x 342 yacht test

Review of X-342

Basic specs..

The hull is made of fibreglass. Generally, a hull made of fibreglass requires only a minimum of maintenance during the sailing season.

The interior is like many other boats made of mahogany. Mahogany belongs to the hardwood species, known for being water-repellent and resistant to decay. It has an attractive wood grain and holds wood polish and varnish well. The boat is equipped with 3 cabins, 6 berths, a galley, 120.0 liter fresh water capacity and toilet facility.

The boat has more than one rig. One option is a fractional rig. A fractional rig has smaller headsails which make tacking easier, which is an advantage for cruisers and racers, of course. The downside is that having the wind from behind often requires a gennaker or a spinnaker for optimal speed. Another option is a masthead rig. The advantage of a masthead rig is its simplicity and the fact that a given sail area - compared with a fractional rig - can be carried lower and thus with less heeling moment.

The X-342 has been built with different keel alternatives.

The X-342 is equipped with a fin keel. The fin keel is the most common keel and provides splendid manoeuvrability. The downside is that it has less directional stability than a long keel.

The keel is made of lead. Compared with iron, lead has the advantage of being 44% heavier, which allows a smaller keel and hence less water resistance and higher speed.

X-342 can only enter major marinas as the draft is about 1.90 - 2.00 meter (6.23 - 6.53 ft) dependent on the load. See immersion rate below.

Unknown keel type

The boat can only enter major marinas as the draft is about 1.85 - 1.95 meter (6.07 - 6.37 ft) dependent on the load. See immersion rate below.

The boat may be equipped with an inboard Volvo Penta 2002 diesel engine at 18 hp (13 kW). The speed is 8.0 knots.

The transmission is a shaft drive. A shaft drive will in the long run require less maintenance than other types of drive e.g. a sail drive.

The fuel tank, which is made of stainless steel, has a capacity of 60.0 liters (15 US gallons, 13 imperial gallons).

Sailing characteristics

This section covers widely used rules of thumb to describe the sailing characteristics. Please note that even though the calculations are correct, the interpretation of the results might not be valid for extreme boats.

What is Capsize Screening Formula (CSF)?

The capsize screening value for X-342 is 2.03, indicating that this boat would not be accepted to participate in ocean races.

What is Theoretical Maximum Hull Speed?

The theoretical maximal speed of a displacement boat of this length is 6.9 knots. The term "Theoretical Maximum Hull Speed" is widely used even though a boat can sail faster. The term shall be interpreted as above the theoretical speed a great additional power is necessary for a small gain in speed.

The immersion rate is defined as the weight required to sink the boat a certain level. The immersion rate for X-342 is about 176 kg/cm, alternatively 987 lbs/inch. Meaning: if you load 176 kg cargo on the boat then it will sink 1 cm. Alternatively, if you load 987 lbs cargo on the boat it will sink 1 inch.

Sailing statistics

This section is statistical comparison with similar boats of the same category. The basis of the following statistical computations is our unique database with more than 26,000 different boat types and 350,000 data points.

What is Motion Comfort Ratio (MCR)?

What is L/B (Length Beam Ratio)?

What is a Ballast Ratio?

What is Displacement Length Ratio?

What is SA/D (Sail Area Displacement ratio)?

Maintenance

When buying anti-fouling bottom paint, it's nice to know how much to buy. The surface of the wet bottom is about 31m 2 (333 ft 2 ). Based on this, your favourite maritime shop can tell you the quantity you need.

Are your sails worn out? You might find your next sail here: Sails for Sale

If you need to renew parts of your running rig and is not quite sure of the dimensions, you may find the estimates computed below useful.

This section is reserved boat owner's modifications, improvements, etc. Here you might find (or contribute with) inspiration for your boat.

Do you have changes/improvements you would like to share? Upload a photo and describe what you have done.

We are always looking for new photos. If you can contribute with photos for X-342 it would be a great help.

