X-Yachts 342 ??

[winslow59]

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

[paulk]

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!

[Jeff_H]

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

Jeff

[winslow59]

Jeff H, Paulk, and others...

any comments specific to the X-342 ??