2020 Dehler 42 vs Hunter 356 — Comparison

2020 Dehler 42
VS
Hunter 356Hunter 356

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2020 Dehler 42Hunter 356
General
ManufacturerDehlerHunter
Year20202000–2005
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanyUSA
DesignerJudel/VrolijkGlenn Henderson
Dimensions
LOA12.77 m (41.9 ft)10.82 m (35.5 ft)
LWL11.58 m (38.0 ft)9.30 m (30.5 ft)
Beam3.96 m (13.0 ft)3.53 m (11.6 ft)
Draft2.20 m (7.2 ft)1.80 m (5.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement8,500 kg (18,739 lbs)5,443 kg (12,000 lbs)
Ballast2,800 kg (6,173 lbs)2,177 kg (4,799 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area82.0 m² (883 ft²)53.0 m² (571 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine40 HP21 HP
Fuel Capacity100 L (26.4 gal)76 L (20.1 gal)
Water Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)151 L (39.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths86
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2020 Dehler 42
20.00
Hunter 356
17.40
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2020 Dehler 42
32.94
Hunter 356
40.00
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2020 Dehler 42
0.78
Hunter 356
0.80
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2020 Dehler 42
14.66
Hunter 356
16.38

Detailed Comparison

The 2020 Dehler 42 and Hunter 356 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2020 Dehler 42 is a modern design by Dehler from Germany, while the Hunter 356 is a 2000s offering from Hunter from USA. The 2020 Dehler 42 was penned by Judel/Vrolijk. The Hunter 356 was designed by Glenn Henderson.

In terms of size, the 2020 Dehler 42 measures 12.77m (41.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.96m, compared to the Hunter 356 at 10.82m (35.5ft) with a 3.53m beam. The 2020 Dehler 42 is 1.95m longer than the Hunter 356. The 2020 Dehler 42 displaces approximately 56% 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 Hunter 356, with an SA/D of 17.40 and 53.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. 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 Hunter 356 has a comfort ratio of 16.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.80. The ballast ratios are 32.9% for the 2020 Dehler 42 and 40.0% for the Hunter 356, 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 Hunter 356 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 151L water and 76L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Hunter 356 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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