The Xc45 Sailboat
Specs & Key Performance Indicators

The Xc45, a light displacement aft-cockpit sloop, was designed by Niels Jeppesen and built in Denmark by X-Yachts.

An Xc45 sailboat at anchorAn Xc45

Published Specification for the Xc45

Underwater Profile: Bulb fin keel & spade rudder

Hull Material: GRP (Fibreglass)

Length Overall: 45'6" (13.9m)

Waterline Length: 41'10" (4.3m)

Beam: 14'2" (12.8m)

Draft: 7'3" (2.2m)

Rig Type: Fractional sloop

Displacement: 29,145lb (13,220kg)

Designer: Niels Jeppesen

Builder: X-Yachts (Denmark)

Year First Built: 2008

Published Design Ratios for the Xc45

1. Sail Area/Displacement Ratio: 20.4

  • Less than 16 would be considered under-powered;
  • 16 to 20 would indicate reasonably good performance;
  • Over 20 suggests relatively high performance.

2. Ballast/Displacement Ratio: 43.4

  • Under 40: less stiff, less powerful
  • Over 40: stiffer, more powerful

3. Displacement/Length Ratio: 177

  • Under 100: Ultralight
  • 100 to 200: Light
  • 200 to 275: Moderate
  • 275 to 350: Heavy
  • Over 350: Ultraheavy

4. Comfort Ratio: 30.7

  • Under 20 indicates a lightweight racing boat
  • 20 to 30 indicates a coastal cruiser
  • 30 to 40 indicates a moderate offshore cruising boat
  • 40 to 50 indicates a heavy offshore boat
  • Over 50 indicates an extremely heavy offshore boat

5. Capsize Screening Formula: 1.9

  • Under 2.0 (the lower the better): Better suited for ocean passages
  • Over 2.0: Less suited for ocean passages

read more about these Key Performance Indicators...

Summary Analysis of the Design Ratios for the Xc45

1. A Sail Area/Displacement Ratio of 20.4 suggests that, in the right hands, the Xc45 will have enough performance to leave most other sailboats of similar waterline length well astern. 

2. A Ballast/Displacement Ratio of 43.4 means that the Xc45 will stand up well to her canvas in a blow, helping her to power through the waves.

3. A Displacement/Length Ratio of 177, tells us the Xc45 is clearly a light displacement sailboat. If she's loaded with too much heavy cruising gear her performance will suffer to a degree.

4. Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio of 30.7 suggests that crew comfort of a Xc45 in a seaway is similar to what you would associate with the motion of a moderate bluewater cruising boat - a predictable and acceptable motion for most seasoned sailors.

5. The Capsize Screening Formula (CSF) of 1.9 indicates that a Xc45 would be a safer choice of sailboat for an ocean passage than one with a CSF of more than 2.0. 

Other sailboats in the X-Boats range include:


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