It has been over 20 years since Niels Jeppesen first presented YACHT with the formula he now uses to develop new products. At the time, he described it as the "sum of all our knowledge and experience". And it almost sounded as if there could be no improvement after that.
In fact, the X-43 launched in spring 2000 marked the beginning of a hugely successful era, the forerunner of what X-Yachts today describes somewhat awkwardly but quite accurately as a "luxury performance cruiser".
Designed more for cruising than racing, the X-43 was the brand's first production boat with hull windows, the first with a foresail furling system installed below deck, the first with such tidy lines that YACHT editor Jörn Bock surmised in a test at the time that shipyard founder Jeppesen had borrowed from the "sheer, beautiful and luxurious Wally yachts".
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The comparison is still valid today, more so than ever. And the basic orientation and model designation have hardly changed. Because X-Yachts has since expanded its overall programme with the XP series (for performance) and the XC series (for cruising), the Pure X series, which was introduced in 2016 and has been continuously expanded since then, now forms the core of the brand once again. It also accounts for the majority of the sales volume.
Centre model
The smallest model to date and probably the smallest in the long term is the X 4.0The largest is the X 5.6, while the X 4.6 marks the centre. And this applies not only to its position in the product line. In fact, it comes closest to the ideal of a fast, agile, easy-to-control cruising yacht.
At the same time, the "small" sister, which is still impressive with a hull length of almost 14 metres, has a more clearly structured and easier to operate cockpit layout. The winches for halyards and outhauls are not located in front of the steering columns, but as usual next to the companionway, where they are mounted at an ergonomically perfect height. The recessed mainsheet traveller, which extends across the entire width of the cockpit, is within direct reach of the helmsman - a welcome trimming instrument.
The X 4.6 was tested in touring configuration: with self-tacking jib and optional furling boom for the main. This gives it a sail-carrying capacity of 4.7, which already promises temperament. In windy conditions, a slightly overlapping genoa, which is sheeted on the cabin superstructure, could be used to elicit even more performance. However, the extra surface area does not appear to be absolutely necessary, especially as a third pair of winches, in this case mounted on the cockpit coaming, is recommended, which adds to the additional price.
The very stable Epex membrane sails of construction number one delivered sufficient propulsion in light winds and a pleasing amount in medium winds. A wireless Code Zero with furling system is recommended as a useful addition for uncomplicated cruising. However, the X 4.6 can also be trimmed significantly more for performance with a longer carbon mast, finely graduated sail wardrobe and additional deck fittings - although the question then arises as to whether an XP 44 or XP 50 would not provide a more suitable basis.
Extremely solid design
The impression the boat made during the test off the western Swedish island of Orust was certainly convincing. During the practical trials for the 2019 European Yacht of the Year award, the X 4.6 demonstrated exactly the right level of responsiveness, precision and sensitivity. She is both calm and sensitive on the helm - a pleasure!
When the wind picks up, the Dane also shows high stability reserves. Thanks to her ballast ratio of 41 per cent, which is high by today's standards, and the wide aft spreaders, she does not need a reef even at 5 Beaufort. Her movements in swells of up to one metre off the archipelago are pleasantly smooth and predictable.
Below deck, the complete absence of creaking or squeaking noises shows that the hull and structure are extremely solid. A steel frame bolted to the keel absorbs and distributes the heaviest loads. The GRP hull consists of a vacuum-laminated epoxy sandwich that is tempered at up to 70 degrees for hardening. This is a high-end construction standard in series boat building; only a few comparable shipyards have worked in this way to date.
There are a whole series of other secondary virtues that enhance the boat and at least partially justify its high price. These include shrouds and stays made from rod instead of stainless steel wire, an elaborately laminated and precisely moulded keel fin with a lead bomb and flush and therefore streamlined through-hulls - subtleties that other manufacturers do not even offer at extra cost.
