X4³-2 Information, Review, Specs

Conceived by the highly respected X-Yachts Design Team, led by Niels Jeppesen, the X4³-2 embodies the company's core philosophy of structural integrity, precision, and an unparalleled sailing experience. 7, 13, 14, Builder Article

The X4³-2 emerged as a natural evolution in X-Yachts' "Pure X" range, following the original X4³. Its production commenced in 2022, marking a significant update to an already popular model. The design ethos behind the Pure X line, and specifically the X4³-2, aimed to offer a harmonious blend of quality, performance, and style, catering to owners desiring the best of both worlds in a sailing yacht. X-Yachts, founded in 1979 by brothers Niels and Lars Jeppesen and Birger Hansen, has consistently championed building yachts characterized by stiffness, precision, and performance. This commitment is evident in the X4³-2, which benefits from X-Yachts' advanced construction methods, including techniques like vacuum infusion, ensuring a robust yet lightweight hull.

A key distinction of the X4³-2 from its earlier version is its redesigned hull, featuring a wider transom and lifted soft chines. This modification not only updates its visual appearance but also contributes to enhanced form stability, a noticeable improvement in its handling characteristics. The yacht's design integrates lessons learned from other successful Pure X models like the X4⁶ and X4⁰, ensuring a contemporary yet functional aesthetic.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The X4³-2 is engineered for a responsive and exhilarating sailing experience, characteristic of X-Yachts' reputation. With a length overall of 43.44 feet (13.24 meters) and a waterline length of 37.17 feet (11.33 meters), it presents a powerful profile. Its fractional sloop rig, combined with a total sail area of approximately 1065.7 square feet, contributes to its lively performance.

Interpreting its key performance ratios provides further insight into its capabilities:

• Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D): At approximately 22.6, this ratio suggests excellent performance, particularly in lighter air conditions, allowing the X4³-2 to ghost along effectively while still being able to handle a breeze.
• Ballast to Displacement Ratio (B/D): With a ballast-to-displacement ratio of roughly 0.39, the X4³-2 exhibits substantial stability and stiffness, enabling it to stand up to a significant amount of wind and maintain its course efficiently. This is further complemented by its bulb keel and spade rudder, ensuring precise control.
• Displacement to Length Ratio (D/L): A D/L ratio of around 180 places the X4³-2 firmly in the category of a lighter, more performance-oriented cruiser. This indicates a yacht designed for speed and agility without compromising comfort.

Owners and reviewers consistently praise the X4³-2's handling characteristics, describing it as a "dream to sail into wind and waves." Its generous stability, modern displacement, and a sail plan that is both powerful and easy to control contribute to smooth sailing through various sea states. Under sail, the yacht is reported to comfortably achieve speeds between 7 and 9 knots, affirming its capabilities for fast passage making. The redesigned hull with its wider transom significantly enhances form stability, further solidifying its predictable and comfortable motion.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the X4³-2 reflects X-Yachts' commitment to timeless Danish design and high-quality furnishings, optimizing space for both comfort and practicality. The yacht offers flexible layout options, allowing owners to choose between a two-cabin or a three-cabin configuration, complemented by one or two heads depending on preference. This versatility caters to various cruising needs, from a couple seeking ample space to a family or group desiring additional berths. Aft cabins, in particular, benefit from the yacht's wider beam, offering increased volume.

The main salon is typically arranged with ample seating and a fold-out dining table, creating a welcoming and spacious area for relaxation and entertaining. The standard layout often includes a forward-facing navigation station, thoughtfully designed for practicality. Throughout the interior, there is a focus on high-quality materials and finishes, providing a luxurious ambiance. Storage solutions are well-integrated into each cabin and throughout the yacht, ensuring that provisions and personal belongings can be stowed efficiently for extended voyages. Natural light and ventilation are provided by eleven fixed hull and deck port lights and twelve opening deck hatches, contributing to a bright and airy interior environment.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the X4³ and its updated X4³-2 (MkII) version consistently praise its solid construction and comfortable motion in a seaway, hallmarks of X-Yachts' build quality. The "hugely successful" Mark 2 version has been well-received for its fast passage-making capabilities coupled with interior comfort. The redesign, incorporating a new hull and deck, addresses the continuous evolution of yacht design and owner expectations, leading to a yacht that is both modern and highly functional. The ownership experience is further enhanced by a strong community among X-Yachts owners, who frequently participate in rallies, races, and social events, fostering camaraderie and a shared passion for performance sailing. While specific common issues for the X4³-2 are not widely reported, the general consensus highlights the model's strengths in performance, build quality, and comfort.