2003 Dehler 42 DS vs 1979 Cal 39 — Comparison
1979 Cal 39
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2003 Dehler 42 DS | 1979 Cal 39 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dehler | Cal |
| Year | 2003–2010 | 1979–1985 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Germany | USA |
| Designer | Judel/Vrolijk | Bill Lapworth / C. Raymond Hunt |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.77 m (41.9 ft) | 11.89 m (39.0 ft) |
| LWL | 11.20 m (36.7 ft) | 9.60 m (31.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.93 m (12.9 ft) | 3.66 m (12.0 ft) |
| Draft | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 8,800 kg (19,401 lbs) | 8,165 kg (18,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,000 kg (6,614 lbs) | 3,402 kg (7,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 78.0 m² (840 ft²) | 63.0 m² (678 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 40 HP | 30 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 100 L (26.4 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 3 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2003 Dehler 42 DS and 1979 Cal 39 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2003 Dehler 42 DS is a 2000s design by Dehler from Germany, while the 1979 Cal 39 is a 1970s offering from Cal from USA. The 2003 Dehler 42 DS was penned by Judel/Vrolijk. The 1979 Cal 39 was designed by Bill Lapworth / C. Raymond Hunt.
In terms of size, the 2003 Dehler 42 DS measures 12.77m (41.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.93m, compared to the 1979 Cal 39 at 11.89m (39.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 2003 Dehler 42 DS is 0.88m longer than the 1979 Cal 39. The 2003 Dehler 42 DS displaces approximately 8% 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 1979 Cal 39, with an SA/D of 15.78 and 63.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. 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 1979 Cal 39 has a comfort ratio of 21.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 34.1% for the 2003 Dehler 42 DS and 41.7% for the 1979 Cal 39, 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 1979 Cal 39 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 114L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1979 Cal 39 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: 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: 2003 Dehler 42 DS · 1979 Cal 39