2016 Dehler 36 SQ vs 1984 Cape Dory 33 — Comparison
2016 Dehler 36 SQ
1984 Cape Dory 33
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2016 Dehler 36 SQ | 1984 Cape Dory 33 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dehler | Cape Dory |
| Year | 2016 | 1984–1990 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Germany | USA |
| Designer | Judel/Vrolijk | Carl Alberg |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.85 m (35.6 ft) | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.85 m (32.3 ft) | 7.92 m (26.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.40 m (11.2 ft) | 3.12 m (10.2 ft) |
| Draft | 2.00 m (6.6 ft) | 1.45 m (4.8 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,500 kg (12,125 lbs) | 4,990 kg (11,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,800 kg (3,968 lbs) | 2,177 kg (4,799 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 57.0 m² (614 ft²) | 44.0 m² (474 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 21 HP | 22 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 55 L (14.5 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 120 L (31.7 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 5 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ and 1984 Cape Dory 33 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ is a modern design by Dehler from Germany, while the 1984 Cape Dory 33 is a 1980s offering from Cape Dory from USA. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ was penned by Judel/Vrolijk. The 1984 Cape Dory 33 was designed by Carl Alberg.
In terms of size, the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ measures 10.85m (35.6ft) overall with a beam of 3.40m, compared to the 1984 Cape Dory 33 at 10.06m (33.0ft) with a 3.12m beam. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ is 0.79m longer than the 1984 Cape Dory 33. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ displaces approximately 10% 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 1984 Cape Dory 33, with an SA/D of 15.31 and 44.0 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 1984 Cape Dory 33 has a comfort ratio of 23.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 32.7% for the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ and 43.6% for the 1984 Cape Dory 33, 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 1984 Cape Dory 33 offers 5 berths in 2 cabins with 151L water and 76L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1984 Cape Dory 33 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.