2016 Dehler 30 OD vs 1979 Pearson 37 — Comparison

2016 Dehler 30 OD
VS
1979 Pearson 371979 Pearson 37

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2016 Dehler 30 OD1979 Pearson 37
General
ManufacturerDehlerPearson
Year20161979–1985
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanyUSA
DesignerJudel/VrolijkWilliam Shaw
Dimensions
LOA9.45 m (31.0 ft)11.28 m (37.0 ft)
LWL8.60 m (28.2 ft)8.69 m (28.5 ft)
Beam2.98 m (9.8 ft)3.43 m (11.3 ft)
Draft1.95 m (6.4 ft)1.83 m (6.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement3,700 kg (8,157 lbs)7,258 kg (16,001 lbs)
Ballast1,350 kg (2,976 lbs)3,084 kg (6,799 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area46.0 m² (495 ft²)56.0 m² (603 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine15 HP28 HP
Fuel Capacity35 L (9.2 gal)95 L (25.1 gal)
Water Capacity60 L (15.9 gal)190 L (50.2 gal)
Accommodation
Berths46
Cabins12

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2016 Dehler 30 OD
19.54
1979 Pearson 37
15.18
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2016 Dehler 30 OD
36.49
1979 Pearson 37
42.49
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2016 Dehler 30 OD
0.77
1979 Pearson 37
0.71
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2016 Dehler 30 OD
16.93
1979 Pearson 37
24.10

Detailed Comparison

The 2016 Dehler 30 OD and 1979 Pearson 37 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2016 Dehler 30 OD is a modern design by Dehler from Germany, while the 1979 Pearson 37 is a 1970s offering from Pearson from USA. The 2016 Dehler 30 OD was penned by Judel/Vrolijk. The 1979 Pearson 37 was designed by William Shaw.

In terms of size, the 2016 Dehler 30 OD measures 9.45m (31.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.98m, compared to the 1979 Pearson 37 at 11.28m (37.0ft) with a 3.43m beam. The 1979 Pearson 37 is 1.83m longer than the 2016 Dehler 30 OD. The 1979 Pearson 37 displaces approximately 96% 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 1979 Pearson 37, with an SA/D of 15.18 and 56.0 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 1979 Pearson 37 has a comfort ratio of 24.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.71. The ballast ratios are 36.5% for the 2016 Dehler 30 OD and 42.5% for the 1979 Pearson 37, 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 1979 Pearson 37 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 190L water and 95L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1979 Pearson 37 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 1979 Pearson 37 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: 2016 Dehler 30 OD · 1979 Pearson 37