2016 Dehler 36 SQ vs 1979 O'Day 28 — Comparison

2016 Dehler 36 SQ
VS
1979 O'Day 281979 O'Day 28

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2016 Dehler 36 SQ1979 O'Day 28
General
ManufacturerDehlerO'Day
Year20161979–1985
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanyUSA
DesignerJudel/VrolijkC. Raymond Hunt
Dimensions
LOA10.85 m (35.6 ft)8.53 m (28.0 ft)
LWL9.85 m (32.3 ft)7.01 m (23.0 ft)
Beam3.40 m (11.2 ft)2.84 m (9.3 ft)
Draft2.00 m (6.6 ft)1.37 m (4.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,500 kg (12,125 lbs)2,722 kg (6,001 lbs)
Ballast1,800 kg (3,968 lbs)1,089 kg (2,401 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area57.0 m² (614 ft²)31.0 m² (334 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine21 HP10 HP
Fuel Capacity55 L (14.5 gal)38 L (10.0 gal)
Water Capacity120 L (31.7 gal)57 L (15.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths65
Cabins21

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2016 Dehler 36 SQ
18.59
1979 O'Day 28
16.16
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2016 Dehler 36 SQ
32.73
1979 O'Day 28
40.01
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2016 Dehler 36 SQ
0.77
1979 O'Day 28
0.81
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2016 Dehler 36 SQ
16.07
1979 O'Day 28
18.69

Detailed Comparison

The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ and 1979 O'Day 28 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ is a modern design by Dehler from Germany, while the 1979 O'Day 28 is a 1970s offering from O'Day from USA. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ was penned by Judel/Vrolijk. The 1979 O'Day 28 was designed by C. Raymond Hunt.

In terms of size, the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ measures 10.85m (35.6ft) overall with a beam of 3.40m, compared to the 1979 O'Day 28 at 8.53m (28.0ft) with a 2.84m beam. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ is 2.32m longer than the 1979 O'Day 28. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ displaces approximately 102% 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 1979 O'Day 28, with an SA/D of 16.16 and 31.0 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 1979 O'Day 28 has a comfort ratio of 18.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.81. The ballast ratios are 32.7% for the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ and 40.0% for the 1979 O'Day 28, 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 1979 O'Day 28 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L water and 38L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1979 O'Day 28 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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