2016 Dehler 30 OD vs 1976 Ericson 29 — Comparison
2016 Dehler 30 OD
1976 Ericson 29
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2016 Dehler 30 OD | 1976 Ericson 29 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dehler | Ericson |
| Year | 2016 | 1976–1983 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Germany | USA |
| Designer | Judel/Vrolijk | Bruce King |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.60 m (28.2 ft) | 7.32 m (24.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.98 m (9.8 ft) | 2.84 m (9.3 ft) |
| Draft | 1.95 m (6.4 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,700 kg (8,157 lbs) | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,350 kg (2,976 lbs) | 1,361 kg (3,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 46.0 m² (495 ft²) | 34.0 m² (366 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 13 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 35 L (9.2 gal) | 45 L (11.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 60 L (15.9 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 4 | 5 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2016 Dehler 30 OD and 1976 Ericson 29 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2016 Dehler 30 OD is a modern design by Dehler from Germany, while the 1976 Ericson 29 is a 1970s offering from Ericson from USA. The 2016 Dehler 30 OD was penned by Judel/Vrolijk. The 1976 Ericson 29 was designed by Bruce King.
In terms of size, the 2016 Dehler 30 OD measures 9.45m (31.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.98m, compared to the 1976 Ericson 29 at 8.84m (29.0ft) with a 2.84m beam. The 2016 Dehler 30 OD is 0.61m longer than the 1976 Ericson 29. The 2016 Dehler 30 OD displaces approximately 17% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2016 Dehler 30 OD has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 19.54 and 46.0 m² of sail area. The 1976 Ericson 29, with an SA/D of 15.99 and 34.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2016 Dehler 30 OD has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2016 Dehler 30 OD offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 1976 Ericson 29 has a comfort ratio of 20.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 36.5% for the 2016 Dehler 30 OD and 42.9% for the 1976 Ericson 29, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2016 Dehler 30 OD provides 4 berths in 1 cabin with 60L of water capacity and 35L of fuel. The 1976 Ericson 29 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 76L water and 45L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1976 Ericson 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 2016 Dehler 30 OD has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1976 Ericson 29 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.