2016 Dehler 36 SQ vs 1982 Freedom 28 — Comparison
1982 Freedom 28
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2016 Dehler 36 SQ | 1982 Freedom 28 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dehler | Freedom |
| Year | 2016 | 1982–1988 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Germany | USA |
| Designer | Judel/Vrolijk | Garry Hoyt |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.85 m (35.6 ft) | 8.53 m (28.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.85 m (32.3 ft) | 7.01 m (23.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.40 m (11.2 ft) | 2.84 m (9.3 ft) |
| Draft | 2.00 m (6.6 ft) | 1.14 m (3.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,500 kg (12,125 lbs) | 2,495 kg (5,501 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,800 kg (3,968 lbs) | 907 kg (2,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 57.0 m² (614 ft²) | 29.0 m² (312 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 21 HP | 10 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 55 L (14.5 gal) | 38 L (10.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 120 L (31.7 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 5 |
| Cabins | 2 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ and 1982 Freedom 28 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ is a modern design by Dehler from Germany, while the 1982 Freedom 28 is a 1980s offering from Freedom from USA. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ was penned by Judel/Vrolijk. The 1982 Freedom 28 was designed by Garry Hoyt.
In terms of size, the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ measures 10.85m (35.6ft) overall with a beam of 3.40m, compared to the 1982 Freedom 28 at 8.53m (28.0ft) with a 2.84m beam. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ is 2.32m longer than the 1982 Freedom 28. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ displaces approximately 120% 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 1982 Freedom 28, with an SA/D of 16.02 and 29.0 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 1982 Freedom 28 has a comfort ratio of 17.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.84. The ballast ratios are 32.7% for the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ and 36.4% for the 1982 Freedom 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 1982 Freedom 28 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L water and 38L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1982 Freedom 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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Or view individual specs: 2016 Dehler 36 SQ · 1982 Freedom 28