When the X 4.3 was launched in 2016, it was still called the X4 and was the nucleus of the current Pure-X model range, which was positioned between the Xc (cruising) and Xp (performance) ranges at the time. With the introduction of further sizes, the 41-footer was later given the name X 4.3 and became a successful model.
The striking thing is that although the hull and deck are new, it is difficult to tell the two generations apart visually. This is also due to the fact that hardly anything has changed in terms of the core data. Although the length has increased by 17 centimetres, this is due to the extended carbon fibre gennaker nose, which is now fitted as standard. The waterline has only increased by two centimetres. The biggest change concerns the width - nominally only four centimetres, but the hull now retains its full width all the way to the stern. As a result, the transom is around half a metre wider, which has a significant impact on the space in the cockpit and aft compartments.
More dimensional stability with the X 4.3
According to X-Yachts, however, the focus of the design change was less on space than on the greater dimensional stability of the hull. The new design is intended to develop significantly more righting moment in the upright position and thus absorb gusts even better. The draught remains unchanged at 2.20 metres, but according to the specifications, the new boat is around 550 kilograms heavier than the previous version.
We were able to test how the changes are noticeable in practice on the Baltic Sea off Heiligenhafen. The first construction number delivered to the shipyard owner Ib Kunøe was available. The boat was equipped with extras, including the optional one metre higher carbon fibre rig with furler boom and the 2.5 metre deep performance keel. In addition, 3Di sails from North including a gennaker, teak covering on the side decks and superstructure as well as upgrades to the fittings and engine, a retractable bow thruster and various individual items in the interior. The standard equipment includes a rod rig with furling system installed below deck and the complete shore connection along with charging technology, an electric anchor wiper and a particularly efficient and quiet cooling compressor with water cooling.
High-quality production
As with all Pure-X models, the fuselage consists of a glass fibre foam sandwich and is produced using a vacuum infusion process with epoxy resin. To maximise the strength of the resin and prevent subsequent shrinkage of the laminate, the finished hull is annealed at 80 degrees for around 24 hours. The keel and rigging forces are absorbed by a galvanised steel frame integrated into the hull. The boat can also be craned onto this using a hot eye without straps.
In addition to the T-keel with a draught of 2.50 metres that we sailed, there is also a standard T-keel with a draught of 2.20 metres and an L-shaped flat keel with a draught of 1.85 metres. The fin is made of cast iron and the bomb is made of lead. The keels are coated with an epoxy laminate in a mould, which ensures optimum profiling and the necessary corrosion protection for the cast iron.
The Danes manufacture the deck in the classic hand lay-up process with polyester resin, whereby a foam core is also used here.
The X 4.3 under sail
Back to practice: After setting the sails very comfortably thanks to the electric winch and furling boom, a spectacularly unspectacular cross followed. Once set, the X 4.3 pulled cleanly to windward with a true wind angle of 43 degrees and a good 7.2 knots of boat speed, and even the gusty wind between 12 and 19 knots could not upset her.
The righting moment of the deep keel and the high stability of the wide stern are noticeable here. The boat locks into position at around 15 degrees and only accelerates. This heeling angle is also ideal for the helmsman's fold-out footrests.
Full control despite single rudder blade
In combination with a single rudder blade, a wide stern is not unproblematic. When heeling heavily, there is a risk that the fin will be lifted out of the water, which almost inevitably results in a stall and sun shot. To counter this risk, the X 4.3 has an enlarged blade with modified pre-balancing. This allows the boat to remain controllable for a very long time, but also gives the helmsman very precise feedback on the pressure conditions. In other words, the steering forces clearly warn the helmsman to change the trim long before the situation could become critical. We had already observed similar behaviour a few days earlier with the smaller sister X 4.0. Regatta cracks may find this a little annoying, but less experienced helmsmen will find it easier to steer and trim the yacht, especially as the current on the blade is really very robust. Even under gennaker, we were unable to explore the limits of the rudder. With a courageous steering intervention, the ship could always be safely stopped.
Speaking of the gennaker: the longer, firmly glued nose means that the space wind sail can be around six per cent larger than on the previous model. The test boat was equipped with a comparatively flat sail with top-down furler and anti-torsion cable integrated in the luff. In view of the wind conditions and the good control, the boat could have done with an even more powerful sail. It was only possible to scratch the nine-knot mark when the sail was pointed.
Improvements in detail
The Danes have improved the ergonomics and fittings. In the old model, the seat height for the helmsman was tight, as he had to sit directly on the side deck. This problem is solved by a slightly raised deck that follows the course of the cockpit coaming. This means that the distance for the lower legs is correct and not every drop of water that runs aft on the side deck ends up on the seat of the helmsman's trousers.
