1991 Hunter 33.5 vs 2005 Dehler 34 — Comparison

1991 Hunter 33.5
VS
2005 Dehler 342005 Dehler 34

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1991 Hunter 33.52005 Dehler 34
General
ManufacturerHunterDehler
Year1991–19962005–2012
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAGermany
DesignerGlenn HendersonJudel/Vrolijk
Dimensions
LOA10.06 m (33.0 ft)10.30 m (33.8 ft)
LWL8.84 m (29.0 ft)9.10 m (29.9 ft)
Beam3.51 m (11.5 ft)3.25 m (10.7 ft)
Draft1.37 m (4.5 ft)1.80 m (5.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,443 kg (12,000 lbs)4,800 kg (10,582 lbs)
Ballast2,041 kg (4,500 lbs)1,700 kg (3,748 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area50.7 m² (546 ft²)50.0 m² (538 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeShoal draftFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine22 HP18 HP
Fuel Capacity95 L (25.1 gal)50 L (13.2 gal)
Water Capacity152 L (40.2 gal)100 L (26.4 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1991 Hunter 33.5
16.65
2005 Dehler 34
17.85
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1991 Hunter 33.5
37.50
2005 Dehler 34
35.42
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1991 Hunter 33.5
0.80
2005 Dehler 34
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1991 Hunter 33.5
18.53
2005 Dehler 34
17.15

Detailed Comparison

The 1991 Hunter 33.5 and 2005 Dehler 34 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1991 Hunter 33.5 is a 1990s design by Hunter from USA, while the 2005 Dehler 34 is a 2000s offering from Dehler from Germany. The 1991 Hunter 33.5 was penned by Glenn Henderson. The 2005 Dehler 34 was designed by Judel/Vrolijk.

In terms of size, the 1991 Hunter 33.5 measures 10.06m (33.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.51m, compared to the 2005 Dehler 34 at 10.30m (33.8ft) with a 3.25m beam. The 2005 Dehler 34 is 0.24m longer than the 1991 Hunter 33.5. The 1991 Hunter 33.5 displaces approximately 13% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1991 Hunter 33.5 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.65 and 50.7 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 1991 Hunter 33.5 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.5) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The 2005 Dehler 34 has a comfort ratio of 17.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 37.5% for the 1991 Hunter 33.5 and 35.4% for the 2005 Dehler 34, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1991 Hunter 33.5 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 152L of water capacity and 95L of fuel. The 2005 Dehler 34 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 100L water and 50L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1991 Hunter 33.5 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 1991 Hunter 33.5 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: 1991 Hunter 33.5 · 2005 Dehler 34