Launched in 2013, the Xp 55 was designed by X-Yachts’ in-house team under Niels Jeppesen. In 2017, it received a restyled exterior and new interior. Cruising World described the boat as part of a deliberate performance-cruiser lineage, while SAIL later named it Best Flagship Monohull in its 2019 Best Boats competition. The model is no longer in production, but its vacuum-infused epoxy construction and carbon-reinforced structure remain a benchmark for the marque’s Xp approach.
Design and Construction
The Xp 55 has a foam-cored sandwich hull, vacuum-infused with epoxy resin and then post-cured in an oven to lock in the resin matrix. Carbon-fiber reinforcements strengthen high-load areas.
X-Yachts replaced the steel keel grid used in earlier models with a lighter carbon-fiber and epoxy structure that absorbs rig and engine loads. Inside the hull, a massive carbon-fiber grid supports the bolted-on T-bulb keel, which has a cast-iron fin and lead bulb. Composite chainplates made with unidirectional and multiaxial fibers are laminated into the hull.
Forward, two collision bulkheads separate the chain and anchor lockers from each other and from the interior. With a displacement-to-length ratio near 143 and a sporty 37,038-pound displacement carrying 14,330 pounds of standard ballast, the Xp 55 comes across as a stiff, light-volume cruiser-racer rather than a heavy voyager.
Rig and Sail Handling
Both available rig options use standard rod rigging. An aluminum mast and boom are standard, paired with Elvstrøm sails; the upgrade is a carbon-fiber spar with in-boom furling.
SAIL’s test boat carried the optional Hall Spars carbon rig and North 3Di sails. It also had oversized Harken Performa winches and full hydraulics for vang and backstay tension. A pair of Harken Performance winches sits within reach of either wheel.
A belowdecks Harken headsail furler keeps the bow clear, while its drum remains accessible through the deep chain locker hatch. Control lines from the mast run aft belowdeck to the twin helms. Because of the dinghy garage’s location, the double-ended German mainsheet leads to a single fixed centerline block on the cockpit sole. Line-controlled cars adjust the jib-sheet leads on tracks mounted inboard by the cabin sides.
Performance Under Sail
The Xp 55 showed good ability in light air. SAIL’s tester steered to 28 degrees apparent in 4.5 knots of true wind while maintaining 4 knots of boatspeed. Cracking off to 32 degrees increased speed to 4.5 knots. Under a Code 0 at close-reaching angles of 55 to 80 degrees apparent, the boat sailed at true wind speed in the mid-to-high 6s. Even at 140 degrees apparent, she kept moving at 5 knots.
Cruising World’s tester found her a bit tender hard on the wind in 12 knots with little chop. She also carried a fair amount of weather helm that couldn’t easily be bled off with the traveler. Closehauled, she made 8.1 knots over the ground; after cracking onto a reach, the speedometer jumped to 8.6 knots and the strain on the wheel eased.
Engine and Systems Access
Under power, the turbocharged 110 hp Yanmar turns a three-blade Flexofold propeller on a straight shaft. It drove the boat at 7 knots at 1,800 rpm and nearly 10 knots at 3,300 rpm.
The engine bay is sumptuous and provides good access, an example of the build quality carried into less visible parts of the boat.
Accommodations
Below, the Xp 55 is spacious and finished with rich standard joinery in Nordic oak. Teak-and-holly or walnut soles and darker teak options also appear across the range.
The standard layout includes twin aft cabins and a forward en-suite owner’s stateroom. The owner’s cabin, set behind a watertight bulkhead, has an island queen berth. Both aft staterooms earn praise for their vertical clearance and ventilation. An optional third head takes away some galley space.
In the saloon, a U-shaped settee and centerline bench wrap around a large folding teak table to port, with a long settee opposite. At the foot of the companionway, a large L-shaped galley to port includes twin centerline sinks, ample counter space, and a large top-loading fridge and freezer. A full-size navigation desk sits opposite.
Deck and Cockpit
The wide deck and low-profile coachroof make moving around straightforward. Hatches sit flush, and the dodger folds into a recessed channel in the coachroof.
Ahead of the twin wheels, the cockpit is open and roomy enough for crew or guests. A fold-away cockpit table disappears into the sole. The wheels turn a single deep spade rudder, and visibility from either helm is good, although the seats are somewhat low. A raised ledge behind the wheels helps the helmsman see over the dodger.
A large dinghy locker spans the stern and closes behind an electrically operated swim platform. Natural teak decking and a fold-down transom complete the exterior arrangement.
Safety Details
The companionway has an easily handled weatherboard and a 7-inch bridge deck to guard against downflooding, a safety point noted by the tester. Forward, two collision bulkheads separate the chain and anchor lockers from each other and from the interior.
The Verdict
The Xp 55 is a refined expression of the performance-cruiser idea. Its vacuum-infused construction and carbon structure support strong light-air performance, while the spacious accommodation plan, serious galley, and full-size navigation station suit comfortable liveaboard cruising.
It will reward an owner prepared to sail and maintain a modern rig. The quality of the construction is particularly evident in the structural grid and well-finished engine bay.
Pros
- Vacuum-infused epoxy hull with carbon reinforcements and a lightweight carbon grid in place of steel
- Quick in light wind, sailing at true wind speed under Code 0 and maintaining 4 knots in 4.5 knots true
- Spacious, well-finished interior with versatile layout options and strong headroom in the aft cabins
- Thoughtful cockpit safety details, including a 7-inch bridge deck and easily handled weatherboard
Cons
- A bit tender, with noticeable weather helm hard on the wind in moderate breeze, according to the tester
- Helm seats are somewhat low despite good visibility from the twin wheels
- The optional carbon rig and hydraulics add complexity and cost compared with the standard aluminum setup
