2017 Dehler 46 vs 2014 Elan 400 — Comparison

2017 Dehler 462017 Dehler 46
VS
2014 Elan 4002014 Elan 400

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2017 Dehler 462014 Elan 400
General
ManufacturerDehlerElan
Year20172014–2018
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanySlovenia
DesignerJudel/VrolijkRob Humphreys
Dimensions
LOA14.10 m (46.3 ft)12.07 m (39.6 ft)
LWL12.80 m (42.0 ft)10.50 m (34.4 ft)
Beam4.20 m (13.8 ft)3.90 m (12.8 ft)
Draft2.30 m (7.5 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement10,500 kg (23,149 lbs)8,200 kg (18,078 lbs)
Ballast3,500 kg (7,716 lbs)2,600 kg (5,732 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area96.0 m² (1,033 ft²)76.0 m² (818 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine55 HP30 HP
Fuel Capacity130 L (34.3 gal)120 L (31.7 gal)
Water Capacity250 L (66.0 gal)250 L (66.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths87
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2017 Dehler 46
20.34
2014 Elan 400
18.99
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2017 Dehler 46
33.33
2014 Elan 400
31.71
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2017 Dehler 46
0.77
2014 Elan 400
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2017 Dehler 46
13.71
2014 Elan 400
17.08

Detailed Comparison

The 2017 Dehler 46 and 2014 Elan 400 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2017 Dehler 46 is a modern design by Dehler from Germany, while the 2014 Elan 400 is a modern offering from Elan from Slovenia. The 2017 Dehler 46 was penned by Judel/Vrolijk. The 2014 Elan 400 was designed by Rob Humphreys.

In terms of size, the 2017 Dehler 46 measures 14.10m (46.3ft) overall with a beam of 4.20m, compared to the 2014 Elan 400 at 12.07m (39.6ft) with a 3.90m beam. The 2017 Dehler 46 is 2.03m longer than the 2014 Elan 400. The 2017 Dehler 46 displaces approximately 28% 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 2014 Elan 400, with an SA/D of 18.99 and 76.0 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 2014 Elan 400 has a comfort ratio of 17.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 33.3% for the 2017 Dehler 46 and 31.7% for the 2014 Elan 400, 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 2014 Elan 400 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 250L water and 120L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2014 Elan 400 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 · 2014 Elan 400