2003 Dehler 42 DS vs 2014 Elan 400 — Comparison
2014 Elan 400
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2003 Dehler 42 DS | 2014 Elan 400 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dehler | Elan |
| Year | 2003–2010 | 2014–2018 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Germany | Slovenia |
| Designer | Judel/Vrolijk | Rob Humphreys |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.77 m (41.9 ft) | 12.07 m (39.6 ft) |
| LWL | 11.20 m (36.7 ft) | 10.50 m (34.4 ft) |
| Beam | 3.93 m (12.9 ft) | 3.90 m (12.8 ft) |
| Draft | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 8,800 kg (19,401 lbs) | 8,200 kg (18,078 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,000 kg (6,614 lbs) | 2,600 kg (5,732 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 78.0 m² (840 ft²) | 76.0 m² (818 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 40 HP | 30 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 100 L (26.4 gal) | 120 L (31.7 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 250 L (66.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 3 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2003 Dehler 42 DS and 2014 Elan 400 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2003 Dehler 42 DS is a 2000s design by Dehler from Germany, while the 2014 Elan 400 is a modern offering from Elan from Slovenia. The 2003 Dehler 42 DS was penned by Judel/Vrolijk. The 2014 Elan 400 was designed by Rob Humphreys.
In terms of size, the 2003 Dehler 42 DS measures 12.77m (41.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.93m, compared to the 2014 Elan 400 at 12.07m (39.6ft) with a 3.90m beam. The 2003 Dehler 42 DS is 0.70m longer than the 2014 Elan 400. The 2003 Dehler 42 DS displaces approximately 7% 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 2014 Elan 400, with an SA/D of 18.99 and 76.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2014 Elan 400 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 2014 Elan 400 has a comfort ratio of 17.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 34.1% for the 2003 Dehler 42 DS and 31.7% for the 2014 Elan 400, 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 2014 Elan 400 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 250L water and 120L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2014 Elan 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 2014 Elan 400 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 · 2014 Elan 400