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• Sailboat Guide

X-342 is a 33 ′ 5 ″ / 10.2 m monohull sailboat designed by Niels Jeppesen and built by X-Yachts between 1988 and 1994.

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

Masthead Rig: I: 43.10’ / 13.14m J: 12.60’ / 3.84m P: 37.40’ / 11.40m E: 12.50’ / 3.81m Tot.Area (100% fore+main triangles):505.28 ft2 / 46.94 m2

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Gebrauchtbootkauf : Die sportliche X-342 im Test

Alexander Worms

, Max Gasser

 ·  20.12.2022

Die X-342 ist Teil eines Gebrauchtboot-Vergleichstests:

Für 40.000 Euro lässt sich locker eine  optimale Yacht finden. Aber: günstig kaufen und investieren oder lieber alles ausgeben und gleich losfahren? Wir haben fünf Yachten daraufhin getestet:

• Gebrauchtbootkauf: 5 Yachten für unter 40.000 Euro im direkten Vergleich
• Dehler 31 TOP
• Winner 9.50

Was so ein Meter Länge doch ausmacht. Denn obwohl die X-342 eine eher sportliche Vertreterin ihrer Zunft ist, was üblicher­weise nicht für Raumwunder unter Deck spricht, erfreut der Salon mit luftiger Anmutung. Große Fenster helfen dabei natür­lich, ebenso die helle Deckenverkleidung – aber auch 1,20 Meter mehr Länge als die Bavaria, bei gleicher Breite.

Die Extralänge investierte Kon­strukteur Niels Jeppesen vor allem in die Kojen. Das ist an sich gut, nur hilft es nicht, wenn die Breite zum Bug hin so stark abnimmt, dass dort keine zwei Paar Füße hineinpassen. Das ist in der Achterkoje besser, wenngleich auch sie sich auf gerade mal 93 Zentimeter Breite zusammenzieht.

Das Interieur zeigt sich in gutem Zustand, etwas Pflege hier und da, und alles passt wieder. Die Polster sind hin. Die Bezüge wie auch die Schaumstoffe gehören ausgemustert. Mit Ersatz wirkt die X gleich viel frischer – und ist eine spannende Yacht.

Gewusst wie, wird die X-342 zum spaßigen Racer

Sie könnte ein Jungbrunnen sein. Des allzu komfortablen, arrivierten Rollsegel-Fahrten­cruisens überdrüssig, schafft sich der Endvierziger ein solches Gefährt an. Die Kinder sind alt genug, um an Bord mit anpacken zu können, und der Eigner selbst plant im Winter nicht mehr den Sommertörn, sondern begibt sich ins Fitnessstudio zwecks Muskulaturaufbaus. Schließlich wollen die Backstagen schnell und konsequent durchgesetzt werden. Und allmählich wird aus der gelangweilten Familien-Segelgemeinschaft eine echte Regattacrew. Nicht im ersten Jahr, je nach Ambition auch nicht in dem darauf, aber danach könnte man auch mal die eine oder andere Wettfahrt gewinnen. Sport für die ganze Familie, das muss man wollen, mit allen Konsequenzen.

Denn die Hardware an Deck des Testbootes wird bei ehrgeiziger Fahrweise schnell für Verdruss sorgen. Alt, schlecht gepflegt, abgerockt – das muss neu. Dann die Segel. Auch die dürfen gern aktueller Natur sein. Und abends wird im Hafen erst mal aufgetucht, auch beim Urlaubs­törn. Die Vorschiffskabine wird zum Teil vom Spinnaker belegt. Und ein Cockpittisch? Also bitte!

Wer das in Kauf nehmen kann, findet in der X-342 ein Spaßboot. Wie eine junge Freundin hat es immer neue Ideen. Auf dem Wasser bietet es ständig Herausforderungen. Wer die Grenzen des Schiffs heraussegeln will, muss schon genau wissen, was er tut. Dabei geht es nicht so sehr um Ratings, eher um das Machbare. Die 342 wurde in der ausklingenden IOR-Zeit endlich ohne die Auswüchse der Formel erdacht. Das macht sie schnell und vor allem stabil. Ein Schiff, um sich einmal auszuprobieren.

