Dufour 385 Grand Large vs 2005 Dehler 34 — Comparison

Dufour 385 Grand Large
VS
2005 Dehler 342005 Dehler 34

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationDufour 385 Grand Large2005 Dehler 34
General
ManufacturerDufourDehler
Year2006–20102005–2012
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceGermany
DesignerUmberto FelciJudel/Vrolijk
Dimensions
LOA11.53 m (37.8 ft)10.30 m (33.8 ft)
LWL10.10 m (33.1 ft)9.10 m (29.9 ft)
Beam3.68 m (12.1 ft)3.25 m (10.7 ft)
Draft1.90 m (6.2 ft)1.80 m (5.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,100 kg (15,653 lbs)4,800 kg (10,582 lbs)
Ballast2,150 kg (4,740 lbs)1,700 kg (3,748 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area62.0 m² (667 ft²)50.0 m² (538 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine29 HP18 HP
Fuel Capacity130 L (34.3 gal)50 L (13.2 gal)
Water Capacity250 L (66.0 gal)100 L (26.4 gal)
Accommodation
Berths66
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Dufour 385 Grand Large
17.05
2005 Dehler 34
17.85
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Dufour 385 Grand Large
30.28
2005 Dehler 34
35.42
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Dufour 385 Grand Large
0.77
2005 Dehler 34
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Dufour 385 Grand Large
17.35
2005 Dehler 34
17.15

Detailed Comparison

The Dufour 385 Grand Large and 2005 Dehler 34 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Dufour 385 Grand Large is a 2000s design by Dufour from France, while the 2005 Dehler 34 is a 2000s offering from Dehler from Germany. The Dufour 385 Grand Large was penned by Umberto Felci. The 2005 Dehler 34 was designed by Judel/Vrolijk.

In terms of size, the Dufour 385 Grand Large measures 11.53m (37.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.68m, compared to the 2005 Dehler 34 at 10.30m (33.8ft) with a 3.25m beam. The Dufour 385 Grand Large is 1.23m longer than the 2005 Dehler 34. The Dufour 385 Grand Large displaces approximately 48% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Dufour 385 Grand Large has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.05 and 62.0 m² of sail area. The 2005 Dehler 34, with an SA/D of 17.85 and 50.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2005 Dehler 34 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Dufour 385 Grand Large offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.4) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 2005 Dehler 34 has a comfort ratio of 17.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 30.3% for the Dufour 385 Grand Large and 35.4% for the 2005 Dehler 34, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Dufour 385 Grand Large provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 250L of water capacity and 130L of fuel. The 2005 Dehler 34 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 100L water and 50L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Dufour 385 Grand Large 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 2005 Dehler 34 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.

Compare Different Boats

Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats

Or view individual specs: Dufour 385 Grand Large · 2005 Dehler 34