Design and Construction
The Xc 47 measures just under 50 feet overall, including the bowsprit, with a hull length of 47 feet 2 inches and a beam of 15 feet. Light displacement is 32,849 pounds, of which 12,103 pounds is ballast.
X-Yachts builds the boat with a full vacuum-infused epoxy/e-glass sandwich, its signature steel frame, and carbon-fiber reinforcement in high-load areas. Solid laminate surrounds the keel, rudder posts, and through-hulls, while the chainplate structure, main bulkhead, and door frames receive carbon-fiber reinforcement.
The hull combines deep V-shaped bow sections and generous rocker with a higher stern overhang than previous Xc models, while the aft section is a modern, wider stern with a subtle soft chine for extra form stability and improved performance. A modern, wider aft section has a subtle soft chine for extra form stability and improved performance. Yachting Monthly describes the hull volume as grown forward and aft, with higher topsides and coachroof, while retaining a deep V forefoot and pronounced rocker. It also describes the higher, longer stern overhang and enclosed transom as aiding seaworthiness and load-carrying.
Flexiteek decks provide decent grip, and the Xc 47 carries an RCD Category A rating.
Rig, Steering, and Performance
Shorthanded sailing safety and ease were an immense focus of the design. Four self-tailing winches sit ahead of the helming positions, handling halyards, reefing and control lines, and sheets. The relevant trim lines run through channels beneath the deck to the steering position, with jammers within reach of the helmsman.
A German mainsheet system operates from both sides. The traveller has moved out of the cockpit to a position ahead of the sprayhood, and sail handling is concentrated in the aft part of the cockpit.
Twin 100 cm composite wheels—up from 90 cm and set at the same comfortable height as those on the X5.6—connect through Jefa steering to a single deep rudder. Compared with the Xc 50, there is about 6 cm more space between each wheel and the aft cockpit locker, improving comfort at the helm.
Test sailors found that the Xc 47 needed around 8 knots of true wind to get properly moving. On the wind in 10–14 knots apparent, however, she nudged past 7.5 knots. With an asymmetric spinnaker set from the integrated bowsprit, she topped 7 knots in 8 knots apparent and still made 4.5 knots in 5 knots. Once powered up, she developed a touch more weather helm than one tester liked, but backstay and halyard tension easily remedied it.
Cockpit and Deck Gear
The deep, well-protected cockpit has an enclosed transom, wide coamings, and long benches kept to a sensible width for bracing. Behind the wheels is a full-width seating area, with a sunbathing space near the transom. In harbour, the enclosed transom seats create two sunbathing spaces.
The cockpit table has large folding leaves and incorporates a deep cool box. Engine-start, autopilot, and anchor-counter controls sit at its aft end. Twelve lines lead aft, six on each side, while rope bins hide behind the coaming backrests. Instrument pedestals at the helms angle the plotter for visibility and also form a backrest for the crew.
Optional davits are rated to carry 150 kg each and 200 kg in total. With a dinghy hanging from them, the helmsman retains a clear view over it. After launching, the davits can lie on the bathing platform or stow in a step-down locker.
The large anchor locker swallowed 100 m of chain with room to spare. A cavernous, step-in lazarette can hold a folded dinghy, boards, fenders, and a gas-strut liferaft.
Accommodation
The Xc 47 is a semi deck-saloon design with a two-level coachroof, huge windows, a full-width forward-facing window abaft the mast, and hull windows throughout. It is also the first X-Yacht with a stepped cabin sole.
The saloon has 220 cm of headroom, a deep, soft sofa to starboard, and C-shaped seating to port. Using the chart table’s movable seat and the unfolded coffee table, the space can seat eight. It also converts into a large day bed, complete with a pull-up screen and projector.
The forward cabin has more than 210 cm of headroom and a berth larger than super-kingsize. Aft, the twin cabins convert into large doubles with an insert. Altogether, the boat sleeps six comfortably. Webbing baskets running on rails organize the stowage beneath the berths.
Both the owner’s ensuite and the main aft heads have separate shower compartments. Fresh- and salt-water electric flushing toilets are fitted fore and aft.
The galley includes three columns of deep drawers, a fridge, a freezer, a three-burner oven, and a centreline double sink. Four large coachroof hatches and two louvred galley ports provide ventilation.
A proper forward-facing chart table controls and monitors the boat’s electrics and electronics. A niche beneath the chart-table drawers provides space for the navigator’s feet.
Known Issues
The only frustration flagged during sea trials was the strainer’s awkward position at the aft end of the engine bay.
The recessed jib tracks also can’t tighten the leach of a partially furled headsail.
Verdict
The Xc 47 is a considered move into a new market segment for X-Yachts: a 15-tonne bluewater cruiser with the volume, window area, and systems needed for living aboard on long passages. At the same time, its rig and deck layout are clearly engineered so that a couple can handle the boat alone.
Construction combines the builder’s familiar steel frame with vacuum-infused epoxy and targeted carbon reinforcement. Its performance in modest breezes is strong for its displacement. Details in both the cockpit and accommodation—from the forward-facing chart table to the convertible saloon—suggest a design shaped around practical offshore use rather than showroom effect.
Pros
- New XCruising generation with a vacuum-infused epoxy sandwich and carbon-reinforced high-load areas
- Rig and trim lines arranged for safe, easy shorthanded sailing from the helm
- Generous, well-windowed accommodation, with flexible aft cabins and a proper navigation station
- Strong light- to mid-air performance for a 15-tonne cruiser
Cons
- Water strainer at the aft end of the engine compartment is awkward to reach
- Recessed jib tracks can’t tighten the leach of a partially furled headsail
