1973 Islander 37 vs 2016 Dehler 30 OD — Comparison

1973 Islander 371973 Islander 37
VS
2016 Dehler 30 OD

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1973 Islander 372016 Dehler 30 OD
General
ManufacturerIslanderDehler
Year1973–19782016
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAGermany
DesignerAlan GurneyJudel/Vrolijk
Dimensions
LOA11.28 m (37.0 ft)9.45 m (31.0 ft)
LWL8.69 m (28.5 ft)8.60 m (28.2 ft)
Beam3.28 m (10.8 ft)2.98 m (9.8 ft)
Draft1.68 m (5.5 ft)1.95 m (6.4 ft)
Weight
Displacement6,577 kg (14,500 lbs)3,700 kg (8,157 lbs)
Ballast2,722 kg (6,001 lbs)1,350 kg (2,976 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area54.5 m² (587 ft²)46.0 m² (495 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine22 HP15 HP
Fuel Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)35 L (9.2 gal)
Water Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)60 L (15.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths64
Cabins21

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1973 Islander 37
15.77
2016 Dehler 30 OD
19.54
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1973 Islander 37
41.39
2016 Dehler 30 OD
36.49
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1973 Islander 37
0.70
2016 Dehler 30 OD
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1973 Islander 37
23.18
2016 Dehler 30 OD
16.93

Detailed Comparison

The 1973 Islander 37 and 2016 Dehler 30 OD represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1973 Islander 37 is a 1970s design by Islander from USA, while the 2016 Dehler 30 OD is a modern offering from Dehler from Germany. The 1973 Islander 37 was penned by Alan Gurney. The 2016 Dehler 30 OD was designed by Judel/Vrolijk.

In terms of size, the 1973 Islander 37 measures 11.28m (37.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.28m, compared to the 2016 Dehler 30 OD at 9.45m (31.0ft) with a 2.98m beam. The 1973 Islander 37 is 1.83m longer than the 2016 Dehler 30 OD. The 1973 Islander 37 displaces approximately 78% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1973 Islander 37 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.77 and 54.5 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 1973 Islander 37 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 23.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.70). The 2016 Dehler 30 OD has a comfort ratio of 16.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 41.4% for the 1973 Islander 37 and 36.5% for the 2016 Dehler 30 OD, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1973 Islander 37 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The 2016 Dehler 30 OD offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 60L water and 35L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1973 Islander 37 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 1973 Islander 37 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

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Or view individual specs: 1973 Islander 37 · 2016 Dehler 30 OD