X95's???

[Viking]

X95\'s???

I am thinking of looking at a X95. How I know they are basical a racing boat. But what about cruising? Any throughts?

 

[extravert]

Re: X95\'s???

These are pretty rare boats, there are a lot more X99's, but I believe that they are very similar. I've never sailed an X95, but I have an X99, so I'll describe that.

Cruising in boats like these is possible, but can be tiring and squashed.

I find in my X99 that the main limitation when cruising is storage space, water and fuel capacity and the amount of discomfort the crew can bear. Also with deep fin keels they are limited to deep water harbours - they don't take kindly to drying out on their fin. They are also difficult to sail short handed (less than 3 people) because correct operation of the running backstays is important. F7 in open water is the maximum windspeed you would choose to sail in, beyond that they are light displacement and get knocked about, especially upwind. The engine really is an auxilliary, and you won't go fast in a headwind, they are meant to be sailed.

On the positive side, performance is sparkling and up to F6 you will leave everyone of a similar size standing, and will be able to sail when others are motoring. This performance definitely has advantages even when cruising. An X99 can average 10 knots on white sails, and an X95 won't be far behind. I've seen 14.2 knots from mine on white sails.

They are not really designed as dual purpose cruiser/racer, they are a racing boat. If you want a boat that really sails well at the expense of comfort and convenience, get one. If the actual sailing experience to you is secondary to the whole cruising experience, get a more comfortable forgiving boat.

See www.xrayted.freeserve.co.uk for an account of my summer cruise last year.

 

[Viking]

Re: X95\'s???

Thanks for your throughts.
I know they can be a lively boat.
I do like to sail, but short handed.
I am still going to have a look this weekend.
My sailing area is in the Norwegian fjords, so it can be head or tail winds.
No problem with depth.
The trouble here is there are too few boats on the market up here were I live, Ålesund.
I have a look and make my mind up, bearing strongly in mind your input. Thanks again!

 

[extravert]

Re: X95\'s???

Let us know what you decide. If you do get the X95, there are many X99 class associations and web sites that will probably be of interest to you because they are so similar.

 

[david_e]

Re: X99\'s

Is the build quality on the X99 the same as the bigger X boats? In general I can't help think that if it is, then the X99 represents good value for money as a used boat. (Appreciate that the fit out inside is different)

 

[extravert]

Re: X99\'s

The build quality of all X-Yachts, including X99s, is excellent. The X99 is lightly built, but that is its design. Also the design has not changed since it was launched (about 15 years ago), which shows that it was good to start with. They are still sold new.

The fit out inside is not totally sparse, but is not designed with comfort as a priority, rather designed for lightness and offshore racing. For example, the head is not enclosed, but the sea berths are excellent.

They are good value second hand, but that's because they are too racing oriented for most people. Keeping sails in good condition is expensive. Mine has 9.

 

[Viking]

Re: X99\'s

Many thanks again. I keep you posted!
Trouble is my old crew in UK we would eat it. But its putting a new crew
together here maybe a problem. (not many 'sail'ors - see djuice!)
I check out your 2001 Round Brit trip. It looked hard work?
You seemed to cruise in the X99 OK?

Regards