Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 vs 2003 Dehler 42 DS — Comparison
Beneteau Oceanis 38.1
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 | 2003 Dehler 42 DS |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Dehler |
| Year | 2017 | 2003–2010 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | Germany |
| Designer | Marc Lombard | Judel/Vrolijk |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.50 m (37.7 ft) | 12.77 m (41.9 ft) |
| LWL | 10.47 m (34.4 ft) | 11.20 m (36.7 ft) |
| Beam | 3.72 m (12.2 ft) | 3.93 m (12.9 ft) |
| Draft | 2.08 m (6.8 ft) | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,150 kg (15,763 lbs) | 8,800 kg (19,401 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,200 kg (4,850 lbs) | 3,000 kg (6,614 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 62.5 m² (673 ft²) | 78.0 m² (840 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 29 HP | 40 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 140 L (37.0 gal) | 100 L (26.4 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 250 L (66.0 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 and 2003 Dehler 42 DS represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 is a modern design by Beneteau from France, while the 2003 Dehler 42 DS is a 2000s offering from Dehler from Germany. The Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 was penned by Marc Lombard. The 2003 Dehler 42 DS was designed by Judel/Vrolijk.
In terms of size, the Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 measures 11.50m (37.7ft) overall with a beam of 3.72m, compared to the 2003 Dehler 42 DS at 12.77m (41.9ft) with a 3.93m beam. The 2003 Dehler 42 DS is 1.27m longer than the Beneteau Oceanis 38.1. The 2003 Dehler 42 DS displaces approximately 23% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.11 and 62.5 m² of sail area. The 2003 Dehler 42 DS, with an SA/D of 18.59 and 78.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2003 Dehler 42 DS has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.4) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 2003 Dehler 42 DS has a comfort ratio of 16.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 30.8% for the Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 and 34.1% for the 2003 Dehler 42 DS, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 250L of water capacity and 140L of fuel. The 2003 Dehler 42 DS offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 200L water and 100L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 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 2003 Dehler 42 DS has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 2003 Dehler 42 DS 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: Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 · 2003 Dehler 42 DS