1999 Catalina 400 vs 2017 Dehler 46 — Comparison
1999 Catalina 400
2017 Dehler 46
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1999 Catalina 400 | 2017 Dehler 46 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Dehler |
| Year | 1999–2006 | 2017 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | Germany |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Judel/Vrolijk |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.12 m (39.8 ft) | 14.10 m (46.3 ft) |
| LWL | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.86 m (12.7 ft) | 4.20 m (13.8 ft) |
| Draft | 1.98 m (6.5 ft) | 2.30 m (7.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 8,845 kg (19,500 lbs) | 10,500 kg (23,149 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,629 kg (8,001 lbs) | 3,500 kg (7,716 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 66.9 m² (720 ft²) | 96.0 m² (1,033 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 40 HP | 55 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 151 L (39.9 gal) | 130 L (34.3 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 303 L (80.0 gal) | 250 L (66.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 8 | 8 |
| Cabins | 3 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1999 Catalina 400 and 2017 Dehler 46 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1999 Catalina 400 is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the 2017 Dehler 46 is a modern offering from Dehler from Germany. The 1999 Catalina 400 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 2017 Dehler 46 was designed by Judel/Vrolijk.
In terms of size, the 1999 Catalina 400 measures 12.12m (39.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.86m, compared to the 2017 Dehler 46 at 14.10m (46.3ft) with a 4.20m beam. The 2017 Dehler 46 is 1.98m longer than the 1999 Catalina 400. The 2017 Dehler 46 displaces approximately 19% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1999 Catalina 400 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.89 and 66.9 m² of sail area. The 2017 Dehler 46, with an SA/D of 20.34 and 96.0 m² of canvas, offers generous sail power for spirited sailing. The 2017 Dehler 46 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1999 Catalina 400 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.75). The 2017 Dehler 46 has a comfort ratio of 13.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 41.0% for the 1999 Catalina 400 and 33.3% for the 2017 Dehler 46, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1999 Catalina 400 provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 303L of water capacity and 151L of fuel. The 2017 Dehler 46 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 250L water and 130L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1999 Catalina 400 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 2017 Dehler 46 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: 1999 Catalina 400 · 2017 Dehler 46