1995 J/80 vs 1998 Dehler 29 — Comparison
1995 J/80
1998 Dehler 29
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1995 J/80 | 1998 Dehler 29 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | J/Boats | Dehler |
| Year | 1995 | 1998–2006 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | Germany |
| Designer | Rod Johnstone | Judel/Vrolijk |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.00 m (26.2 ft) | 8.82 m (28.9 ft) |
| LWL | 7.01 m (23.0 ft) | 7.60 m (24.9 ft) |
| Beam | 2.50 m (8.2 ft) | 2.95 m (9.7 ft) |
| Draft | 1.49 m (4.9 ft) | 1.55 m (5.1 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 1,360 kg (2,998 lbs) | 3,200 kg (7,055 lbs) |
| Ballast | 499 kg (1,100 lbs) | 1,200 kg (2,646 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 32.0 m² (344 ft²) | 35.0 m² (377 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | — | 14 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 40 L (10.6 gal) |
| Water Capacity | — | 80 L (21.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 2 | 5 |
| Cabins | — | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1995 J/80 and 1998 Dehler 29 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1995 J/80 is a 1990s design by J/Boats from USA, while the 1998 Dehler 29 is a 1990s offering from Dehler from Germany. The 1995 J/80 was penned by Rod Johnstone. The 1998 Dehler 29 was designed by Judel/Vrolijk.
In terms of size, the 1995 J/80 measures 8.00m (26.2ft) overall with a beam of 2.50m, compared to the 1998 Dehler 29 at 8.82m (28.9ft) with a 2.95m beam. The 1998 Dehler 29 is 0.82m longer than the 1995 J/80. The 1998 Dehler 29 displaces approximately 135% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1995 J/80 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 26.50 and 32.0 m² of sail area. The 1998 Dehler 29, with an SA/D of 16.38 and 35.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1995 J/80 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1995 J/80 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 11.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.90). The 1998 Dehler 29 has a comfort ratio of 18.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.80. The ballast ratios are 36.7% for the 1995 J/80 and 37.5% for the 1998 Dehler 29, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1995 J/80 provides 2 berths with unspecified water tankage and unspecified fuel capacity. The 1998 Dehler 29 offers 5 berths in 2 cabins with 80L water and 40L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1998 Dehler 29 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 1995 J/80 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1998 Dehler 29 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.