Forbes Horton Yachts
410-268-2337
Forbes Horton Yachts
410-268-2337
Year | 2023 |
Make | X-Yachts |
Model | Xp 50 |
Class | Racer/Cruiser |
Length | 15.24m |
Fuel Type | Diesel |
Hull Material | Fibreglass |
Offered By | Forbes Horton Yachts |
Combining high-tech engineering, luxurious comfort and superb sailing performance, the new Xp 50 raises the bar for performance cruiser-racer yachts.
“You steer, she responds. Nothing comes between the wind’s force and the Xp 50’s acceleration on the water.”
Adapted from Frank Gehry
X-Yachts are designed by sailors, for sailors. Every Xperformance yacht is created to perform superbly in all conditions
and in all sail configurations. However, many of the very same factors which make the Xp models race winners, also ensure that they are enjoyable fast cruisers.
During the Xperformance design process, Velocity Prediction Programs were utilised to optimise each yacht’s hull shape.
This confirmed to the design team that it was key to slightly reduce the overall displacement – whilst actually increasing the power. This was achieved by creating a heavier keel bulb yet keeping the overall design light by use of advanced build techniques and
high-tech materials.
The high ballast to weight ratio gives great stability and ensures the Xp 50 is equally well-mannered whether carrying a racing sailplan and full complement of crew on the rail, or flying a cruising chute as it eats up the miles for a husband and wife bluewater cruise.
Hull design is another factor that influences a yacht’s power, stability and responsiveness. Key features of the Xp range are a reduced upright beam waterline and wetted surface area, whilst the power of the hull shape increases as the boat heels. The Xp 50 transom shape is designed to increase in waterline length as the windspeed builds and the boat powers up, thus further extending the top speed.
Careful buoyancy distribution ensures that the powerful, wider aft sections are immersed and so the boat trims correctly fore and aft. An additional benefit is that the increased forward flare in the topsides makes the Xp 50 an easier boat to drive at full power downwind – whether racing or cruising. The above factors combine to make the Xp range faster, safer, and hugely enjoyable to sail: truly performance without compromise.
Form meets function with the Xp 50 deck layout, which balances clean lines and minimalist style, with usability, safety and security. Attractive teak decking is fitted as standard, with the option to extend the teak to include side decks and coach roof. The stylish finish is complemented by concealed passages for halyards, sheets and trim lines, together with flush fittings and details such as the folding Nomen mooring cleats.
Ergonomics for both cruising and racing have been carefully considered, with the centre console functioning as a handy foot chock for crew sitting on the cockpit benches, whilst the width of the bulwark varies along the length of the yacht to improve the comfort of a ‘hiking’ race crew and ensure aesthetically pleasing lines.
Hatches and windows
The Xp 44 deck hatches, portlights and windows are carefully selected for a flush fitting. Advanced design hinge mechanisms on the opening coachroof windows ensure there are no fittings or bolts visible from the outside, yet allowing ventilation and increased light down below.
The Xp 50 offers stylish cockpit furniture options normally associated with much larger yachts, including an inventive optional cockpit table which neatly folds away into its own recess in the cockpit sole, enabling a swift change from functional sailing area to stylish entertaining zone. Additionally, there is a designated recess for the sprayhood framework and canvas, a specially designed ‘garage’ for the washboard, and a built-in halyard bin for rope tails for a clutter-free, safe and smart cockpit and coachroof area that is a pleasure to sail or relax in. Expanded teak decking across both side decks and the coachroof are optional.
The electrically-operated folding transom creates a secure stern area when underway or can be deployed to form a teak-topped bathing platform with transom-hung stainless steel swim ladder.
The transom ‘garage’ offers a roomy storage area which can accommodate most tender dinghies up to 2.6-2.8 m in length with ease. Liferaft storage is integrated into the cockpit sole while there is ample additional storage easily accessible in the cockpit lockers.
Adjustable foot-chocks ensure the helmsman may enjoy a perfect steering position, with a sense of security as well as a clear view forward during manoeuvres and close sailing situations.
