The X-342 is part of a used boat comparison test:
You can easily find the perfect yacht for 40,000 euros. But: buy cheap and invest or would you rather spend it all and set off straight away? We tested five yachts to find out:
What a difference a metre in length makes. Because although the X-342 is a rather sporty representative of its class, which does not usually speak in favour of space miracles below deck, the saloon has an airy feel to it. Large windows naturally help, as does the bright ceiling panelling - but also 1.20 metres more length than the Bavaria, with the same width.
Designer Niels Jeppesen invested the extra length primarily in the berths. That's good in itself, but it doesn't help if the width decreases so much towards the bow that you can't fit two pairs of feet in there. This is better in the aft berth, even though it also shrinks to a width of just 93 centimetres.
Berth dimensions
The mast, which has been pushed through, provides moisture in the bilge, so the small sump is a welcome detail. The same applies to the oil locker behind the head compartment, which also drains into the bilge. The strongback, which holds the keel bolts, is also located there. It is essential to check that the connection to the hull is intact and that there are no visible signs of rust.
The interior is in good condition, a little care here and there, and everything fits again. The upholstery is gone. Both the covers and the foams should be discarded. With replacements, the X immediately looks much fresher - and is an exciting yacht.
If you know how, the X-342 becomes a fun racer
She could be a fountain of youth. Tired of the all-too-comfortable, established roller-sail cruising, the man in his late forties buys a boat like this. The children are old enough to lend a hand on board, and the owner himself is no longer planning a summer cruise in winter, but is instead going to the gym to build up his muscles. After all, the baking days need to be enforced quickly and consistently. And gradually the bored family sailing community becomes a real regatta crew. Not in the first year, and depending on your ambitions, not in the following year either, but after that you might even win a race or two. Sport for the whole family, you have to want it, with all the consequences.
Because the hardware on the deck of the test boat will quickly cause annoyance with an ambitious driving style. Old, poorly maintained, worn out - it needs to be new. Then the sails. These can also be of an up-to-date nature. And in the evening, the sails are unfurled in the harbour, even on a holiday cruise. The forward cabin is partly covered by the spinnaker. And a cockpit table? So please!
If you can put up with that, the X-342 is a fun boat. Like a young friend, it always has new ideas. It offers constant challenges on the water. If you want to push the boat to its limits, you need to know exactly what you are doing. It's not so much about ratings, but rather about what is feasible. The 342 was finally designed in the fading IOR era without the excesses of the formula. This makes it fast and, above all, stable. A ship to try out once.
The X-342 in detail
Technical data
- Designer: Niels Jeppesen
- Quantity: 105
- Hull length: 10.65 m
- Width: 3.28 m
- Draught: 1.85 m
- Weight: 4.2 tonnes
- Ballast/proportion: 1.95 t/46 %
- Sail area (genoa 150 % ): 66,0 m²
- Sail carrying capacity: 5.0
- Engine (Volvo): 13 kW/18 hp
Hull and deck construction
Hull and deck sandwich, hand lay-up, steel strongback, lead keel with steel fin
Model history
The X-342 has always been built as it is; the test boat with swept spreaders is an exception. The only alternative: a top rig, but this does not match the nature of the boat
Market situation
- A few 342s are on offer throughout Europe
- Prices from 40 to 55,000 euros* depending on condition
* Status 2020
YACHT rating
Sporty boat that also wants to be sailed like this. More suitable for touring with a rare top rig. Plenty of space below deck, long berths
Design and concept
- + Large salon
- + Good berth dimensions
- - Height above WC
Living and finishing quality
- + Seaworthy extension with handrails
- - Little cupboard space
- - Narrow forecastle and passageway
Used boat comparison test:
The big YACHT used boat special:
- New, used or chartered - here's what to consider
- Which type of boat is the right one? Decision-making aids
- Buying a used boat: Your guide through the online jungle
- Own inspection or surveyor? What you need to look out for
- How to avoid traps in the purchase contract
- The boat is bought - what's next? The first steps
- What insurance do I need for my boat?
