Beneteau First 30 vs 2016 Dehler 36 SQ — Comparison
Beneteau First 30
2016 Dehler 36 SQ
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Beneteau First 30 | 2016 Dehler 36 SQ |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Dehler |
| Year | 1983–1989 | 2016 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | Germany |
| Designer | Jean Berret | Judel/Vrolijk |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 10.85 m (35.6 ft) |
| LWL | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) | 9.85 m (32.3 ft) |
| Beam | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) | 3.40 m (11.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) | 2.00 m (6.6 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,600 kg (7,937 lbs) | 5,500 kg (12,125 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,300 kg (2,866 lbs) | 1,800 kg (3,968 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 42.0 m² (452 ft²) | 57.0 m² (614 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 60 L (15.9 gal) | 55 L (14.5 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 100 L (26.4 gal) | 120 L (31.7 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Beneteau First 30 and 2016 Dehler 36 SQ represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau First 30 is a 1980s design by Beneteau from France, while the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ is a modern offering from Dehler from Germany. The Beneteau First 30 was penned by Jean Berret. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ was designed by Judel/Vrolijk.
In terms of size, the Beneteau First 30 measures 9.14m (30.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.05m, compared to the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ at 10.85m (35.6ft) with a 3.40m beam. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ is 1.71m longer than the Beneteau First 30. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ displaces approximately 53% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Beneteau First 30 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.17 and 42.0 m² of sail area. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ, with an SA/D of 18.59 and 57.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Beneteau First 30 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ has a comfort ratio of 16.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 36.1% for the Beneteau First 30 and 32.7% for the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Beneteau First 30 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 100L of water capacity and 60L of fuel. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 120L water and 55L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Beneteau First 30 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 36 SQ has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.