Equipment with gaps
X-Yachts puts the added value of all standard extras at more than 80000 Euro. Nevertheless, the Danes are quite creative when it comes to the list of options. For example, there are hanging lockers for the foredeck, saloon and aft compartments, which for some unknown reason are not included as standard. Additional costs overall: 10000 Euro.
Want more examples? A cover plate for the cooker costs 860 Euro Surcharge, the pull-out shower head in the wet room at the companionway 780 EuroSpring cleats on deck 415 Eurosockets in all compartments 2245 Euro - all things that should be expected on a yacht of this class and orientation. This means that nobody has to do without anything on the X 4.6. However, it does require a number of extras. This does not fit in with the otherwise extensive and high-quality equipment.
After early experiments with lightweight construction in the XP series, which were not appreciated by the owners, the shipyard has now found an all-round pleasing, aesthetically and practically convincing line for the design below deck. On the one hand, the finish in Nordic oak looks very contemporary and stringent, but also pleases with visual warmth and cosiness. Only a few competitors manage to achieve this harmony.
Particularly pleasing: the workmanship is in no way inferior to the appearance, as the test boat emphasised. Precise fits and minimal gaps are evidence of the high level of maturity that the shipyard has now achieved. And this also prevails in the hidden areas. The backs of locker lids or cabinet walls are veneered just as carefully as the outer sides. Open edges of floorboards and inspection openings are neatly sanded and varnished. Even the light switches are a delight to the senses: they are made of brushed stainless steel and framed by a blue backlit ring that can be found at any time in the dark. With this level of detail, the X unquestionably fulfils its claim to be in a class of its own.
Top marks in the market
As the plus/minus list on the left emphasises, there is not much to criticise about the 4.6. Rather, it provides proof that X-Yachts is realising the concept of the fast cruising yacht even better with each new model in the Pure-X range.
Compared to the previous generation, the X 4.6 has gained in every respect - most notably in terms of volume and expansion. It also sets new benchmarks in the current competition, although it has well-established competitors in the Dehler 46 and the Grand Soleil 46 LC.
She almost won the 2019 European Yacht of the Year award thanks to her universal talent. In the end, she came up short against the other nominee in the Performance Cruiser category. Arcona 435 only one vote to victory. The Swede took the title because she sails a touch more sportily and sensitively. However, the jury gave the best all-round characteristics to the X 4.6. Sometimes the runner-up is not the first loser - but perhaps even the real winner for some.
The measured values for testing the X 4.6
The X 4.6 in detail
Technical data of the X 4.6
- Designer: X-Yachts Design
- CE design category: A (deep sea)
- Torso length: 13,92 m
- Width: 4,27 m
- Draught/old: 2,30/2,50/2,05 m
- Weight: 10,9 t
- Ballast/proportion: 4,5 t/41 %
- Mainsail: 64,7 m2
- Self-tacking jib (98 %): 41,5 m2
- machine (Yanmar): 42 kW/57 hp
Hull and deck construction
Sandwich construction with foam core, laminated with epoxy resin in a vacuum infusion process. Steel frame
Price and shipyard
- Base price ex shipyard: from € 608,566 incl. 19 % VAT.
- Guarantee/against osmosis: 2/5 years
As of 08/2024, how the prices shown are defined can be found here!
Distribution
X-Yachts Germany, 24944 Flensburg, Tel. 0461/430 20 99-0, info@x-yachts.de
YACHT rating of the X 4.6
Modern design, comfortable fittings, good workmanship, high value stability, great sailing characteristics - the X 4.6 scores highly in all relevant criteria. It even makes you forget the sometimes petty pricing policy.
Design and concept
- + Balanced all-rounder
- + High-quality construction
Sailing performance and trim
- + Good speed values
- + Precise feedback from the rudder
- + High stability reserves
Living and finishing quality
- + Successful design below deck
- + Plenty of volume, suitable comfort dimensions
- + Good transverse and longitudinal ventilation
Equipment and technology
- + Upscale components
- + High level of customisability
- - High price, expensive extras
The article first appeared in YACHT 12/2019 and has been updated for the online version.
