1987 Beneteau First 345 vs 2005 Dehler 34 — Comparison
1987 Beneteau First 345
2005 Dehler 34
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1987 Beneteau First 345 | 2005 Dehler 34 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Dehler |
| Year | 1987–1992 | 2005–2012 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | Germany |
| Designer | Jean Berret | Judel/Vrolijk |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.45 m (34.3 ft) | 10.30 m (33.8 ft) |
| LWL | 8.53 m (28.0 ft) | 9.10 m (29.9 ft) |
| Beam | 3.40 m (11.2 ft) | 3.25 m (10.7 ft) |
| Draft | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) | 4,800 kg (10,582 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,177 kg (4,799 lbs) | 1,700 kg (3,748 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 53.0 m² (571 ft²) | 50.0 m² (538 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 80 L (21.1 gal) | 50 L (13.2 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 150 L (39.6 gal) | 100 L (26.4 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1987 Beneteau First 345 and 2005 Dehler 34 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1987 Beneteau First 345 is a 1980s design by Beneteau from France, while the 2005 Dehler 34 is a 2000s offering from Dehler from Germany. The 1987 Beneteau First 345 was penned by Jean Berret. The 2005 Dehler 34 was designed by Judel/Vrolijk.
In terms of size, the 1987 Beneteau First 345 measures 10.45m (34.3ft) overall with a beam of 3.40m, compared to the 2005 Dehler 34 at 10.30m (33.8ft) with a 3.25m beam. The 1987 Beneteau First 345 is 0.15m longer than the 2005 Dehler 34. The 1987 Beneteau First 345 displaces approximately 13% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1987 Beneteau First 345 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.40 and 53.0 m² of sail area. The 2005 Dehler 34, with an SA/D of 17.85 and 50.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2005 Dehler 34 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1987 Beneteau First 345 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 2005 Dehler 34 has a comfort ratio of 17.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1987 Beneteau First 345 and 35.4% for the 2005 Dehler 34, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1987 Beneteau First 345 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 150L of water capacity and 80L of fuel. The 2005 Dehler 34 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 100L water and 50L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1987 Beneteau First 345 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 2005 Dehler 34 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1987 Beneteau First 345 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.