Beneteau First 40 vs 2016 Dehler 30 OD — Comparison

Beneteau First 40
VS
2016 Dehler 30 OD

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationBeneteau First 402016 Dehler 30 OD
General
ManufacturerBeneteauDehler
Year2006–20122016
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceGermany
DesignerFarr Yacht DesignJudel/Vrolijk
Dimensions
LOA12.16 m (39.9 ft)9.45 m (31.0 ft)
LWL10.58 m (34.7 ft)8.60 m (28.2 ft)
Beam3.80 m (12.5 ft)2.98 m (9.8 ft)
Draft2.15 m (7.1 ft)1.95 m (6.4 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,000 kg (15,432 lbs)3,700 kg (8,157 lbs)
Ballast2,500 kg (5,512 lbs)1,350 kg (2,976 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area74.0 m² (797 ft²)46.0 m² (495 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine40 HP15 HP
Fuel Capacity150 L (39.6 gal)35 L (9.2 gal)
Water Capacity280 L (74.0 gal)60 L (15.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths84
Cabins31

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Beneteau First 40
20.55
2016 Dehler 30 OD
19.54
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Beneteau First 40
35.71
2016 Dehler 30 OD
36.49
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Beneteau First 40
0.80
2016 Dehler 30 OD
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Beneteau First 40
14.87
2016 Dehler 30 OD
16.93

Detailed Comparison

The Beneteau First 40 and 2016 Dehler 30 OD represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau First 40 is a 2000s design by Beneteau from France, while the 2016 Dehler 30 OD is a modern offering from Dehler from Germany. The Beneteau First 40 was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The 2016 Dehler 30 OD 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 2016 Dehler 30 OD at 9.45m (31.0ft) with a 2.98m beam. The Beneteau First 40 is 2.71m longer than the 2016 Dehler 30 OD. The Beneteau First 40 displaces approximately 89% 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 2016 Dehler 30 OD, with an SA/D of 19.54 and 46.0 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 2016 Dehler 30 OD has a comfort ratio of 16.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 35.7% for the Beneteau First 40 and 36.5% for the 2016 Dehler 30 OD, 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 2016 Dehler 30 OD offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 60L water and 35L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2016 Dehler 30 OD 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 · 2016 Dehler 30 OD