xp19 sailboat

Test XP-19 

THIS IS A TRANSLATION OF THE TEST FOUND IN YACHT MAGAZINE ISSUE 14-2020 The XP-19 is agile as it steers over Lake Dümmer. The six-meter-long boat gets going well despite the gentle breeze, every little gust ensures noticeable acceleration, then the log climbs effortlessly up to 5 knots. Andreas Budde is visibly satisfied. The new boat was his idea and was created under his leadership - first at a Polish, then at a Serbian shipyard. The Microton sailor Budde wanted a boat for a quick after-work sail, which is a bit more modern than the ones built by the strict construction rules for regatta Micros. So, he designed, together with a friend who is familiar with CAD software, a hull with distinctive Chines, steep Stem and a slightly longer hull length than a Microton. The prototype was created in planked construction over frames but was not completed at the Gdańsk shipyard. Budde moved the hull to the shipyard in Serbia, which had built his previous Microton. Here the hull was finished and the deck of Budde’s last micro was copied. The mould was still waiting in a corner, and the entrepreneur appreciated the spacious cockpit anyway. The prototype was finally used to create the tooling, in which our test boat, build number 1 of the XP-19 , was built. The hull was produced as a full polyester laminate, the deck (in the area of the superstructure and the side deck) is constructed as a sandwich with a foam core and an inner shell. The construction quality of the GRP parts is particularly good. The deck-hull connection is almost invisible, it is formed with an adapter piece that begins ten cm below the top of the hull and extends to the foot rail; it is fully laminated. XP is the short form for express and should stand for speed. Budde recognised in good time that this abbreviation is also used by X-Yachts, so requested an agreement with the Danes: They saw no problem, especially since they do not have a yacht of the same size in their range. The XP-19 is designed for one-day sporty Day-sailing. For this, all trimming devices are within reach of the control position. This is also very variable thanks to an adjustable length tiller extension. The cockpit offers enough space for two or three sailors. At the tiller the boat behaves like a big dinghy, it steers very directly and accelerates in gusts immediately. LIGHTWEIGHT The agile sailing behaviour is partly due to the low weight in relation to the relatively large sail area. The ballast is also quite low. However, the boat does make a particularly good impression with a maximum of 3 Beaufort. It is heeling in gusts without weight on the gunnel, but it stabilizes again with the Chines in the water as she heels. Nevertheless, the toe-straps are especially useful, they also increase the dinghy feeling. And the small amount of ballast is made up for by two people on the edge. It would be nice to have shock cord or a batten that keeps the straps open so that they can easily be slipped on. The sail/weight (displacement) ratio of over 5 illustrates the potential of the XP-19 but is sometimes misleading with such a small boat. Since this value is calculated from the weight of the boat and the sail area, it inevitably drops when the payload increases. With 650 kg displacement, two people with 80 kg each are an enormous payload. The XP-19 also becomes noticeably faster when Andreas Budde switches to the photo boat and the single-handed suitability is examined in more detail. After an extensive upwind leg with plenty of wind shifts/gusts, which can be controlled very intuitively, it is time to go downwind. Now a gennaker would be nice - astonishing that Budde, who designed a sporty daysailer, didn't plan it! The idea fell on fertile ground for him though, so that he calculated the costs with the shipyard just a few days after the test. An extendable gennaker sprit, fairleads and the additional cleats/jammers for sheets and halyards add up to 1400 Euros. Then there is the gennaker itself. If the boat is sailed for two, certainly a must, but also a nice addition on your own. UNDER DECK The standard version of the cabin holds storage space for the sails and a place of retreat for rain showers; it was not primarily designed as a living space. Apart from storage compartments for equipment, it does not offer any comfort like pantry or toilet, not even upholstery is provided. This and a cooking grill are available as an option, which makes the XP-19 suitable for touring - with reduced comfort. The forward berth, for example, is only long enough when the head is placed on the saloon berth. And the saloon benches are too narrow at 48 cm wide for use as bunks.

XPerformance

Sleek, comfortable yachts combining world-class performance and cruising amenities

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Combining a 35-year heritage of performance yacht design and the very latest in contemporary yacht design and build technology, the Xp range is the fourth generation of performance yachts by X-Yachts. The range consists of the Xp 44 and Xp 50.

