Practical Sailorvideo
X Yachts X43 Sailboat Tour
October 7, 2024 · 10 min · 19K views
What this video covers
The X-Yachts X43 is a 43.5-foot performance cruiser designed for speed and stiffness rather than traditional cruising comfort.1:30 The vessel features a keel-stepped mast, rod rigging, and a single-rudder configuration that maintains grip at 45 degrees of heel.4:19 With a standard draft of 7 feet 3 inches or an optional 6-foot 1-inch keel, the boat is limited in shallow-water cruising grounds like the Bahamas.2:04 The deck layout prioritizes racing ergonomics, including a recessed mainsheet traveler, no helm seats, and flush hatches that require closing during heavy weather to prevent water ingress.3:05 The air draft exceeds 66 feet, making the boat unsuitable for the Intracoastal Waterway.5:34 Below deck, the two-cabin, two-head layout emphasizes modern aesthetics and light, though the cabin sole consists of individual wood pieces prone to squeaking.7:26 Powered by a Yanmar engine with a sail drive, the X43 retails for approximately $700,000 when moderately equipped.8:57 While faster and more responsive than mass-market cruisers, the boat offers less interior volume and cruising-specific utility than similarly priced vessels.9:43
Boats in this video
More from Practical Sailor
From Practical Sailor — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analyzed video.
The Sailing Directory Newsletter
One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.