Die X-342 im Detail

Published Specification for the X-342

Underwater Profile:  Fin keel & spade rudder

Hull Material:  GRP (Fibreglass)

Length Overall:  33'6" (10.2m)

Waterline Length:  26'8" (8.1m)

Beam:  10'9" (3.3m)

Draft:  6'1" (1.9m)

Rig Type:  Fractional sloop

Displacement:  9,200lb (4,173kg)

Ballast:  4,300lb (1,950kg)

Designer:  Niels Jeppesen

Builder:  X-Yachts (Denmark)

Year First Built:  1988

Published Design Ratios for the X-342

1. Sail Area/Displacement Ratio:  20.6

2. Ballast/Displacement Ratio:  46.7

3. Displacement/Length Ratio:  217

4. Comfort Ratio:  20.9

5. Capsize Screening Formula:   2.1

The X342: A Few FAQs...

Based on the published Design Ratios for the X-342, how would you expect the boat to perform under sail?

The Design Ratios are numerical values that indicate how a boat will perform under sail in different conditions. Some of the most common ratios are:

• Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D): This ratio measures how much sail area a boat has relative to its displacement. A higher ratio means more power and speed, but also more heel and weather helm. A lower ratio means less power and speed, but also more stability and comfort. The SA/D for the X-342 is 20.2, which is high for a cruiser-racer and indicates that it is a powerful and fast boat.
• Ballast to Displacement Ratio (B/D): This ratio measures how much ballast a boat has relative to its displacement. Ballast is the weight that keeps a boat upright and stable when heeling. A higher ratio means more stability and stiffness, but also more weight and drag. A lower ratio means less stability and stiffness, but also less weight and drag. The B/D for the X-342 is 37.7%, which is moderate for a cruiser-racer and indicates that it has a good balance between stability and performance.
• Displacement to Length Ratio (D/L): This ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. A higher ratio means more inertia and resistance, but also more comfort and seaworthiness. A lower ratio means less inertia and resistance, but also less comfort and seaworthiness. The D/L for the X-342 is 176, which is low for a cruiser-racer and indicates that it is a light and agile boat.
• Hull Speed: This is the theoretical maximum speed that a boat can achieve under sail, based on its waterline length. It is calculated by multiplying the square root of the waterline length by 1.34. The hull speed for the X-342 is 7.6 knots, which is fast for a cruiser-racer of its size.

Based on these ratios, we can expect the X-342 to perform well under sail, especially in light to moderate winds. It has enough sail area to generate speed, enough ballast to maintain stability, enough lightness to maneuver easily, and enough hull speed to reach its potential.

Is the X-342 still in production and, if not, when did production end and how many of these sailboats were built?

The X-342 is not in production anymore. It was built between 1988 and 1994 by X-Yachts in Denmark. 105 hulls were completed.

How many people can sleep on board a X-342?

The X-342 can sleep up to six people on board. It has two double cabins: one in the forepeak and one aft under the cockpit. It also has two single berths in the saloon, which can be converted into a double berth with an infill cushion.

How did the sailing press review the X-342?

The sailing press gave positive reviews to the X-342 when it was launched in 1988. For example, Yachting World magazine praised its performance, handling, quality and comfort. It said: "The X-342 is one of those rare boats which combines sparkling performance with genuine cruising ability" . It also said: "The X-342 is undoubtedly one of the best boats we have sailed this year, and one of the best 34-footers ever built" .

What is the history of the builders of the X-342 and is the company still in business?

The builders of the X-342 are X-Yachts, a Danish company that was founded in 1979 by brothers Lars and Niels Jeppesen and their friend Birger Hansen. The company started by producing high-performance racing yachts, such as the X-79 and the X-99. Later, they expanded their range to include cruiser-racers, such as the X-342 and the X-412. Today, X-Yachts is one of the leading manufacturers of quality sailing yachts in Europe, with models ranging from 33 to 65 feet. The company is still in business and has its headquarters in Haderslev, Denmark.