X-Yachts believe these boats represent the most advanced yachts available in the market today, no other series production yard supplying boats in this size range, offer epoxy infused hulls with carbon hull structure built into a epoxy infused hull-liner. Epoxy infusion is an expensive but superior build technology which creates the lightest possible structure, giving us the ability to offer yachts, which are perhaps slightly lighter, but primarily having a larger proportion of their total displacement deep down in the lead bulb.

Xperformance Range

New External Features

The external appearance of each model of the Xperformance will become refreshed by a few means:

• New Waterline Stripes
• Larger Hull Portlights
• Extended Coachroof Window
• New Pedestals & Instrument Boxes
• New Pushpit/Pullpit and Stanchion Gateway Design
• New Light Grey Side Decks

Xperformance Features

• Vacuum infused epoxy hull construction
• High stability and large sail plan
• Composite, encapsulated lead T-keels with draft options, recessed hull fittings
• Discontinuous rod rigging as standard
• Carbon keel frame structure for strength, safety and reliability

Xp Innovation

The Xp yachts can be highly customised with many exclusive features.

The Xp range is designed to be truly dual-purpose, and each model is offered with both standard aluminium and optional high aspect carbon rigs. The Xp 44 and Xp 50 are also offered with a T-bulb keel in either standard or deep draught.

The X-Yachts steel keel frame has been updated with a new carbon/composite structure which gives an improved strength to weight ratio for hull impact resilience and rig stability with a lighter overall weight.

Asymmetric headsails and under-deck furlers ensure owners can switch simply between short-handed and fully crewed sailing modes. The Xp 44 and Xp 50 feature a choice of four multifunctional bowsprit options for flying asymmetric or ‘Code’ sails and easy anchoring.

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Sea Hunt BX series are different from your every day bay boats.  Sure they have shallow drafts, dual casting platforms, dual aerated livewells, and lockable rod storage but these bay boats go to the extreme. More freeboard, a sharper bow entry and the Carolina Flair create a softer, dryer ride.

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Optional Features Gallery

Xp 19 gallery, standard features.

10 YEAR HULL WARRANTY VORTEC HULL NMMA CERTIFIED USING ABYC STANDARDS BAY STAR HYDRAULIC STEERING 72 QUART FLIP FLOP SEAT ANCHOR STORAGE COMPASS CONSOLE GRABRAIL CONSOLE STORAGE CONSOLE VERTICAL ROD HOLDERS CONSOLE WINDSCREEN CUP HOLDERS DUAL AERATED LIVEWELLS DUAL LOCKABLE BOW STORAGE COMPARTMENTS GUNWALE ROD HOLDERS HIGH SPEED PICK UP HORN INSULATED BOW STORAGE REAR POP UP JUMP SEATS SWIM PLATFORM WITH LADDER TROLLING MOTOR PLUG AND HARNESS UNDER GUNWALE ROD STORAGE VISION STEERING WHEEL WITH POWER KNOB STAINLESS STEEL THROUGH HULL DRAINS ​MARINE DASH MAT

Optional Features

SEA STAR HYDRAULIC STEERING SEA STAR TILT STEERING BIMINI TOP BOW CASTING CHAIR BOW CUSHION DUAL BATTERY SWITCH HIGH PRESSURE WASHDOWN HULL COLOR INFINITY BLUETOOTH WATERPROOF STEREO WITH 4 SPEAKERS LEANING POST WITH BACKREST LEANING POST WITH ROD HOLDERS TACKLE CENTER FOR LEANING POST WITH BACKREST REVERSIBLE STAINLESS SEAT RECIRCULATING LIVEWELL RAYMARINE E 97 PACKAGE TRIM TABS LED TRIM TAB INDICATORS LED UNDERWATER LIGHTS WASH DOWN SYSTEM T-TOP YAMAHA DIGITAL GAUGES

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Hunting Season: Sea Hunt Triton 188 & XP19

Boat Review: Sea Hunt Triton 188 & XP19

Buyers of sportfishing boats are now spoilt for choice with many brands offering a host of models and variations. MICK FLETORIDIS reports on a newcomer to our shores.

IF you’re MD of one of the country’s largest tackle distributors and you want to promote your company’s brands as you travel the country, what better way to do so than via the flanks of a head-turning boat – or two? In the case of Pure Fishing, responsible for such well known tackle names as Berkley, ABU Garcia, Owner, Pflueger and Cultiva a couple of smick boats have provided the perfect canvas for such mobile promotion.

