1993 Beneteau First 42 vs 2016 Dehler 36 SQ — Comparison

1993 Beneteau First 42
VS
2016 Dehler 36 SQ

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1993 Beneteau First 422016 Dehler 36 SQ
General
ManufacturerBeneteauDehler
Year1993–19982016
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceGermany
DesignerBruce FarrJudel/Vrolijk
Dimensions
LOA12.77 m (41.9 ft)10.85 m (35.6 ft)
LWL10.52 m (34.5 ft)9.85 m (32.3 ft)
Beam3.86 m (12.7 ft)3.40 m (11.2 ft)
Draft2.10 m (6.9 ft)2.00 m (6.6 ft)
Weight
Displacement8,845 kg (19,500 lbs)5,500 kg (12,125 lbs)
Ballast3,402 kg (7,500 lbs)1,800 kg (3,968 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area76.3 m² (821 ft²)57.0 m² (614 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine40 HP21 HP
Fuel Capacity150 L (39.6 gal)55 L (14.5 gal)
Water Capacity250 L (66.0 gal)120 L (31.7 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1993 Beneteau First 42
18.12
2016 Dehler 36 SQ
18.59
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1993 Beneteau First 42
38.46
2016 Dehler 36 SQ
32.73
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1993 Beneteau First 42
0.75
2016 Dehler 36 SQ
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1993 Beneteau First 42
17.94
2016 Dehler 36 SQ
16.07

Detailed Comparison

The 1993 Beneteau First 42 and 2016 Dehler 36 SQ represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1993 Beneteau First 42 is a 1990s design by Beneteau from France, while the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ is a modern offering from Dehler from Germany. The 1993 Beneteau First 42 was penned by Bruce Farr. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ was designed by Judel/Vrolijk.

In terms of size, the 1993 Beneteau First 42 measures 12.77m (41.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.86m, compared to the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ at 10.85m (35.6ft) with a 3.40m beam. The 1993 Beneteau First 42 is 1.92m longer than the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ. The 1993 Beneteau First 42 displaces approximately 61% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1993 Beneteau First 42 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.12 and 76.3 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 2016 Dehler 36 SQ has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1993 Beneteau First 42 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.75). The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ has a comfort ratio of 16.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 38.5% for the 1993 Beneteau First 42 and 32.7% for the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1993 Beneteau First 42 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 250L of water capacity and 150L of fuel. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 120L water and 55L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1993 Beneteau First 42 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 2016 Dehler 36 SQ has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1993 Beneteau First 42 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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