The position of the mainsheet winches has also been improved. They are positioned further aft, making it easier to work on them when sailing single-handed. Nevertheless, there is still enough space between the winch and the wheel for a dedicated mainsheet trimmer. With a 46-fold reduction ratio, the Harken winches are well dimensioned. Thanks to the upgraded carriage from Ronstan, larger sheet blocks and additional gear reduction, the Traveller can also be trimmed well.
The genoa winches further forward on the coaming cannot be reached from the wheel. In addition, 46 mm models are also installed there as standard, which is a bit tight. It is better to choose the optional 50 mm winches there. At least if you are travelling with the intended 106 percent genoa. A self-tacking jib can also be ordered. The recess required for the rail is provided in the deck and is closed by a cover in the basic version to prevent dirt from collecting.
The side line of the superstructure is virtually unchanged, but the genoa sheets are no longer concealed, and the guide for the centreboard adjustment has also been modified, which looks a little less elegant.
The wide, easily accessible running decks have been retained. Together with the low superstructure, this results in a very flat and clear view from the helm. Thanks to the wheels being positioned around ten centimetres further out, you have an even better view of the foresail. Changing sides from one wheel to the other is still easy, while at the same time the passageway gains a full 20 centimetres.
The X 4.3 offers more space below deck
The storage compartments in the rear have increased significantly. They not only benefit from the additional width, but also from the cockpit floor, which has been raised by around six centimetres. The starboard locker has also been slightly enlarged, while the storage compartment on the port side has been sacrificed for headroom in the aft compartment.
This is also where the biggest changes to the interior can be seen. The additional width creates significantly more space. The lifted cockpit floor and modified interior panelling provide almost ten centimetres more headroom. This has also allowed the bunk to be raised slightly, which provides a little more sleeping space.
With a shoulder width measured by us of 1.53 metres and a length of just under two metres, the aft compartments are now actually suitable double berths. Theoretically, even wider berths would be possible, but the space to the ship's side is limited by a structural stiffener in the hull. Pleasingly, the footwell is not only sufficiently wide, but also high enough.
Thanks to enlarged hull windows, a window to the cockpit and a deck hatch, the cabins are also very bright and can be well ventilated. Storage space is provided by a cupboard, a large drawer and a compartment under the berths. The rest is taken up by technical equipment. The relatively large open space on the side of the boat can be fitted with a sea berth or an open shelf if required.
Also worth mentioning: the engine and saildrive are easily accessible from the aft compartments thanks to two service hatches and removable panelling, but are also well encapsulated. Our noise measurement at a cruising speed of 7.5 knots showed a maximum of 72 decibels (A) aft at bunk height. In the saloon it was only 67 decibels and in the foredeck just 60 decibels.
The comfort you expect
The test boat is equipped with three compartments and two heads compartments. This means that the starboard aft cabin is slightly smaller and can be accessed through the aft wet room. The compartment can be separated from the washroom by a door, while the washroom door closes either to the saloon or to the separate shower and toilet room. This layout already existed on the previous model and can also be found on Dehler, for example. The modified hull shape gives the aft washroom a little more volume, but this is mainly due to the depth of the mirror cabinet and the associated increase in storage space. The move away from the free-standing porcelain basin in favour of the classic washbasin with integrated GRP basin is much more striking. "The designer washbasins look chic, but were a little impractical in practice," says X-Yachts dealer Torsten Schauer.
The layout of the galley and saloon is unchanged from the previous model. The galley offers plenty of well-organised storage space and a decent work surface. As mentioned, a water-cooled refrigerator compartment is fitted as standard. A freezer compartment can be added on request. An additional 65-litre refrigerator can also be installed in the pantry block. A microwave and a pull-out Nespresso machine are also on the options list.
The ventilation options have been significantly improved by the surface-mounted windows. Individual frames are now fitted instead of fixed panes. Thanks to the projecting panes, the construction looks like a continuous window strip from the outside. However, the panes actually consist of four segments, two of which can be opened on each side to provide cross ventilation. This sensible solution can also be found on the smaller sister X 4.0 and at some other shipyards.
The navigator has to live with confinement
Even on a 41-footer, three compartments and two washrooms require compromises. On the X 4.3, this applies above all to navigation. The table is very small and has a compartment in which even sports boat charts only fit when folded. In addition, the seating position is not really comfortable. The rounded hull means that the footwell is higher, which means that the seat height is reduced. The back cushion also means that there is not enough width to sit up straight in front of the table.
If you want a fully-fledged navigation area, you will have to do without the starboard aft cabin. In this layout variant, the rear wet room is moved aft. This creates space for a large navigation table with its own seat arranged in the direction of travel.