Phillip Coles, head honcho of Pure Fishing, was thinking along such lines when it came time to fork out for a new company boat. As it happened, Mark “Mango” Mangold, one of Coles’s sponsored tournament anglers and a regular on the national bass/bream trail, was also looking to upgrade. Having previously owned a procession of specialised bass boats – five in total – Mango was out for something less low slung to give him more versatility, and a spot more comfort on days out with family and friends.

After much research and deliberation, Coles and Mangold decided to get serious and put cash down on a pair of imported Sea Hunt fibreglass rigs. A new brand to Australia, via Sydney’s Neken Marine, the US-built Sea Hunts originate in South Carolina where production began in 1995.

What you see here are basically two boats built around a common hull design.  According to Sea Hunt literature its range features hulls sporting a progressive Vee through the bottom, starting at the transom where deadrise angle varies between 15 and 21 degrees – depending on model – and progressing through to a sharp 50 to 60 degrees entry. The boats featured, the XP19 and Triton 188, respectively feature 15 and 16 degree deadrise at the transom, the hull angle progressing through to 20 degrees around midships and up to 50 degrees where bow meets water. While a variable deadrise design is nothing new – some of Australia’s most respected fibreglass manufacturers have been producing similar hull designs for many years – it is a proven feature that offers a good compromise between stability at rest and fast out-of-the hole performance and chop-cutting attitude. 

The two models appear very similar at first glance – especially so with matching colourful wraps courtesy of Richard Potter of X-factor signs – but are quite different in purpose. While still stylishly sleek and close to the waterline, Mango’s XP19 is more “Bay” than “Bass” and he says that’s just what he was after. So far he’s managed to mix it up on the new rig by using it for chasing his usual suspects of bream and bass as well as a successful outing off Sydney to mess with a bunch of big kings. Mango was impressed with the boat’s performance offshore in the type of water that can quickly show up the limits of a hull with limited freeboard.

“We were chasing these kings all over the place, backing up on them. We had no problems with any water coming on board,” Mango told Boat Fishing. The Sea Hunt hulls feature a self-draining design to help alleviate any problems if water does find its way onto the deck.

It could be said that Sea Hunts are a typically American design, in no small part due to their Carolina style bow flare and internal fit-out.

On the water Boat Fishing jumped on board the Sea Hunts at Lake Macquarie on the NSW Central Coast. The day was the first time the Triton 188 – the first in Oz – had hit the water. Unfortunately, we were 30kms from the sea and had to be content with running the boats around the southern hemisphere’s largest saltwater lake. 

The Sea Hunt pair were fitted with Evinrude E-TEC DI two-stroke outboards. The XP19, a standard model 150hp V4, the Triton 188 the “hot rod” HO (High Output) version, which features stronger gearcase, gears and engine mounts amongst its up-specced features. After being on board with Phillip Coles at the helm of the Triton 188 it’s no surprise he opted for the HO. No slouch on the throttle, Coles was quick to jump his boat out in front of Mango’s each time we attempted to get the photo of the boats running side by side as seen on this issue’s Boat Fishing cover.

After getting behind the wheel of both boats the difference in performance, from my perspective, was minimal with both very impressive from the get-go. It should be said though that the Triton did seem to have more initial “oomph” on take-off – which could be explained by prop variance. Both props were Viper stainless models, the Triton’s 150 HO spun a 14 3/4″ x 17″ prop, the XP19 a 14 3/4″ x 18″. The speed figures below for the XP19, taken directly from the iCommand instruments, give a rough indication of the performance and fuel usage you could possibly expect from either boat.

Speed figures (XP 19): 3000rpm @ 20.33kts 19.6lph 3500rpm @ 24.51kts 23.3lph 4000rpm @ 29.55kts 31.8lph 4500rpm @ 33.19kts 52.2lph 5150rpm @ 38.2kts 59.05lph 5550rpm @ 41.2kts 62.4lph

One noticeable on-water aspect both boats displayed was a rapid drop off the plane as the throttle gets backed off. Almost like applying brakes, this characteristic is more noticeable on these boats than any I can recall. Not an issue, but interesting all the same and a characteristic I soon found myself preparing for after a few high speed runs.  

