Beneteau First 27 vs 2016 Dehler 36 SQ — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Beneteau First 27 | 2016 Dehler 36 SQ |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Dehler |
| Year | 1990–1994 | 2016 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | Germany |
| Designer | Jean Berret | Judel/Vrolijk |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.19 m (26.9 ft) | 10.85 m (35.6 ft) |
| LWL | 7.21 m (23.7 ft) | 9.85 m (32.3 ft) |
| Beam | 2.79 m (9.2 ft) | 3.40 m (11.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.55 m (5.1 ft) | 2.00 m (6.6 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 2,400 kg (5,291 lbs) | 5,500 kg (12,125 lbs) |
| Ballast | 850 kg (1,874 lbs) | 1,800 kg (3,968 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 35.0 m² (377 ft²) | 57.0 m² (614 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 9 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 40 L (10.6 gal) | 55 L (14.5 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 70 L (18.5 gal) | 120 L (31.7 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Beneteau First 27 and 2016 Dehler 36 SQ represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau First 27 is a 1990s design by Beneteau from France, while the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ is a modern offering from Dehler from Germany. The Beneteau First 27 was penned by Jean Berret. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ 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 2016 Dehler 36 SQ at 10.85m (35.6ft) with a 3.40m beam. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ is 2.66m longer than the Beneteau First 27. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ displaces approximately 129% 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 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 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 2016 Dehler 36 SQ has a comfort ratio of 16.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 35.4% for the Beneteau First 27 and 32.7% for the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ, 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 2016 Dehler 36 SQ offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 120L water and 55L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Beneteau First 27 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 2016 Dehler 36 SQ 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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Or view individual specs: Beneteau First 27 · 2016 Dehler 36 SQ