2017 Dehler 46 vs 1997 Tartan 3700 — Comparison

2017 Dehler 462017 Dehler 46
VS
1997 Tartan 3700

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2017 Dehler 461997 Tartan 3700
General
ManufacturerDehlerTartan
Year20171997–2006
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanyUSA
DesignerJudel/VrolijkTim Jackett
Dimensions
LOA14.10 m (46.3 ft)11.28 m (37.0 ft)
LWL12.80 m (42.0 ft)9.75 m (32.0 ft)
Beam4.20 m (13.8 ft)3.66 m (12.0 ft)
Draft2.30 m (7.5 ft)1.98 m (6.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement10,500 kg (23,149 lbs)7,031 kg (15,501 lbs)
Ballast3,500 kg (7,716 lbs)2,948 kg (6,499 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area96.0 m² (1,033 ft²)62.0 m² (667 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine55 HP35 HP
Fuel Capacity130 L (34.3 gal)130 L (34.3 gal)
Water Capacity250 L (66.0 gal)220 L (58.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths86
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2017 Dehler 46
20.34
1997 Tartan 3700
17.16
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2017 Dehler 46
33.33
1997 Tartan 3700
41.93
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2017 Dehler 46
0.77
1997 Tartan 3700
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2017 Dehler 46
13.71
1997 Tartan 3700
18.41

Detailed Comparison

The 2017 Dehler 46 and 1997 Tartan 3700 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2017 Dehler 46 is a modern design by Dehler from Germany, while the 1997 Tartan 3700 is a 1990s offering from Tartan from USA. The 2017 Dehler 46 was penned by Judel/Vrolijk. The 1997 Tartan 3700 was designed by Tim Jackett.

In terms of size, the 2017 Dehler 46 measures 14.10m (46.3ft) overall with a beam of 4.20m, compared to the 1997 Tartan 3700 at 11.28m (37.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 2017 Dehler 46 is 2.82m longer than the 1997 Tartan 3700. The 2017 Dehler 46 displaces approximately 49% 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 1997 Tartan 3700, with an SA/D of 17.16 and 62.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. 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 1997 Tartan 3700 has a comfort ratio of 18.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 33.3% for the 2017 Dehler 46 and 41.9% for the 1997 Tartan 3700, 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 1997 Tartan 3700 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 220L water and 130L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1997 Tartan 3700 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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Or view individual specs: 2017 Dehler 46 · 1997 Tartan 3700