The handling of both boats was impressive with each having the tendency for easy directional changes and straight tracking. Throwing them around in fast corners and hitting wakes was a lot of fun. Each featured hydraulic steering, and while some steering effort was still required off plane, at speed the steering was noticeably nice and light.

Jumping from one boat to the other highlighted the main difference – freeboard. While the XP19 is marginally higher off the water than your typical US bass boat it feels a bit like a go-kart in comparison to the higher-sided Triton 188. This was more noticeable as both boats negotiated some building chop on the lake, late morning. The XP19 easily negotiated the wind chop right up to WOT registering 48mph (41.7 knots) @ 5500rpm/78 per cent trim – the Triton even moreso, with its hull seemingly flying over any broken water and flattening out the bumps with minimal fuss.

Horses for courses If I had a choice between the two boats for a week’s fishing up on the Northern NSW coast, say around Coffs Harbour, I’d opt for the Triton. While you can no doubt fish for snapper and kings offshore in the right conditions on the XP19, there’s nothing like a little bit more freeboard for extra peace of mind. If there was more estuary or impoundment work on the cards, Mango’s boat would be the choice, hands down. For mine it would be hard to beat as an inshore sportfishing machine which offers great stability and loads of fishing space.  

An advantage of both Sea Hunts is their shallow 300mm (12″) draft, which can see you negotiating some fairly skinny water in estuaries or rivers. With both boats fitted with the latest in Minn-Kota bow-mount electrics, flats fishing won’t be a problem in these hulls. And on the subject of cool gadgets, the boats carry the latest in Lowrance HDS sounders, the Triton a HDS-8 on the console, the XP19 spolt for riches with a HDS-10 at the helm and a HDS-8 supplying the underwater pictures at the bow.    

Both cockpits feature what could reasonably called typical US-style fit-outs. There’s the large ice box/helm seat with pivoting lean-to, a system I quite like as it’s both functional and comfortable. While the padding of the seat is good you’ll probably find yourself assuming a standing driving position most of the time. Which is fine, as the boats are easier to drive this way if you’re looking for working fish, as you have better wheel control and all-round vision. You’ll find yourself stooping to get any wind protection from the windscreens on these boats though, but that’s to be expected of most centre consoles. They make up for it with extra fishing space. In that regard I preferred the set-up on Mango’s boat which features a full rear deck with a neat fold-away seating arrangement that doesn’t impinge on space. Rod lockers too run up under the gunwales either side of the XP19 and allow the storage of rods of up to 7-foot long with the rods running through tubing into space below decks. The Triton too had the same under gunwale rod storage set-up as on the XP19, although interestingly, due to foam-fill inside the hull they don’t run right through – an external rod rack has been fitted to accommodate full length rods. Both boats have upright rod storage available at the consoles.

Coles’s Triton features comfy squab seats aft with storage below (starboard houses dual batteries). These seats are divided dead centre by a massive live well in the full height transom, with a neat clear oval lid for easy viewing of baits or point scorers. Mango’s boat too carries a live well, in the rear deck, and the seat/ice box in front of the centre console is also plumbed for dual duty as a live well.

Both boats had anchor wells – a feature often absent on American boats – which while compact had enough space for a sand anchor and rode.  

Mango too had installed removable carpet on his boat’s deck, which can be easily removed if the boat needs a hose out or any under-floor maintenance. No doubt with the amount of use Mango’s new boat has already had, such little refinements make a difference at the end of his regular long fishing days. 

Phillip Coles too reckons his boat too will be getting plenty of use. “It won’t be sitting in the shed, put it that way,” he told Boat Fishing, with future plans for the Triton 188 set to see it a regular at fishing tournaments and promotional events around the country. This bright pairing are sure to be up for plenty of attention when they hit the water. Keep an eye out for them, they’ll be hard to miss.

Fishing World

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Berthon Winter Collection

Latest issue

August 2024

In the August 2024 issue of Yachting World magazine: News Few finish a tempestuous Round The Island Race European rules are eased for cruising to France and Greece Olympic sailing…

Yachting World

• Digital Edition

European Yacht of the Year 2019: Special yachts

• Toby Hodges
• May 31, 2019

The most competitive and varied category of the 2019 European Yacht of the Year, special yachts focuses on daysailers, from the compact to the luxurious

Photo: Rick Tomlinson

This category assembles a varying mix of interesting craft, many of which we might otherwise not have had the chance to sail, and this year’s nominees shared a collective ability to delight the helmsman.

