Beneteau First 27 vs 2005 Dehler 34 — Comparison

Beneteau First 27
VS
2005 Dehler 342005 Dehler 34

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationBeneteau First 272005 Dehler 34
General
ManufacturerBeneteauDehler
Year1990–19942005–2012
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceGermany
DesignerJean BerretJudel/Vrolijk
Dimensions
LOA8.19 m (26.9 ft)10.30 m (33.8 ft)
LWL7.21 m (23.7 ft)9.10 m (29.9 ft)
Beam2.79 m (9.2 ft)3.25 m (10.7 ft)
Draft1.55 m (5.1 ft)1.80 m (5.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement2,400 kg (5,291 lbs)4,800 kg (10,582 lbs)
Ballast850 kg (1,874 lbs)1,700 kg (3,748 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area35.0 m² (377 ft²)50.0 m² (538 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine9 HP18 HP
Fuel Capacity40 L (10.6 gal)50 L (13.2 gal)
Water Capacity70 L (18.5 gal)100 L (26.4 gal)
Accommodation
Berths56
Cabins12

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Beneteau First 27
19.84
2005 Dehler 34
17.85
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Beneteau First 27
35.42
2005 Dehler 34
35.42
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Beneteau First 27
0.83
2005 Dehler 34
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Beneteau First 27
16.70
2005 Dehler 34
17.15

Detailed Comparison

The Beneteau First 27 and 2005 Dehler 34 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau First 27 is a 1990s design by Beneteau from France, while the 2005 Dehler 34 is a 2000s offering from Dehler from Germany. The Beneteau First 27 was penned by Jean Berret. The 2005 Dehler 34 was designed by Judel/Vrolijk.

In terms of size, the Beneteau First 27 measures 8.19m (26.9ft) overall with a beam of 2.79m, compared to the 2005 Dehler 34 at 10.30m (33.8ft) with a 3.25m beam. The 2005 Dehler 34 is 2.11m longer than the Beneteau First 27. The 2005 Dehler 34 displaces approximately 100% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Beneteau First 27 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 19.84 and 35.0 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 Beneteau First 27 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Beneteau First 27 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.83). The 2005 Dehler 34 has a comfort ratio of 17.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 35.4% for the Beneteau First 27 and 35.4% for the 2005 Dehler 34, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Beneteau First 27 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 70L of water capacity and 40L of fuel. The 2005 Dehler 34 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 100L water and 50L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2005 Dehler 34 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 Beneteau First 27 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 2005 Dehler 34 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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