The carefully designed steering system ensures the Xp 50’s ample power is easily handled with a thrilling sense of speed on the helm. The rudder is fitted with high quality self-aligning roller bearings for reduced friction, maximum ‘feel’ and precise steering.
Twin composite wheels are also designed for optimum responsiveness, with reduced moments of inertia compared to conventional steel or aluminium wheels. Heavier metal wheels dampen or reduce the ‘feedback’ felt by the helmsman due to increased inertia of the wheel not in use. The series-connected steering cables are linked to the rudderstock via a large quadrant, onto which an optional autopilot ram connects, giving extra security.
The Xp 50 was designed from the outset with two three-spreader rig choices, a standard alloy mast or an optional higher-aspect carbon mast and boom. Both were developed in close co-operation with leading rig development companies and sailmakers, for strength, low-windage and exceptional control.
In order to enjoy perfect sail trim, X-Yachts masts and rigging are designed so they can be easily and precisely adjusted, and with sufficient stiffness to maintain that shape for repeatable, fast sail settings. A rig with too much flex and stretch will ‘pump’, particularly when sailing upwind in waves, which means both the headsail and main will change shapes and lose optimum trim.
The Xp 50 carries a hydraulic backstay for efficient and reliable tuning. To minimise forestay ‘sag’ for optimum upwind performance, it is essential to be able to tighten the backstay (and thereby the forestay). Inferior mechanical backstay adjusters are often fitted as standard to yachts of this size, but they do not have as great a range of adjustment and so are unable to achieve optimum backstay/forestay tension in all conditions.
The Xp 50 carries multiple halyard options to give every owner choices whether cruising in safety, optimising their sail wardrobe for IRC/ORC racing, or configuring their yacht for both inshore and offshore sailing. It may also carry an inner forestay for additional flexibility to set furling ‘Solent’ staysails or storm sails.
The foils of every Xp model are designed in-house, ensuring the Xp 50 rudder is a custom fit for the hull shape, underwater profile and sail plan. The deep rudder is designed for optimum ‘grip’ and maximum ‘feel’, giving responsive, reliable handling in all conditions and on all points of sail, and is constructed using high quality alloy stocks for a slim profile offering reduced resistance and underwater drag.
The Xp 50 features a cast iron keel fin with lead ‘T’ bulb. ‘T’ bulbs were originally seen only on custom racing yachts, but offer many benefits to performance cruisers as they enable the keel to be kept aft, but the bulb weight forward –allowing for a dynamic hull shape that is enjoyable and balanced to sail even in choppy seas.
Each keel is precision moulded for exact dimensions and a mirror-smooth finish. Both keel and fin are then encapsulated in a vacuum-infused GRP layer for a hydrodynamic finish that prevents corrosion and creates a perfectly symmetrical, smooth section. The lead ‘T’ bulb greatly reduces drag in comparison to the industry standard cast iron construction, which requires a greater volume in order to achieve the same centre of gravity.
The Xp 50 offers two keel options in conjunction with two rig packages: a standard draft of 2.65 metres, or an additional deep draught of 3.00 metres.
The Xp 50 features three spacious cabins, with a choice of sliding or fixed chart table in the elegant main saloon and single or double showers in the twin heads.
The Xp 50 features an exceptionally spacious owners’ cabin forward with ample storage in two large wardrobes. The ensuite master heads has a dedicated shower compartment with hinged Plexiglass door.
Additional details include the option of freeboard cupboards or shelves with stylish steel trim, and a wide range of fabric choices for the upholstery.
The Xp 50 interior is available in a three cabin layout which benefits from exemplary use of light and space. Ample natural light from the flush-mounted hatches and opening portlights creates a welcoming space throughout.
The Xp 50 is offered with twin showers as standard for superb convenience, with one shower in the master heads forward and a second spacious shower with seat in the aft starboard heads, accessible from the main cabin. However there is also an extra-spacious saloon layout option, including a forward-facing fixed navigation station and twin heads, with a single shower in the roomy master bathroom.
