The X 332 is a cruiser-racer sailboat from the Danish shipyard X Yachts. Like all boats from the yard, this 10-meter sailboat was designed by Niels Jeppesen and produced from 1994 to 2005. It is a very well-built and high-performing sailboat under sail.
The X-Yachts X 332 is a 10.06-meter cruiser-racer sailboat, designed by naval architect Niels Jeppesen and built by the Danish shipyard X-Yachts between 1994 and 2005. With over 430 units produced, it stands as one of the most popular and accomplished models from the brand, combining performance and build quality. Intended for both racers and demanding cruisers, the X 332 embodies the perfect balance between speed and seakeeping qualities in the cruising tradition, in the pure Scandinavian “cruiser-racer” style.
Key Points
- Designer: Niels Jeppesen
- Shipyard: X-Yachts (Denmark)
- Production Years: 1994–2005
- Number of Units: 432
- Type: Monohull cruiser-racer, fin keel
- Materials: Polyester/foam sandwich hull, galvanized steel structure
- Program: Versatile (racing, coastal and offshore cruising)
- Competitors of the Era: Dehler 33, J/105, First 33.7, Arcona 340
- Strengths: Solid construction, seagoing performance, refined interior, stable resale value
History of the X 332
The X 332 was born during a pivotal time for X-Yachts, as the Danish shipyard solidified its reputation for building high-performance and reliable sailboats. Launched in 1994, it succeeded the 3/4 ton models of the 1980s and marked a turning point in the yard’s philosophy: freeing design from the constraints of the rating rules of the time (such as the COI) to offer more stable and versatile hulls. Niels Jeppesen, co-founder of X-Yachts and designer of the X 332, considers it one of his “best babies,” a boat he himself used for racing and family sailing, notably winning the Als Rundt race.
The X 332 was developed in parallel with the X 302, but it was the 332 that achieved the greatest commercial success, better adapting to Baltic conditions and the expectations of European sailors. Its foam sandwich hull, 9/10 fractional rig, composite keel (cast iron fin, lead bulb), and conical aluminum rudder with low-friction needle bearings make it both fast and comfortable. A Sport version, with a deeper and lighter keel, was introduced later to meet the evolving IMS rule.
Upon its release, the X 332 stood out for its forward-thinking “cruiser-racer” approach: a sailboat capable of excelling in racing while offering a cozy interior and secure sailing. It quickly won over a diverse clientele, from racers to families, and remains a highly sought-after model on the used market today, with stable prices and a high resale value.
Interior Layout
The interior of the X 332 is often praised as a masterpiece of Danish craftsmanship. X-Yachts employed advanced woodworking techniques, using high-quality woods and veneers to create a space that is both functional and warm. The companionway leads to a bright saloon, thanks to eight deck hatches and subtle halogen lighting. The chart table, well-sized galley (with double sink, oven, and refrigerator), and teak handrails at shoulder height reflect an ergonomic design tailored for both sailing and life on board.
The boat offers two double cabins (fore and aft), as well as two single berths in the saloon, for a total of six berths. Storage is ample and well-distributed, and the entire interior is molded, making maintenance easier. The bathroom, although limited in headroom (1.80 m), is spacious and practical. Soundproofing is remarkable: there is little creaking or structural noise, even in rough seas.
The layout is designed to withstand marine conditions, with high fiddles, rounded corners, and robust materials. Owners particularly appreciate the quality of the finishes and the overall sense of solidity.
Seagoing Qualities
The X 332 is renowned for its seagoing performance, combining responsiveness and stability. Its well-designed hull, high ballast ratio (41%), and rigid rigging allow it to handle the sea with confidence, even in strong winds. At the helm, the boat is responsive and precise, with a theoretical hull speed of 7.2 knots, easily achieved in ideal conditions. In racing, it stands out for its ability to sail upwind and maintain speed downwind, even with a reduced crew.
Feedback highlights its ease of handling, particularly due to the routing of halyards and sheets to the cockpit, and the quality of its hardware. The X 332 is often described as an “easy” boat, capable of respectable performance without requiring an experienced crew or complex adjustments. Its versatility allows it to perform well both double-handed and with a full crew, and it remains competitive in ORC or IRC ratings, as evidenced by its numerous podium finishes in double-handed ORC World Championships.
For cruising, its robustness and comfort make it an ideal companion for coastal or offshore sailing. The swim platform, though modest, is practical, and the deep cockpit offers good protection. Owners note, however, the need to monitor the forestay tension to avoid premature wear on deck fittings and to check the condition of the rudder, a sensitive point on older models.
Owners’ Reviews
Owners of the X 332 are unanimous: it is a boat that provides immediate and lasting sailing pleasure. Uwe Gräfer, an expert in used boats and owner of an X 332, sums up the spirit of the model well: “The boat simply sails wonderfully and is still perfectly suited for cruising. There are few competitors of this size and age.”
Strengths regularly mentioned include:
- The quality of construction and impeccable finish.
- The stability of resale value.
- Versatility (racing/cruising).
- The ergonomics of the cockpit and ease of handling.
Minor reservations include:
- The headroom in the bathroom.
- The cost of replacing the rod rigging (around €10,000) or the engine (Yanmar 2GM20 or 3GM30).
- The absence of a bow roller on some models.
- The need to check the condition of the rudder and cockpit teak on older boats.
Overall, the X 332 is considered a safe investment, with an active community and a dynamic used market, where boats sell quickly and at high prices (between €68,000 and €95,000 depending on condition and equipment).
X 332 Technical Specifications
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 10.06 m (LOA: 10.31 m) |
| Beam | 3.30 m |
| Draft | 1.80 m (standard) / 2.15 m (Sport version) |
| Displacement | 4,350 kg |
| Ballast | 1,800 kg (41% of displacement) |
| Upwind Sail Area | 52.77 m² (standard) / 68.21 m² (with genoa) |
| Downwind Sail Area | 109.34 m² (with spinnaker) |
| Rig | 9/10 fractional sloop, aluminum mast and boom |
| Engine | Yanmar 2GM20 (18 hp) or 3GM30 (28 hp), diesel |
| Fuel Capacity | 53 L |
| Fresh Water Capacity | 120 L |
| Headroom | 1.87 m |
| Number of Cabins | 2 (4-6 berths) |
| CE Category | A (ocean) |
| Construction | Polyester/foam sandwich hull, galvanized steel structure |
| Designer | Niels Jeppesen |
| Launch Year | 1994 |
| End of Production | 2005 |
| Number of Units | 432 |
| New Price (2005) | ~€130,000 |
| Used Price (2026) | €68,000 – €95,000 |
Conclusion
The X-Yachts X 332 remains, more than twenty years after its launch, a benchmark in the 10-meter cruiser-racer category. Its solid construction, seagoing performance, and refined interior make it a timeless boat, equally suited to racing and family cruising. While its price on the used market may seem high, it reflects the quality and durability of a model that has stood the test of time. For sailing enthusiasts looking for a versatile, reliable, and rewarding sailboat, the X 332 is a wise choice.