2017 Dehler 46 vs 1986 Westerly Oceanlord — Comparison

2017 Dehler 462017 Dehler 46
VS
1986 Westerly Oceanlord

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2017 Dehler 461986 Westerly Oceanlord
General
ManufacturerDehlerWesterly
Year20171986–1992
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanyUK
DesignerJudel/VrolijkEd Dubois
Dimensions
LOA14.10 m (46.3 ft)12.04 m (39.5 ft)
LWL12.80 m (42.0 ft)9.75 m (32.0 ft)
Beam4.20 m (13.8 ft)3.81 m (12.5 ft)
Draft2.30 m (7.5 ft)1.83 m (6.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement10,500 kg (23,149 lbs)9,980 kg (22,002 lbs)
Ballast3,500 kg (7,716 lbs)3,629 kg (8,001 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area96.0 m² (1,033 ft²)68.0 m² (732 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine55 HP50 HP
Fuel Capacity130 L (34.3 gal)182 L (48.1 gal)
Water Capacity250 L (66.0 gal)340 L (89.8 gal)
Accommodation
Berths87
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2017 Dehler 46
20.34
1986 Westerly Oceanlord
14.90
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2017 Dehler 46
33.33
1986 Westerly Oceanlord
36.36
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2017 Dehler 46
0.77
1986 Westerly Oceanlord
0.71
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2017 Dehler 46
13.71
1986 Westerly Oceanlord
23.70

Detailed Comparison

The 2017 Dehler 46 and 1986 Westerly Oceanlord represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2017 Dehler 46 is a modern design by Dehler from Germany, while the 1986 Westerly Oceanlord is a 1980s offering from Westerly from UK. The 2017 Dehler 46 was penned by Judel/Vrolijk. The 1986 Westerly Oceanlord was designed by Ed Dubois.

In terms of size, the 2017 Dehler 46 measures 14.10m (46.3ft) overall with a beam of 4.20m, compared to the 1986 Westerly Oceanlord at 12.04m (39.5ft) with a 3.81m beam. The 2017 Dehler 46 is 2.06m longer than the 1986 Westerly Oceanlord. The 2017 Dehler 46 displaces approximately 5% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2017 Dehler 46 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 20.34 and 96.0 m² of sail area. The 1986 Westerly Oceanlord, with an SA/D of 14.90 and 68.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 2017 Dehler 46 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2017 Dehler 46 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 13.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 1986 Westerly Oceanlord has a comfort ratio of 23.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.71. The ballast ratios are 33.3% for the 2017 Dehler 46 and 36.4% for the 1986 Westerly Oceanlord, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2017 Dehler 46 provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 250L of water capacity and 130L of fuel. The 1986 Westerly Oceanlord offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 340L water and 182L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1986 Westerly Oceanlord 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 2017 Dehler 46 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 2017 Dehler 46 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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