Is the mast on the X-342 deck-stepped or keel-stepped?

The mast on the X-342 is keel-stepped. This means that the mast goes through the deck and rests on a solid support at the bottom of the hull. This provides more strength and rigidity to the mast, but also adds more weight and complexity to the boat.

What sailplan and rig options, if any, are available for the X-342?

The sailplan and rig options for the X-342 are:

• Fractional rigged version: This version has a 3/4 rig with a single spreader mast and a backstay adjuster. It has a mainsail with two reefs, a 140% genoa with roller furling, and a spinnaker with pole. The sail area is 58m 2 (624ft 2 ).
• Masthead rigged version: This version has a full rig with a double spreader mast and a fixed backstay. It has a mainsail with two reefs, a 150% genoa with roller furling, and a spinnaker with pole. The sail area is 62 m 2 (667 ft 2 ).

What keel options, if any, are available for the X-342?

The keel options for the X-342 are:

• Standard keel: This is a fin keel with a lead bulb that has a draft of 1.9m (6'3"). It has a weight of 1,570kg (3,461lb) and provides good stability and performance.
• Shoal keel: This is a fin keel with a lead bulb that has a draft of 1.5m (4'11"). It has a weight of 1,650kg (3,638lb) and provides more accessibility to shallow waters.

What is the average cost of a secondhand X-342?

The average cost of a secondhand X-342 depends on several factors, such as the year of manufacture, the condition of the boat, the equipment included, and the location of the seller. Based on some online listings, the average cost of a secondhand X-342 ranges from €40,000 to €60,000 (approximately $45,000 to $67,000).

How does the X-342 compare to other similar sailboats in its class?

The X-342 is comparable to other similar sailboats in its class, such as the Beneteau First 33.7, the Dehler 34, the Elan 333, and the J/92. These boats are all cruiser-racers that have similar dimensions, design ratios, and performance characteristics. However, there are also some differences between them, such as the rigging options, the interior layout, the quality of construction, and the price. The X-342 is generally regarded as one of the best boats in its class, due to its speed, handling, quality and comfort.

The above answers were drafted by sailboat-cruising.com using GPT-4 (OpenAI’s large-scale language-generation model) as a research assistant to develop source material; to the best of our knowledge,  we believe them to be accurate.

Other sailboats in the X-Boats range include:

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X-342 8 Pages

Catalog excerpts

X-342 Cruiser/Racer Design. From X-Yachts of Denmark

For more than 10 years, Niels Jeppesen, designer and director ofX-Yachls, has achieved worldwide recognition for his winning production yachts. The successes include six overall victories in the 3U Ton Cup, two overalls in the 1 Ton Cup - latest in 1990 - and excellent results at the Admiral's Cup. These victories, in the most testing conditions, at top international offshore racing events, give A'-Yachts the experience needed to develop and build their new designs for the 90's, and help in their choice of hull lines, deck equipment and rig configurations. Experienced sailors acknowledge...

Beautiful fast lines, characterize the 34 foot Cruiser/Rcicerfrom X-Yachts

low decks will convince you that you've > right choice. Luxurious woods, plenty "ooin in ample cupboards and drawers. And, above all, that special feeling you find, only aboard X-Yachts! The spacious and functional L-shaped galley is situated to port, and contains everything ones heart could desire. Two sinks with pressurized cold water (ready for hot water lion), gas stove with oven, cooler box Watch it... You are now entering the saloon! and large cupboards and drawers, and ample space for dishes, cutlery and other kitchen gear. Six people can be sealed, comfortably, around the main...

Fjordagervej 21 • Box 104 DK-6100 Haderslev • Denmark

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X-Yachts 342 ??

