2003 Dehler 42 DS vs 1974 Morgan 33 — Comparison

2003 Dehler 42 DS
VS
1974 Morgan 331974 Morgan 33

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2003 Dehler 42 DS1974 Morgan 33
General
ManufacturerDehlerMorgan
Year2003–20101974–1980
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanyUSA
DesignerJudel/VrolijkCharlie Morgan
Dimensions
LOA12.77 m (41.9 ft)10.06 m (33.0 ft)
LWL11.20 m (36.7 ft)8.23 m (27.0 ft)
Beam3.93 m (12.9 ft)3.20 m (10.5 ft)
Draft2.10 m (6.9 ft)1.37 m (4.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement8,800 kg (19,401 lbs)5,216 kg (11,499 lbs)
Ballast3,000 kg (6,614 lbs)2,041 kg (4,500 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area78.0 m² (840 ft²)42.0 m² (452 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine40 HP18 HP
Fuel Capacity100 L (26.4 gal)76 L (20.1 gal)
Water Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)114 L (30.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2003 Dehler 42 DS
18.59
1974 Morgan 33
14.19
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2003 Dehler 42 DS
34.09
1974 Morgan 33
39.13
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2003 Dehler 42 DS
0.76
1974 Morgan 33
0.74
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2003 Dehler 42 DS
16.03
1974 Morgan 33
22.09

Detailed Comparison

The 2003 Dehler 42 DS and 1974 Morgan 33 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2003 Dehler 42 DS is a 2000s design by Dehler from Germany, while the 1974 Morgan 33 is a 1970s offering from Morgan from USA. The 2003 Dehler 42 DS was penned by Judel/Vrolijk. The 1974 Morgan 33 was designed by Charlie Morgan.

In terms of size, the 2003 Dehler 42 DS measures 12.77m (41.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.93m, compared to the 1974 Morgan 33 at 10.06m (33.0ft) with a 3.20m beam. The 2003 Dehler 42 DS is 2.71m longer than the 1974 Morgan 33. The 2003 Dehler 42 DS displaces approximately 69% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2003 Dehler 42 DS has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.59 and 78.0 m² of sail area. The 1974 Morgan 33, with an SA/D of 14.19 and 42.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 2003 Dehler 42 DS has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2003 Dehler 42 DS offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.76). The 1974 Morgan 33 has a comfort ratio of 22.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 34.1% for the 2003 Dehler 42 DS and 39.1% for the 1974 Morgan 33, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2003 Dehler 42 DS provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 100L of fuel. The 1974 Morgan 33 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L water and 76L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1974 Morgan 33 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 2003 Dehler 42 DS has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 2003 Dehler 42 DS 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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