2020 Dehler 42 vs 1983 Tartan 37 — Comparison

2020 Dehler 42
VS
1983 Tartan 371983 Tartan 37

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2020 Dehler 421983 Tartan 37
General
ManufacturerDehlerTartan
Year20201983–1989
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanyUSA
DesignerJudel/VrolijkSparkman & Stephens
Dimensions
LOA12.77 m (41.9 ft)11.28 m (37.0 ft)
LWL11.58 m (38.0 ft)9.14 m (30.0 ft)
Beam3.96 m (13.0 ft)3.56 m (11.7 ft)
Draft2.20 m (7.2 ft)1.83 m (6.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement8,500 kg (18,739 lbs)7,258 kg (16,001 lbs)
Ballast2,800 kg (6,173 lbs)3,084 kg (6,799 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area82.0 m² (883 ft²)57.0 m² (614 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine40 HP30 HP
Fuel Capacity100 L (26.4 gal)114 L (30.1 gal)
Water Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Accommodation
Berths87
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2020 Dehler 42
20.00
1983 Tartan 37
15.45
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2020 Dehler 42
32.94
1983 Tartan 37
42.49
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2020 Dehler 42
0.78
1983 Tartan 37
0.74
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2020 Dehler 42
14.66
1983 Tartan 37
21.48

Detailed Comparison

The 2020 Dehler 42 and 1983 Tartan 37 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2020 Dehler 42 is a modern design by Dehler from Germany, while the 1983 Tartan 37 is a 1980s offering from Tartan from USA. The 2020 Dehler 42 was penned by Judel/Vrolijk. The 1983 Tartan 37 was designed by Sparkman & Stephens.

In terms of size, the 2020 Dehler 42 measures 12.77m (41.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.96m, compared to the 1983 Tartan 37 at 11.28m (37.0ft) with a 3.56m beam. The 2020 Dehler 42 is 1.49m longer than the 1983 Tartan 37. The 2020 Dehler 42 displaces approximately 17% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2020 Dehler 42 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 20.00 and 82.0 m² of sail area. The 1983 Tartan 37, with an SA/D of 15.45 and 57.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2020 Dehler 42 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2020 Dehler 42 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 14.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 1983 Tartan 37 has a comfort ratio of 21.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 32.9% for the 2020 Dehler 42 and 42.5% for the 1983 Tartan 37, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2020 Dehler 42 provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 100L of fuel. The 1983 Tartan 37 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 114L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1983 Tartan 37 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 2020 Dehler 42 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 2020 Dehler 42 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: 2020 Dehler 42 · 1983 Tartan 37