X4/4³ Information, Review, Specs

The X4/4³ began production in 2016, joining X-Yachts' critically acclaimed Pure X range, which aims to integrate the advanced build technology from their high-performance Xperformance range with luxurious comfort. Designed by Niels Jeppesen, a co-founder of X-Yachts, the vessel reflects his philosophy of open-minded design and a deep understanding of what constitutes a true sailing yacht. X-Yachts, as a builder, has consistently emphasized structural integrity, often summarized by their mantra "A stiff, stiffer, stiffest hull!", ensuring their yachts deliver a responsive and exhilarating sailing experience. This ethos is evident in the X4/4³, which is constructed with a robust fiberglass foam core hull and deck.

The design has seen refinement, with the X4³ MkII featuring a new hull design that incorporates a wider transom and lifted soft chines, contributing to enhanced form stability. Owners have options to tailor the boat to their sailing preferences, with several draft configurations available: a standard draft of 7.2 feet, a shallow L-keel at 6.1 feet, and a deep T-keel extending to 8.2 feet.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 23.08, the X4/4³ exhibits strong light-air performance, suggesting it can accelerate quickly and maintain speed even in lighter breezes. Its ballast to displacement ratio of around 0.429 indicates a high degree of stiffness and stability, allowing the boat to stand up well to a considerable amount of wind without excessive heeling, providing a comfortable and secure motion offshore. Furthermore, a displacement to length ratio of approximately 170.45 positions the X4/4³ as a moderately light, performance-oriented cruiser, rather than a heavy, traditional displacement vessel.

These characteristics translate into a boat that is described as a "dream to sail into wind and waves," offering an engaging and enjoyable experience at the helm. Sailors consistently praise its balanced handling and its ability to achieve fast passage making in comfort. The new hull design, particularly with its wider transom and soft chines, noticeably enhances the boat's form stability, contributing to its responsive and predictable behavior in varying sea states.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior headroom information is not available, the X4/4³, like other models in the Pure X range, is designed with a keen eye for "clean, timeless style" characteristic of Danish design, blending luxury with functional practicality. The interior spaces are crafted to be both aesthetically pleasing and highly liveable, offering a comfortable environment for extended cruising.

Ventilation and natural light are prioritized, with the MkII model featuring eleven fixed hull and deck port lights and twelve opening deck hatches and port lights. The typical interior arrangement generally includes a well-appointed owner's cabin forward, which often boasts a substantial double berth with convenient side access and a pair of generously sized hanging lockers. The layout emphasizes practical use of space, incorporating a proper navigation station and a well-equipped galley designed for seagoing conditions, common features within the Pure X range.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the X4/4³ frequently express high satisfaction, particularly praising its compelling blend of sailing performance and comfort. Many choose the X4/4³ for its capability to deliver "fast passage making in comfort," underscoring its dual appeal as both a capable cruiser and a spirited performer. The meticulous build quality and robust construction, hallmarks of X-Yachts, contribute to a sense of confidence and pride among owners, aligning with the brand's reputation for enduring value and a superior sailing experience.