2016 Dehler 30 OD vs 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur — Comparison
2016 Dehler 30 OD
1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2016 Dehler 30 OD | 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dehler | Wauquiez |
| Year | 2016 | 1988–1998 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Germany | France |
| Designer | Judel/Vrolijk | Jean-Marie Finot |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) | 10.21 m (33.5 ft) |
| LWL | 8.60 m (28.2 ft) | 8.38 m (27.5 ft) |
| Beam | 2.98 m (9.8 ft) | 3.28 m (10.8 ft) |
| Draft | 1.95 m (6.4 ft) | 1.70 m (5.6 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,700 kg (8,157 lbs) | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,350 kg (2,976 lbs) | 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 46.0 m² (495 ft²) | 47.0 m² (506 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 22 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 35 L (9.2 gal) | 90 L (23.8 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 60 L (15.9 gal) | 170 L (44.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 4 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2016 Dehler 30 OD and 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2016 Dehler 30 OD is a modern design by Dehler from Germany, while the 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur is a 1980s offering from Wauquiez from France. The 2016 Dehler 30 OD was penned by Judel/Vrolijk. The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur was designed by Jean-Marie Finot.
In terms of size, the 2016 Dehler 30 OD measures 9.45m (31.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.98m, compared to the 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur at 10.21m (33.5ft) with a 3.28m beam. The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur is 0.76m longer than the 2016 Dehler 30 OD. The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur displaces approximately 47% 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 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur, with an SA/D of 15.43 and 47.0 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 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur has a comfort ratio of 21.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 36.5% for the 2016 Dehler 30 OD and 41.7% for the 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur, 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 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 170L water and 90L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur 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 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.