great detail in terms of her control line layout and setup.

She has more gears upwind than you’ll know what to do with at first.

Closer inspection reveals that, although she doesn’t have a large overlapping headsail and therefore a second set of tracks, she lacks few of the controls of a Beneteau First 34, they’re just incorporated more discreetly. The mainsheet is a good example.

You may not think it is necessary to have a ‘German’ mainsheet system (where the mainsheet is led back along the side decks to a pair of winches fitted on either side of the cockpit) on a boat of just 35ft. I certainly didn’t.

But having just a 2:1 purchase in the mainsheet system keeps the amount of rope in the system to a minimum and helps keep the cockpit clutter-free. The system also means a fine tune is not required, reducing the clutter even further.

On top of this, the mast man can bounce the sheet at its forward end at leeward mark roundings to help rapid sheeting of the mainsail.

Having started out wishing for a more conventional system of blocks and tackles for the mainsheet, when I tried it aboard the Beneteau I didn’t like it.

Under way she has a solid, dependable, chunky feel to her helm.

The layout of control lines on the top of the coach roof is another example. Here, jammers are staggered lengthwise to make il easier for more crew to reach them from the weather rail.

Such attention to detail suggests that the X will be an easier boat to handle under pressure than the Beneteau.

But elsewhere are clues that this has been at the expense of some practical issues. The lack of an anchor locker won’t trouble many racing sailors – some may see it as an advantage – but the lack of any cockpit lockers could become a nuisance.

‘Small’ interior

Such details on deck turn out to be clues to an accommodation layout that is lacking in several areas once you step below decks and first impressions are of a small interior.

Overall the layout is a simple one, with galley to port, nav station to starboard and a pair of simple settee berths either side of a fixed saloon table.

However, the X-35 has a forward double cabin, which although roomy enough to be used, will no doubt be a waste of space for racing owners.

The navigation station is fairly cramped.

Having said that, one of the reasons for incorporating such a cabin is to enhance the boat’s value later in life when the heat of the racing scene may have eased.

The same reason for the liberal use of teak in the interior instead of wipe-clean mouldings as was the norm in the IMX-38 and fair enough.

What I found less easy to understand was why the lifting backs to the saloon seating hadn’t been set up to provide an upper berth.

The X-35’s weakest point is below deck.

With full-width chainplates and no lockers or shelves (although these are an option), there are no obstructions to what would make a decent-sized berth to weather. Or, at the very least, a good and secure place to stow gear and kit bags.

Moving aft, the galley is small and awkward to use, the access to the after­berths restricted. And the top of the engine box has a curved surface and to my mind misses an opportunity to provide handy stowage for winch handles, blocks etc, just where you can get at them.

The lack of stowage is an issue throughout this boat apart from the cavernous space under the forward bunk, which clearly wouldn’t get used in racing trim.

On the starboard side, the outboard­ facing chart table is large and conveniently shares worktop space with the fridge to provide shy navigators with even less reason to come on deck. Overall, I was disappointed with the layout of this boat below decks.

Yet I also have to admit that for all my criticisms and given her primary objective, the accommodation would still not count for much in my own final analysis.

The X-­Yachts X-35 has a sandwich-construction hull and deck, using a combination of biaxial E-Glass and a vinylester resin. Throughout, she is built to the same high standards as the rest of the fleet.

With X-Yachts’ trademark galvanised steel gridwork providing the primary load ­carrying structure in the bottom of the boat, suggesting she’ll be every bit as robust as her sisterships. Whatever the other criticisms, longevity still counts for a lot.

Subtle under sail

If chalk and cheese describe the differences between the X-Yachts X-35 and the Beneteau First 34.7, the expression will also suit the match between the disappointment of the X’s interior with the way she behaves under sail.

I’ve yet to test an X-Yacht that doesn’t feel good on the wheel and the X-35 is no exception. She’s finger-light, even when pressed, she’s sensitive, responsive and has more gears upwind than you’ll know what to do with at first.

She might be plain on the outside but she’s anything but when it comes to sailing her.

Although she’s a doddle to handle in the broad sense, it takes no time at all to realise that she’ll be a very tricky boat to sail well.

The conventional spinnaker will appeal to more conservative sailors.

To get the best out of her you’ll need patience, total concentration, a magic marker, plenty of tape and a waterproof notebook and pen.

So subtle is the feedback through the wheel that you’ll need to mark and jot down key settings and numbers to build a picture of what makes her tick.

In my opinion, this is just what you need for a good one-design class where performance benefits and top results are achieved through the hard work of crews rather than some technical advantage.

She feels quite a tender boat too (much like the X-99), a fact borne out by her higher sail area:displacement ratio when compared to the Beneteau.

The X-35 might be plain on the outside, but when it comes to sailing her, she’s anything but.

In just 10 knots of wind and clocking 6.8 knots in flat water she feels fully powered upwind – anymore and you’re dropping the mainsheet traveller down the track.

But while she might feel slightly tender, she remains under control on the helm.

The seating positions for helmsman and crew works well for all. And the control line layout works as well as it looks both upwind and down to make this a very nimble boat around the corners of the racecourse.

In addition, what impressed me was the attention to detail. Such as the rings in the guardwires through which the traveller lines run to keep them to hand.

Or a shockcord retrieval system to pull the spinnaker guy in towards the foredeck to make end-for-end gybing that bit easier for the foredeck crew.