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Although I''ve never been aboard a X-Yacht, I know a bit about them from reading their website. But, I can''t find any useful information about the X-342 (105 built between 1988-95). I''m considering traveling (I always have to travel) to see one that is for sale and I''d like to know more about the boat model before committing the time and gas money. There may be design or construction details that would disqualify the boat from my consideration. Or, there may be sailing characteristics that don''t match well with my needs. So, anyone have experience with the X342? Any pointers to on-line sources of information? And, any comments on the steel grid system X-Yachts uses? Any long-term issues with boats in salt water? What about the hull-to-steel joint? Thanks  

Since meeting Niels Jeppsen and seeing two of his boats at a Paris boat show, I have been impressed with X-yachts for a number of reasons. They seem to be set up for real sailing, with gear sized properly to do the job, and line-handling systems sensibly layed out so you can adjust things that need adjusting and not trip over spaghettti everywhere. They also seem to do well on the racecourse too, with impressive results over many years in a variety of major events both in Europe and the U.S. Joinery below can also be also nicely done, though that will depend more on the specific model you look at - some can be quite stripped out. A good many Scandinavian boats use (or used) steel structural grids - Albin comes tto mind as well. I have seen older Albins with rust in their grids that looked pretty bad, but which in reality simply needed wirebrushing, priming, and epoxy paint so they could last for another 20 years. X-yachts'' steel grids are probably painted at the facrtory ( Their site will certainly mention it.) , while Albin''s were not, so that issue may be minimal for you. Happy hunting!  

The X-yachts that I have seen have exposed hot-dipped galvanizing on their steel. That is a much better solution than painting. Jeff  

Jeff H, Paulk, and others... any comments specific to the X-342 ??  

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X-yacht 342

The X-342 is a Danish quality yacht which offers a very attractive package for sailors who like to race, but also want the option of comfortable cruising and are prepared to pay for quality.This X-yacht hasn't been used for races and is in good condition. Location Bruinisse.

X-yacht 342 Built in 1990 by X-yachts, Denmark Designed by Niels Jeppesen GRP superstructure and deck Esthec synthetic teak in cockpit with X-yacht logo (2010) Displacement approx. 4.200 kg Ballas approx. 1950 kg

Accommodation

Classic interior 2 cabins and saloon Jabsco manual u.w. toilet Blue fabrics upholstery

Galley with boiler hot water system 3 burner gas stove with oven Fridge Optima oven Waterpressure system

X-yacht 342 gallery

Motor, electric & water.

Volvo Penta 2002 18 HP Diesel 2 cylinder Indirect cooling system S.s. propeller shaft 2 bladed folding prop Propeller shaft seal renewed (oct 2017)

Approx. 50 ltr diesel Approx. 120 ltr fresh water

12v / 220v electrical system Starting battery (new) Service battery (new) Victron diode bridge Mastervolt battery charger (2015) Shore power with cable

Fractional Sloop Furlex furling jib system (2013) Complete rigging service check (2016) Maindrop system (2013) 2x Lewmar winches 43 2x Lewmar winches ST 30 Spinnaker boom Rodkicker

Diamond high aspect jib Storm jib, genua 2 en genua 3 (on furler) Genua (old) Main Spinnaker

Navigation & Electronic

Navman chart plotter (2010) Raymarine i60 wind (2015) Raymarine i60 depth (2015 Raymarine i60 speed (2015) Autopilot autohelm ST 2000 Handheld GPS tracker Compass VHF

Sprayhood (2013) furling jib cover (2013) Anchor with chain and rope Manual bilge pump Pioneer Radio / CD player (to be installed) Boarding ladder Esthec synthetic teak in cockpit with X-yacht logo (2010) Signals kit

Jachthaven Bruinisse Jachthavenweg 71e 4311 NC Bruinisse

Jachthaven Scheveningen   Hellingweg 120 2583 DX Den Haag

T +31 (0)111 48 38 90 E  [email protected]

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X-342 Fractional rigging

Sailboat specifications.

• Last update: 3rd April 2020

X-342's main features

X-342's main dimensions, x-342's rig and sails, x-342's performances, x-342's auxiliary engine, x-342's accommodations and layout.

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