Dufour 385 Grand Large vs 2017 Dehler 46 — Comparison
2017 Dehler 46
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Dufour 385 Grand Large | 2017 Dehler 46 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | Dehler |
| Year | 2006–2010 | 2017 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | Germany |
| Designer | Umberto Felci | Judel/Vrolijk |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.53 m (37.8 ft) | 14.10 m (46.3 ft) |
| LWL | 10.10 m (33.1 ft) | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.68 m (12.1 ft) | 4.20 m (13.8 ft) |
| Draft | 1.90 m (6.2 ft) | 2.30 m (7.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,100 kg (15,653 lbs) | 10,500 kg (23,149 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,150 kg (4,740 lbs) | 3,500 kg (7,716 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 62.0 m² (667 ft²) | 96.0 m² (1,033 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 29 HP | 55 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 130 L (34.3 gal) | 130 L (34.3 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 250 L (66.0 gal) | 250 L (66.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 8 |
| Cabins | 2 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Dufour 385 Grand Large and 2017 Dehler 46 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Dufour 385 Grand Large is a 2000s design by Dufour from France, while the 2017 Dehler 46 is a modern offering from Dehler from Germany. The Dufour 385 Grand Large was penned by Umberto Felci. The 2017 Dehler 46 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 2017 Dehler 46 at 14.10m (46.3ft) with a 4.20m beam. The 2017 Dehler 46 is 2.57m longer than the Dufour 385 Grand Large. The 2017 Dehler 46 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 2017 Dehler 46, with an SA/D of 20.34 and 96.0 m² of canvas, offers generous sail power for spirited sailing. The 2017 Dehler 46 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 2017 Dehler 46 has a comfort ratio of 13.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 30.3% for the Dufour 385 Grand Large and 33.3% for the 2017 Dehler 46, 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 2017 Dehler 46 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 250L water and 130L 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 2017 Dehler 46 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 2017 Dehler 46 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: Dufour 385 Grand Large · 2017 Dehler 46