2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 vs 2004 Oyster 46 — Comparison

2012 X-Yachts Xc 42
VS
2004 Oyster 462004 Oyster 46

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2012 X-Yachts Xc 422004 Oyster 46
General
ManufacturerX-YachtsOyster
Year2012–20182004–2010
TypeSloopSloop
CountryDenmarkUnited Kingdom
DesignerNiels JeppesenRob Humphreys
Dimensions
LOA12.73 m (41.8 ft)14.02 m (46.0 ft)
LWL10.90 m (35.8 ft)11.60 m (38.1 ft)
Beam3.93 m (12.9 ft)4.20 m (13.8 ft)
Draft2.10 m (6.9 ft)2.05 m (6.7 ft)
Weight
Displacement9,800 kg (21,605 lbs)12,500 kg (27,558 lbs)
Ballast3,600 kg (7,937 lbs)4,800 kg (10,582 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area79.0 m² (850 ft²)90.0 m² (969 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine55 HP75 HP
Fuel Capacity150 L (39.6 gal)250 L (66.0 gal)
Water Capacity300 L (79.3 gal)450 L (118.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths77
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2012 X-Yachts Xc 42
17.52
2004 Oyster 46
16.97
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2012 X-Yachts Xc 42
36.73
2004 Oyster 46
38.40
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2012 X-Yachts Xc 42
0.74
2004 Oyster 46
0.73
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2012 X-Yachts Xc 42
18.55
2004 Oyster 46
18.69

Detailed Comparison

The 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 and 2004 Oyster 46 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 is a modern design by X-Yachts from Denmark, while the 2004 Oyster 46 is a 2000s offering from Oyster from United Kingdom. The 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 was penned by Niels Jeppesen. The 2004 Oyster 46 was designed by Rob Humphreys.

In terms of size, the 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 measures 12.73m (41.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.93m, compared to the 2004 Oyster 46 at 14.02m (46.0ft) with a 4.20m beam. The 2004 Oyster 46 is 1.29m longer than the 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42. The 2004 Oyster 46 displaces approximately 28% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.52 and 79.0 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 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.6) 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 36.7% for the 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 and 38.4% for the 2004 Oyster 46, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 300L of water capacity and 150L of fuel. The 2004 Oyster 46 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 450L water and 250L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2004 Oyster 46 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 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 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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