Beneteau First 36.7 vs 2005 Dehler 34 — Comparison

Beneteau First 36.7Beneteau First 36.7
VS
2005 Dehler 342005 Dehler 34

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationBeneteau First 36.72005 Dehler 34
General
ManufacturerBeneteauDehler
Year2002–20082005–2012
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceGermany
DesignerFarr Yacht DesignJudel/Vrolijk
Dimensions
LOA11.25 m (36.9 ft)10.30 m (33.8 ft)
LWL9.65 m (31.7 ft)9.10 m (29.9 ft)
Beam3.58 m (11.7 ft)3.25 m (10.7 ft)
Draft1.98 m (6.5 ft)1.80 m (5.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,800 kg (12,787 lbs)4,800 kg (10,582 lbs)
Ballast2,100 kg (4,630 lbs)1,700 kg (3,748 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area65.0 m² (700 ft²)50.0 m² (538 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine29 HP18 HP
Fuel Capacity120 L (31.7 gal)50 L (13.2 gal)
Water Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)100 L (26.4 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Beneteau First 36.7
20.46
2005 Dehler 34
17.85
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Beneteau First 36.7
36.21
2005 Dehler 34
35.42
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Beneteau First 36.7
0.80
2005 Dehler 34
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Beneteau First 36.7
15.88
2005 Dehler 34
17.15

Detailed Comparison

The Beneteau First 36.7 and 2005 Dehler 34 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau First 36.7 is a 2000s design by Beneteau from France, while the 2005 Dehler 34 is a 2000s offering from Dehler from Germany. The Beneteau First 36.7 was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The 2005 Dehler 34 was designed by Judel/Vrolijk.

In terms of size, the Beneteau First 36.7 measures 11.25m (36.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.58m, compared to the 2005 Dehler 34 at 10.30m (33.8ft) with a 3.25m beam. The Beneteau First 36.7 is 0.95m longer than the 2005 Dehler 34. The Beneteau First 36.7 displaces approximately 21% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Beneteau First 36.7 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 20.46 and 65.0 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 Beneteau First 36.7 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Beneteau First 36.7 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 15.9) 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 36.2% for the Beneteau First 36.7 and 35.4% for the 2005 Dehler 34, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Beneteau First 36.7 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 120L of fuel. The 2005 Dehler 34 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 100L water and 50L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2005 Dehler 34 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 Beneteau First 36.7 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The Beneteau First 36.7 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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