2016 Dehler 36 SQ vs 1978 Sabre 30 — Comparison

2016 Dehler 36 SQ
VS
1978 Sabre 301978 Sabre 30

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2016 Dehler 36 SQ1978 Sabre 30
General
ManufacturerDehlerSabre
Year20161978–1985
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanyUSA
DesignerJudel/VrolijkRoger Hewson
Dimensions
LOA10.85 m (35.6 ft)9.14 m (30.0 ft)
LWL9.85 m (32.3 ft)7.47 m (24.5 ft)
Beam3.40 m (11.2 ft)2.97 m (9.7 ft)
Draft2.00 m (6.6 ft)1.37 m (4.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,500 kg (12,125 lbs)3,629 kg (8,001 lbs)
Ballast1,800 kg (3,968 lbs)1,451 kg (3,199 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area57.0 m² (614 ft²)37.0 m² (398 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine21 HP15 HP
Fuel Capacity55 L (14.5 gal)45 L (11.9 gal)
Water Capacity120 L (31.7 gal)76 L (20.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths65
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2016 Dehler 36 SQ
18.59
1978 Sabre 30
15.92
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2016 Dehler 36 SQ
32.73
1978 Sabre 30
39.98
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2016 Dehler 36 SQ
0.77
1978 Sabre 30
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2016 Dehler 36 SQ
16.07
1978 Sabre 30
20.59

Detailed Comparison

The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ and 1978 Sabre 30 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ is a modern design by Dehler from Germany, while the 1978 Sabre 30 is a 1970s offering from Sabre from USA. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ was penned by Judel/Vrolijk. The 1978 Sabre 30 was designed by Roger Hewson.

In terms of size, the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ measures 10.85m (35.6ft) overall with a beam of 3.40m, compared to the 1978 Sabre 30 at 9.14m (30.0ft) with a 2.97m beam. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ is 1.71m longer than the 1978 Sabre 30. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ displaces approximately 52% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.59 and 57.0 m² of sail area. The 1978 Sabre 30, with an SA/D of 15.92 and 37.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 1978 Sabre 30 has a comfort ratio of 20.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 32.7% for the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ and 40.0% for the 1978 Sabre 30, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 120L of water capacity and 55L of fuel. The 1978 Sabre 30 offers 5 berths in 2 cabins with 76L water and 45L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1978 Sabre 30 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 36 SQ has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ 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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