1986 J/28 vs 2016 Dehler 30 OD — Comparison
1986 J/28
2016 Dehler 30 OD
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1986 J/28 | 2016 Dehler 30 OD |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | J/Boats | Dehler |
| Year | 1986–1990 | 2016 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | Germany |
| Designer | Rod Johnstone | Judel/Vrolijk |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.66 m (28.4 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.32 m (24.0 ft) | 8.60 m (28.2 ft) |
| Beam | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) | 2.98 m (9.8 ft) |
| Draft | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) | 1.95 m (6.4 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 2,948 kg (6,499 lbs) | 3,700 kg (8,157 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,361 kg (3,000 lbs) | 1,350 kg (2,976 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 37.6 m² (405 ft²) | 46.0 m² (495 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 12 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 1986 J/28 and 2016 Dehler 30 OD represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1986 J/28 is a 1980s design by J/Boats from USA, while the 2016 Dehler 30 OD is a modern offering from Dehler from Germany. The 1986 J/28 was penned by Rod Johnstone. The 2016 Dehler 30 OD was designed by Judel/Vrolijk.
In terms of size, the 1986 J/28 measures 8.66m (28.4ft) overall with a beam of 3.05m, compared to the 2016 Dehler 30 OD at 9.45m (31.0ft) with a 2.98m beam. The 2016 Dehler 30 OD is 0.79m longer than the 1986 J/28. The 2016 Dehler 30 OD displaces approximately 26% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1986 J/28 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.59 and 37.6 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 1986 J/28 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.85). The 2016 Dehler 30 OD has a comfort ratio of 16.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 46.2% for the 1986 J/28 and 36.5% for the 2016 Dehler 30 OD, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1986 J/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 1986 J/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 1986 J/28 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.