Finalist: Aira 22

The Aira 22 is an unassuming looking dayboat, designed to replace the popular Polyvalk school/club boat in the Netherlands. I had so much fun sailing this Martin Voogd design in wind and waves off Port Ginesta, both surfing and punching upwind, I refused to head in until our raw hands could take heaving sheets no longer.

It’s a bit uncomfortable, particularly perched up on the weather rail, but the Aira’s rudder never lost grip, its central mainsheet is easy to play and it has a cockpit that can host an army of friends.

An affordable, fun, light boat (750kg) with a simple retractable keel, available in three versions including with an optional economic electric pod drive. Price ex VAT: €11,900. Photo: Bertel Kolthof

Finalist: RS21

The RS21 is another blast to sail. Designed to race with two to four crew (inboard – no hiking) and for everyone to have a role aboard. I had a memorable sail, two-up in Sweden, in the last of the evening breeze. With the gennaker hoisted we could still power it up in the single-figure ‘gusts’ and bear off onto the plane.

The control lines are well laid out to allow all crewmembers to be active and enjoy the experience. The optional, retractable central Torqeedo pod is a smart solution, part of a focus on sustainability that I applaud – RS use bio resin and the core foam is made from recycled plastic bottles.

An attractive, new, all-round performance offering to the club racing keelboat market from dinghy leaders RS, this is a blast for all to sail. Price ex VAT: €22,500. Photo: Rick Tomlinson

Finalist: Saffier SE37 Lounge

I salute the Saffier for its looks, build quality and performance. Its innovative cockpit layout, with wheels and winches forward of the huge lounging area, really works well and makes it a doddle to sail solo.

A luxury sports car of the sea, with top-end looks and quality and an intelligent cockpit design, the Saffier promotes pure sailing pleasure in stylish comfort. Price ex VAT: €209,500. Photo: Bertel Kolthof

Finalist: Domani S30

Where the Domani lacks some of the performance and stiffness of the Saffier, it’s an attractive looking package with a neat Torqeedo electric engine installation and a smart interior.

This is a relatively light, good-sized sporty dayboat that seems well built and finished for the price.

A trailable sportsboat with a slick roadster look, the Domani is well finished, comfortable, fun to sail and has a neat interior. Price ex VAT: €86,900. Photo: Bertel Kolthof

Winner: Lite XP

The concept of the (180kg) Lite XP is the brainchild of Liteboat’s Mathieu Bonnier, who used it to compete in the Race to Alaska – a 750-mile non-motorised event from Washington to Victoria to Kethikan.

The result is this super lightweight 20ft centreboard sailing and rowing craft, which comes with optional sliding rowing seat, carbon oars, a cuddy with two berths and a cockpit tent, all extras that encourage proper adventure.

Exploration is back! The Lite XP: the most enjoyable (and quietest) adventure you can have in under 20ft? Photo: Rick Tomlinson

The boom-less, short carbon rig with low centre of effort makes sailing simple – yet the Lite XP packs a punch, planes in zephyrs and was unanimously voted the most fun boat to sail in the trials. A fellow judge clocked 13 knots in 15-18 knots of breeze in the flat Swedish waters.

The performance is perhaps unsurprising, given its designer – Sam Manuard is responsible for some of the fastest Class 40s, the Seascape range and a foiling IMOCA 60 currently in build.

To convert the Lite XP to rowing takes less than a minute, as the sliding seat simply fits into grooves moulded into the central thwart. Being able to row the boat efficiently avoids the need for an engine.

I would argue that there is no more appropriate recreational boat to use around picturesque waters like Sweden’s west coast archipelago. To row out leaving no sound and have a boat efficient enough to harness every knot of breeze is a pure form of sailing.

A celebration of simple sailing pleasure, the Lite XP is a blast to sail, will keep you fit and avoid the need for an outboard. It’s a niche boat, but a commendable execution of a brilliant design.

Specification

LOA: 5.99m (19ft 8in) Beam (max): 1.78m (5ft 10in) Draught: 0.14m-1.07m (6in – 3ft 6in) Displacement (lightship): 145kg (320lb) Price (ex. VAT): €21,000 Design: Sam Manuard

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