The interior space can be customised to each owner’s personal tastes, with a choice of contemporary white and classic wooden finishes for the upper and lower cupboards and freeboard, together with a wide selection of fabrics for the upholstery. The Xp 50 is fitted as standard with removable lightweight soft panels covering the freeboards throughout, as well as the saloon ceiling and side decks.
There is ample storage throughout, with deep bookshelves above the comfortable U-shaped seating area and port side sofa, while the saloon table also incorporates concealed storage for bottles and similar items, and a laminated fiddle surround. Additional styling options include LED light strips underneath the saloon cupboards for additional ambient lighting.
The secure galley is moulded in one piece for minimal weight, and is arranged in an indented ‘U’ configuration for safe working at sea. A gimballed three-jet gas cooker and cool box are fitted as standard. Options include an 85-litre front-opening fridge and microwave oven.
The standard fitting is a fresh white composite body and worktop with wooden laminate fiddle, while the Xp 50 is also offered with wooden veneer body with Corian worktops as an option.
The Xp 50 features the unique and innovative Xperformance sliding chart table as standard. An X-Yachts custom design, it provides flexible seating in the spacious saloon by accommodating a secure forward-facing navigation station whilst underway and effortlessly converting to an aft position to create additional sofa seating for comfortable entertaining when in port.
The Xp 50 is also offered with a fixed aft facing navigation station as an option in the standard two-shower layout, or in the single shower and enlarged saloon design. This gives a comfortable working area with ample storage, and uninterrupted seating along the starboard side of the saloon (200cm in the single shower layout option). The fixed chart table incorporates drawers below, including a dedicated tool compartment for convenience, while all layout choices feature an easily accessible electronics control panel and deep bookshelves above.
Symmetrical aft cabins each feature double bunks and hanging lockers, with optional shelves or pipe cots available at the freeboard. There are two light and airy heads, and in standard configuration twin showers, one with a comfortable seat. The single shower optional layout creates a more spacious saloon but still has the convenience of an aft heads.
The dedicated sail locker forward also has the option of an additional freeboard-hung pipe berth and WC.
Using the very latest 3D design programs, X-Yachts designers, engineers and technicians have been able to create a yacht where no space is wasted. The systems of the Xp 50 might be concealed from view, but they were incorporated into the yacht’s design and construction planning from the very outset. Every cable and pipe run is fully modeled in 3D to ensure that the system can be simply installed – and easily accessed for servicing at a later date.
Piping for all the water systems on board run in dedicated service trays and channels. The Xp 50 has custom-built high volume stainless steel tanks beneath the saloon floor for diesel fuel and water, to maximise space usage. They are also designed to optimise weight distribution by ensuring the fluids are carried low down in the hull and close to the yacht’s centre of gravity. There is an optional additional fuel tank beneath the sofa berth.
The 12V electrical system is designed using efficient cable runs to reduce transmission losses. All cabling terminates in a ‘dry’ GRP box fitted behind the main electrical panel in the saloon for added safety.
The high-specification electronics include a 220V AC shore power system as standard, which is capable of powering the 30-litre water heater. The switchboard is custom-designed with circuit breakers, and the circuits comprise tinned marine cable for corrosion resistance. The high quality three-stage battery charger utilises AGM (Absorption Glass Mat) batteries for low maintenance.
Comfort features include stylish halogen and LED interior lighting, and optional air-conditioning. A wide range of media and navigation system options are also available.
A 75hp saildrive engine is fitted as standard. The engine compartment is well insulated and ventilated, with good access to the key service points of impeller, oil and water by raising the companionway steps on self-supporting gas struts or via the systems tunnel, which also incorpates the water heater, generator, and 30-litre hot water tank – rather than underneath an aft berth – for increased comfort in hot climates.
Careful planning has also minimised noise volumes from the engine, particularly in the saloon and cabins when motoring, with noise-reducing foam insulation and particular attention paid to all locking and fastening mechanisms of the access hatch.
The saildrive engines with folding propeller are carefully fitted with the engine ‘S’ struts faired into the hull using a rigid gasket for reliability and reduced drag underwater.
The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.
Fresh Water Tank | |
Fuel Tank | |
Holding Tank |