1989 J/35 vs 2003 Dehler 42 DS — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1989 J/35 | 2003 Dehler 42 DS |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | J/Boats | Dehler |
| Year | 1989–1993 | 2003–2010 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | Germany |
| Designer | Rod Johnstone | Judel/Vrolijk |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.67 m (35.0 ft) | 12.77 m (41.9 ft) |
| LWL | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 11.20 m (36.7 ft) |
| Beam | 3.43 m (11.3 ft) | 3.93 m (12.9 ft) |
| Draft | 1.98 m (6.5 ft) | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,216 kg (11,499 lbs) | 8,800 kg (19,401 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) | 3,000 kg (6,614 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 57.6 m² (620 ft²) | 78.0 m² (840 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 40 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 100 L (26.4 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1989 J/35 and 2003 Dehler 42 DS represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1989 J/35 is a 1980s design by J/Boats from USA, while the 2003 Dehler 42 DS is a 2000s offering from Dehler from Germany. The 1989 J/35 was penned by Rod Johnstone. The 2003 Dehler 42 DS was designed by Judel/Vrolijk.
In terms of size, the 1989 J/35 measures 10.67m (35.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.43m, compared to the 2003 Dehler 42 DS at 12.77m (41.9ft) with a 3.93m beam. The 2003 Dehler 42 DS is 2.10m longer than the 1989 J/35. The 2003 Dehler 42 DS displaces approximately 69% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1989 J/35 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 19.46 and 57.6 m² of sail area. The 2003 Dehler 42 DS, with an SA/D of 18.59 and 78.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 1989 J/35 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1989 J/35 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The 2003 Dehler 42 DS has a comfort ratio of 16.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 43.5% for the 1989 J/35 and 34.1% for the 2003 Dehler 42 DS, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1989 J/35 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 76L of water capacity and 57L of fuel. The 2003 Dehler 42 DS offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 200L water and 100L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1989 J/35 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 1989 J/35 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 2003 Dehler 42 DS offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 1989 J/35 · 2003 Dehler 42 DS