Beneteau First 40 vs 2003 Dehler 42 DS — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Beneteau First 40 | 2003 Dehler 42 DS |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Dehler |
| Year | 2006–2012 | 2003–2010 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | Germany |
| Designer | Farr Yacht Design | Judel/Vrolijk |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.16 m (39.9 ft) | 12.77 m (41.9 ft) |
| LWL | 10.58 m (34.7 ft) | 11.20 m (36.7 ft) |
| Beam | 3.80 m (12.5 ft) | 3.93 m (12.9 ft) |
| Draft | 2.15 m (7.1 ft) | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,000 kg (15,432 lbs) | 8,800 kg (19,401 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,500 kg (5,512 lbs) | 3,000 kg (6,614 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 74.0 m² (797 ft²) | 78.0 m² (840 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 40 HP | 40 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 150 L (39.6 gal) | 100 L (26.4 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 280 L (74.0 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 8 | 7 |
| Cabins | 3 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Beneteau First 40 and 2003 Dehler 42 DS represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau First 40 is a 2000s design by Beneteau from France, while the 2003 Dehler 42 DS is a 2000s offering from Dehler from Germany. The Beneteau First 40 was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The 2003 Dehler 42 DS was designed by Judel/Vrolijk.
In terms of size, the Beneteau First 40 measures 12.16m (39.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.80m, compared to the 2003 Dehler 42 DS at 12.77m (41.9ft) with a 3.93m beam. The 2003 Dehler 42 DS is 0.61m longer than the Beneteau First 40. The 2003 Dehler 42 DS displaces approximately 26% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Beneteau First 40 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 20.55 and 74.0 m² of sail area. The 2003 Dehler 42 DS, with an SA/D of 18.59 and 78.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Beneteau First 40 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Beneteau First 40 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 14.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The 2003 Dehler 42 DS has a comfort ratio of 16.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 35.7% for the Beneteau First 40 and 34.1% for the 2003 Dehler 42 DS, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Beneteau First 40 provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 280L of water capacity and 150L of fuel. The 2003 Dehler 42 DS offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 200L water and 100L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2003 Dehler 42 DS 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 40 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 40 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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Or view individual specs: Beneteau First 40 · 2003 Dehler 42 DS