Dufour 32 Classic vs 2005 Dehler 34 — Comparison
2005 Dehler 34
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Dufour 32 Classic | 2005 Dehler 34 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | Dehler |
| Year | 1995–2002 | 2005–2012 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | Germany |
| Designer | Umberto Felci | Judel/Vrolijk |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.70 m (31.8 ft) | 10.30 m (33.8 ft) |
| LWL | 8.40 m (27.6 ft) | 9.10 m (29.9 ft) |
| Beam | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) | 3.25 m (10.7 ft) |
| Draft | 1.70 m (5.6 ft) | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,500 kg (9,921 lbs) | 4,800 kg (10,582 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) | 1,700 kg (3,748 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 45.0 m² (484 ft²) | 50.0 m² (538 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 80 L (21.1 gal) | 50 L (13.2 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 150 L (39.6 gal) | 100 L (26.4 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Dufour 32 Classic and 2005 Dehler 34 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Dufour 32 Classic is a 1990s design by Dufour from France, while the 2005 Dehler 34 is a 2000s offering from Dehler from Germany. The Dufour 32 Classic was penned by Umberto Felci. The 2005 Dehler 34 was designed by Judel/Vrolijk.
In terms of size, the Dufour 32 Classic measures 9.70m (31.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.20m, compared to the 2005 Dehler 34 at 10.30m (33.8ft) with a 3.25m beam. The 2005 Dehler 34 is 0.60m longer than the Dufour 32 Classic. The 2005 Dehler 34 displaces approximately 7% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Dufour 32 Classic has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.78 and 45.0 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 2005 Dehler 34 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Dufour 32 Classic offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 2005 Dehler 34 has a comfort ratio of 17.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 31.1% for the Dufour 32 Classic and 35.4% for the 2005 Dehler 34, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Dufour 32 Classic provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L of water capacity and 80L of fuel. The 2005 Dehler 34 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 100L water and 50L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Dufour 32 Classic 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: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
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Or view individual specs: Dufour 32 Classic · 2005 Dehler 34