1971 Columbia 28 vs 2016 Dehler 30 OD — Comparison
1971 Columbia 28
2016 Dehler 30 OD
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1971 Columbia 28 | 2016 Dehler 30 OD |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Columbia | Dehler |
| Year | 1971–1977 | 2016 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | Germany |
| Designer | William Crealock | Judel/Vrolijk |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.53 m (28.0 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| LWL | 6.86 m (22.5 ft) | 8.60 m (28.2 ft) |
| Beam | 2.74 m (9.0 ft) | 2.98 m (9.8 ft) |
| Draft | 1.22 m (4.0 ft) | 1.95 m (6.4 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 2,722 kg (6,001 lbs) | 3,700 kg (8,157 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,089 kg (2,401 lbs) | 1,350 kg (2,976 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 31.2 m² (336 ft²) | 46.0 m² (495 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 10 HP | 15 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 38 L (10.0 gal) | 35 L (9.2 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 60 L (15.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 4 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1971 Columbia 28 and 2016 Dehler 30 OD represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1971 Columbia 28 is a 1970s design by Columbia from USA, while the 2016 Dehler 30 OD is a modern offering from Dehler from Germany. The 1971 Columbia 28 was penned by William Crealock. The 2016 Dehler 30 OD was designed by Judel/Vrolijk.
In terms of size, the 1971 Columbia 28 measures 8.53m (28.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.74m, compared to the 2016 Dehler 30 OD at 9.45m (31.0ft) with a 2.98m beam. The 2016 Dehler 30 OD is 0.92m longer than the 1971 Columbia 28. The 2016 Dehler 30 OD displaces approximately 36% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1971 Columbia 28 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.26 and 31.2 m² of sail area. The 2016 Dehler 30 OD, with an SA/D of 19.54 and 46.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2016 Dehler 30 OD has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1971 Columbia 28 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 20.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The 2016 Dehler 30 OD has a comfort ratio of 16.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1971 Columbia 28 and 36.5% for the 2016 Dehler 30 OD, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1971 Columbia 28 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L of water capacity and 38L of fuel. The 2016 Dehler 30 OD offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 60L water and 35L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1971 Columbia 28 is the better choice for comfortable cruising thanks to its higher comfort ratio, offering a gentler motion at sea that crews will appreciate on longer passages.
For racing: The 2016 Dehler 30 OD has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1971 Columbia 28 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.