1990 Dehler 31 vs 1982 Freedom 28 — Comparison
1990 Dehler 31
1982 Freedom 28
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1990 Dehler 31 | 1982 Freedom 28 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dehler | Freedom |
| Year | 1990–1996 | 1982–1988 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Germany | USA |
| Designer | Judel/Vrolijk | Garry Hoyt |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) | 8.53 m (28.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.08 m (26.5 ft) | 7.01 m (23.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.13 m (10.3 ft) | 2.84 m (9.3 ft) |
| Draft | 1.65 m (5.4 ft) | 1.14 m (3.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,900 kg (8,598 lbs) | 2,495 kg (5,501 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,560 kg (3,439 lbs) | 907 kg (2,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 44.0 m² (474 ft²) | 29.0 m² (312 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 10 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 60 L (15.9 gal) | 38 L (10.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 100 L (26.4 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 5 |
| Cabins | 2 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1990 Dehler 31 and 1982 Freedom 28 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1990 Dehler 31 is a 1990s design by Dehler from Germany, while the 1982 Freedom 28 is a 1980s offering from Freedom from USA. The 1990 Dehler 31 was penned by Judel/Vrolijk. The 1982 Freedom 28 was designed by Garry Hoyt.
In terms of size, the 1990 Dehler 31 measures 9.45m (31.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.13m, compared to the 1982 Freedom 28 at 8.53m (28.0ft) with a 2.84m beam. The 1990 Dehler 31 is 0.92m longer than the 1982 Freedom 28. The 1990 Dehler 31 displaces approximately 56% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1990 Dehler 31 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.05 and 44.0 m² of sail area. The 1982 Freedom 28, with an SA/D of 16.02 and 29.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1990 Dehler 31 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1990 Dehler 31 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The 1982 Freedom 28 has a comfort ratio of 17.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.84. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1990 Dehler 31 and 36.4% for the 1982 Freedom 28, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1990 Dehler 31 provides 5 berths in 2 cabins with 100L of water capacity and 60L of fuel. The 1982 Freedom 28 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L water and 38L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1990 Dehler 31 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 1990 Dehler 31 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.