The arrangement of the saloon, which is familiar from the previous model, is equally good in all versions. With a length of 2.23 metres, the seating area takes up a relatively large part of the boat. This makes a generous impression and provides sufficient seating for dining even when the cabin is fully occupied. The X's saloon table is still one of the best folding solutions on the market. Not only is it a good size, it is also stable and does not require any wobbly special fittings or supports.
The continuous, downward-opening upper cabinets offer storage options. There is hardly any space under the bunks, as the diesel and water tanks as well as the consumer batteries are installed there to minimise weight.
At the front is the owner's area on the 4.3.
By far the most comfortable compartment of the X 4.3 is the forward cabin. In the version tested, the forward wet room can be separated from the saloon so that the owner's area is completely self-sufficient. The size of the washroom has to be compromised, for example the toilet cannot be covered and is inevitably washed when showering, but this is not unusual given the size of the boat. In addition, all surfaces are well sealed and smooth so that they are easy to dry again.
In view of the en-suite bathroom, the freedom of movement in the cabin is good, and the storage space should not run out any time soon. In addition to the large cupboard on the starboard side, the bunk in particular offers unimagined volume. The head section of the well-dimensioned island bed can be conveniently opened, supported by gas pressure springs, to reveal two very large compartments. A retractable bow thruster is installed in front of it. The batteries for this still fit under the floor of the large storage compartments. If this locker space is not enough, all-round lockers can be ordered.
The owner's cabin is not only large, but also very bright and airy. Depending on the sleeping direction you choose, you can look directly into the starry sky through the skylight or enjoy the sunrise through the hull windows.
Not just an update
All in all, the new X 4.3 is a successful update that contains more than the strong similarity to the previous model would suggest. The upgraded fittings and the slightly different layout improve the already good usability. The wide stern creates significantly more space in the cockpit and the aft compartments without having a negative impact when sailing. In addition, the build quality is impressive, both in terms of the GRP finish and the woodwork. Rough or unsealed cut edges, uneven gaps or poor fits are nowhere to be found on the X. The quality is also right at second glance. The same applies to the installation of pipes, tanks and cables.
However, the new 4.3 also retains another X-Yachts characteristic: It is not cheap.
Yacht rating
The new X 4.3 offers a good compromise between cruising comfort and sailing performance. The steering behaviour makes the sporty boat easy to handle. The build quality is high
Design and concept
- + Expansion and technology variable
- + High-quality equipment
- + Complete basic equipment
Sailing performance and trim
- + Great stability
- + Good sailing characteristics
- + Balanced control behaviour
Living and finishing quality
- + Very clean processing
- + Plenty of space and storage space
- - Navi in 3-chamber boat narrow
Equipment and technology
- + Good fitting equipment
- + Very clean installation
- + Well insulated machine
Technical data
- CE design category A
- Hull length 12.67 m
- Total length 13.24 m
- Waterline length 11.33 m
- Width 3.99 m
- Draught/altern. 2,20/1,85/2,50 m
- Mast height above WL 20.70 m
- Theoretical hull speed 8.2 knots
- Weight 9.4 tonnes
- Ballast/proportion 3.7 t/39 %
- Mainsail 55.0 m2
- Furling genoa (106 %) 45.0 m2
- Engine (Yanmar) 33 kW/45 hp
- Fuel tank 200 litres
- Fresh water tank 340 litres
- Holding tank 55 litres
Sailing performance
(Wind speed: 12 to 18 kn (4-5 Bft), wave height: smooth water * with gennaker)
- 43° 7.2 kn
- 60° 8.2 kn
- 90° 8.7 kn
- 120° * 8.9 kn
- 150° * 8.5 kn
Potential
STZ = 4.7
The sail load capacity suits the sporty cruiser, and thanks to its high stability, the canvas can be ridden for a long time
(Dimensionless number. Calculation: 2√S/3√V. The higher the value, the more sail area (S) the ship has in relation to the displacement)
Hull and deck construction
- Hull Vacuum infusion sandwich with foam core, epoxy resin and E-glass. Deck polyester sandwich. Steel strongback
- Draught There are three variants, the flat keel with 1.85 metres is L-shaped and costs around 16,000 euros extra
- Engine The test boat was fitted with the 57 hp upgrade engine. The standard engine delivers 45 hp and should be sufficient
- Deck coveringAnti-slip is standard, Flexiteek or real wood can be ordered, both cost the same
Base price ex shipyard
457,345 € incl. VAT (as at May 2023)
Guarantee/against osmosis
2/5 years
Shipyard
X-Yachts, Haderslev/Denmark; www.x-yachts.com
Distribution
X-Yachts Germany: Flensburg and Heiligenhafen;
www.x-yachts.de
This article first appeared in YACHT 13/2022 and has been modified for this online version
