Dufour 40 vs 2005 Dehler 34 — Comparison

Dufour 40Dufour 40
VS
2005 Dehler 342005 Dehler 34

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationDufour 402005 Dehler 34
General
ManufacturerDufourDehler
Year2007–20122005–2012
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceGermany
DesignerUmberto FelciJudel/Vrolijk
Dimensions
LOA12.05 m (39.5 ft)10.30 m (33.8 ft)
LWL10.55 m (34.6 ft)9.10 m (29.9 ft)
Beam3.85 m (12.6 ft)3.25 m (10.7 ft)
Draft1.95 m (6.4 ft)1.80 m (5.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,800 kg (17,196 lbs)4,800 kg (10,582 lbs)
Ballast2,400 kg (5,291 lbs)1,700 kg (3,748 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area68.0 m² (732 ft²)50.0 m² (538 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine40 HP18 HP
Fuel Capacity160 L (42.3 gal)50 L (13.2 gal)
Water Capacity300 L (79.3 gal)100 L (26.4 gal)
Accommodation
Berths86
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Dufour 40
17.56
2005 Dehler 34
17.85
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Dufour 40
30.77
2005 Dehler 34
35.42
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Dufour 40
0.78
2005 Dehler 34
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Dufour 40
16.44
2005 Dehler 34
17.15

Detailed Comparison

The Dufour 40 and 2005 Dehler 34 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Dufour 40 is a 2000s design by Dufour from France, while the 2005 Dehler 34 is a 2000s offering from Dehler from Germany. The Dufour 40 was penned by Umberto Felci. The 2005 Dehler 34 was designed by Judel/Vrolijk.

In terms of size, the Dufour 40 measures 12.05m (39.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.85m, compared to the 2005 Dehler 34 at 10.30m (33.8ft) with a 3.25m beam. The Dufour 40 is 1.75m longer than the 2005 Dehler 34. The Dufour 40 displaces approximately 63% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Dufour 40 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.56 and 68.0 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 40 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.4) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 2005 Dehler 34 has a comfort ratio of 17.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 30.8% for the Dufour 40 and 35.4% for the 2005 Dehler 34, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Dufour 40 provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 300L of water capacity and 160L of fuel. The 2005 Dehler 34 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 100L water and 50L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2005 Dehler 34 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: The Dufour 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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