Details like these come as standard. Impressive stuff and a good indication of where the heart of this boat really lies -racing.

The X-­Yachts X-35 may have been designed with one-design racing as the main focus but, depending on how her IRC handicap shapes up she could prove to be a highly competent racer in the handicap scene as well. Something the X-99 never quite achieved on an international scale.

But if all this talk of racing is a little too hot, bear in mind that current X-332 owners are among the new boat’s target market.

Which should provide a rich source of secondhand 332s on the market, albeit with a ‘frequently raced and rallied label’.

First published in the May 2006 issue of YW.

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• Boat Reviews

Valhalla 55 Outboard Boat Review

• By Sam White
• May 31, 2023

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Owned and operated by Viking Yachts, Valhalla Boatworks debuted in 2019 with the premiere of the first V Series center-consoles: the V-33, V-37 and V-41. The Valhalla 46 ­followed 18 months later, solidifying Valhalla’s reputation for building high-performance premium center-consoles. Now, they’ve stretched the boundaries even further with the introduction of the Valhalla flagship V-55, an outboard-powered 55-foot beast of a boat that combines the speed, maneuverability, 360-degree on-deck access, and convenience of an outboard-powered center-console with the engineering, accommodations and amenities of a Viking convertible. The V-55’s overall size—particularly its 15-foot-6-inch beam—allows for more fuel capacity, cockpit space, on-deck seating, and interior living accommodations than any other ­center-console in its class.

“This is a statement boat—there is ­nothing like it on the market,” says Viking Yachts president and CEO Pat Healey. “We’re setting a new standard by bringing together the qualities of a large center-console and a luxury sport-fishing yacht in one beautiful package.”

“We’re providing all the strengths of our Valhalla design—everything from the style and aesthetics to the ride quality and fishability—in a center-console large enough to accommodate a private stateroom, a head with separate shower, and overnighting space for additional crew,” adds Viking design manager David Wilson. “We wanted to give our owners the ability to spend more time on board with family and friends, to go farther, stay longer and bring along more guests.”

The V-55 will thrive in a variety of roles, and was designed and built specifically for Mercury’s innovative V-12 600 hp outboards, in either four- or five-engine configurations. The quads push the V-55 (with a gap tower) to a top speed of 64 mph, and 68 mph with a hardtop and no tower. With quints, the boat (with hardtop and no tower) hits 73 to 74 mph at wide-open throttle. And with a 1,200-gallon fuel capacity—about 200 to 300 gallons more than competing models—the Valhalla 55 delivers greater range than other center-consoles in its size range. The boat is also engineered with an electrically operated fuel-management system, providing increased reliability and utility by allowing each engine to draw from designated fuel tanks.

The Valhalla 55 rides on the patented Stepped-V Ventilated Tunnel hull bottom from Michael Peters Yacht Design. “We’ve seen great performance with the other V Series models in all aspects, from excellent ride quality and efficiency to maneuverability and helm visibility,” Wilson says of the ­double-stepped, deep-V running surface. “The V-55 is the largest center-console on the market to utilize what we believe is the most advanced and effective stepped-hull design currently available.”

The V-55’s ride is so smooth, stable and dry that its speed is deceptive, even in rough conditions. “People have been amazed,” says Viking’s Capt. Ryan Higgins, who has conducted more than 30 sea trials. “It may feel like you’re going 35 mph, but you’re actually running well over 50. They don’t believe it until they look at the GPS.”

The V-55 also benefits from Viking’s vertical integration, including the ability to outfit the boat with a custom gap tower from the company’s subsidiary, Palm Beach Towers. The hardtop package comes with a slew of fishing and navigational features and equipment, including an integrated electric teaser-reel box, a six-rod rocket launcher and molded-in pods for spreader lights, overhead electronics, and radar antenna. Valhalla offers factory-installed electronics packages from Garmin or Simrad and custom installations of navigation, communication, and entertainment systems from Atlantic Marine Electronics, also a Viking company.

With the V-46, Valhalla was the first to design and engineer a large, designated dry space for mechanical and electrical components—a machinery room in a center-console. Accessed through an aft bulkhead door in the bunk area, the V-55’s machinery room contains the batteries and battery chargers, fire and ventilation systems, water heater, battery switches, generator, access to the electronics and fuel-management systems, as well as optional systems including a watermaker, water purifier and sonar tube. A 15 kW ­genset is standard, ensuring ample power for air conditioning, refrigeration, and operation of the Seakeeper 9.

Read Next: Find out more about the Scrub Island Invitational here .

The boat’s twin insulated 110-gallon fish boxes—which can be refrigerated—flank the centerline Seakeeper hatch and the lazarette, and all are finished with white gelcoat for better visibility and maintenance. Fuel filters, bilge pumps and switches, livewell and fish-box pumps, livewell manifolds, a Hooker Electric sea chest system, Reverso automatic outboard freshwater flushing system, and other components are expertly installed, neatly labeled, and readily accessible in the lazarette.

“In every way, this boat goes above and beyond,” Healey says. “We’ve raised the bar in this market segment of 50-plus-foot ­center-consoles by leading in every important aspect for this size and style of boat: fuel capacity, beam, hull design, ­engineering, equipment, fishability, and Viking-level accommodations.”

• More: Boat Reviews , Boats , Center Console Boats , July 2023 , Outboard Boats , Small Craft Advisory , Valhalla Boatworks

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