2014 Dehler 38 vs 1975 Cal 29 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2014 Dehler 38 | 1975 Cal 29 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dehler | Cal |
| Year | 2014–2020 | 1975–1981 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Germany | USA |
| Designer | Judel/Vrolijk | Bill Lapworth |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.55 m (37.9 ft) | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) |
| LWL | 10.55 m (34.6 ft) | 7.32 m (24.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.64 m (11.9 ft) | 2.84 m (9.3 ft) |
| Draft | 2.05 m (6.7 ft) | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,200 kg (15,873 lbs) | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,300 kg (5,071 lbs) | 1,361 kg (3,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 68.0 m² (732 ft²) | 34.0 m² (366 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 30 HP | 13 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 80 L (21.1 gal) | 45 L (11.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 160 L (42.3 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 5 |
| Cabins | 3 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2014 Dehler 38 and 1975 Cal 29 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2014 Dehler 38 is a modern design by Dehler from Germany, while the 1975 Cal 29 is a 1970s offering from Cal from USA. The 2014 Dehler 38 was penned by Judel/Vrolijk. The 1975 Cal 29 was designed by Bill Lapworth.
In terms of size, the 2014 Dehler 38 measures 11.55m (37.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.64m, compared to the 1975 Cal 29 at 8.84m (29.0ft) with a 2.84m beam. The 2014 Dehler 38 is 2.71m longer than the 1975 Cal 29. The 2014 Dehler 38 displaces approximately 127% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2014 Dehler 38 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.53 and 68.0 m² of sail area. The 1975 Cal 29, with an SA/D of 15.99 and 34.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2014 Dehler 38 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2014 Dehler 38 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.76). The 1975 Cal 29 has a comfort ratio of 20.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 31.9% for the 2014 Dehler 38 and 42.9% for the 1975 Cal 29, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2014 Dehler 38 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 160L of water capacity and 80L of fuel. The 1975 Cal 29 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 76L water and 45L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1975 Cal 29 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 2014 Dehler 38 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 2014 Dehler 38 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: 2014 Dehler 38 · 1975 Cal 29