2014 X-Yachts Xp 50 vs 1990 Nautor Swan 53 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2014 X-Yachts Xp 50 | 1990 Nautor Swan 53 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | X-Yachts | Nautor Swan |
| Year | 2014 | 1990–1999 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Denmark | Finland |
| Designer | Niels Jeppesen | German Frers |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 15.12 m (49.6 ft) | 16.15 m (53.0 ft) |
| LWL | 13.50 m (44.3 ft) | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) |
| Beam | 4.38 m (14.4 ft) | 4.40 m (14.4 ft) |
| Draft | 2.70 m (8.9 ft) | 2.50 m (8.2 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 12,500 kg (27,558 lbs) | 17,237 kg (38,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 4,700 kg (10,362 lbs) | 6,804 kg (15,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 118.0 m² (1,270 ft²) | 112.0 m² (1,206 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 75 HP | 100 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 350 L (92.5 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 350 L (92.5 gal) | 550 L (145.3 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 3 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2014 X-Yachts Xp 50 and 1990 Nautor Swan 53 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2014 X-Yachts Xp 50 is a modern design by X-Yachts from Denmark, while the 1990 Nautor Swan 53 is a 1990s offering from Nautor Swan from Finland. The 2014 X-Yachts Xp 50 was penned by Niels Jeppesen. The 1990 Nautor Swan 53 was designed by German Frers.
In terms of size, the 2014 X-Yachts Xp 50 measures 15.12m (49.6ft) overall with a beam of 4.38m, compared to the 1990 Nautor Swan 53 at 16.15m (53.0ft) with a 4.40m beam. The 1990 Nautor Swan 53 is 1.03m longer than the 2014 X-Yachts Xp 50. The 1990 Nautor Swan 53 displaces approximately 38% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2014 X-Yachts Xp 50 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 22.25 and 118.0 m² of sail area. The 1990 Nautor Swan 53, with an SA/D of 17.05 and 112.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2014 X-Yachts Xp 50 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2014 X-Yachts Xp 50 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 13.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.76). The 1990 Nautor Swan 53 has a comfort ratio of 19.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.68. The ballast ratios are 37.6% for the 2014 X-Yachts Xp 50 and 39.5% for the 1990 Nautor Swan 53, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2014 X-Yachts Xp 50 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 350L of water capacity and 200L of fuel. The 1990 Nautor Swan 53 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 550L water and 350L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1990 Nautor Swan 53 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 X-Yachts Xp 50 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: 2014 X-Yachts Xp 50 · 1990 Nautor Swan 53