Which Dehler model is best for my sailing needs and budget?
I'm looking at Dehlers for weekend sailing, a summer cruise and possibly some club racing. I'd like something manageable with two aboard, but how should I balance model, age and purchase price against space and running costs?
Answer
The Dehler 34 is the best starting point for family cruising and club racing; choose a Dehler 29 if lower running costs and easy handling matter more than accommodation. Move up to a Dehler 38 if you regularly need more cabin space, but judge each boat by its condition, equipment and keel depth before settling on a model.
Crew, berth and sailing area
Check your maximum usable draught and annual berth cost first. Either can rule out an otherwise attractive boat. Dehlers often have different keel and rig options, so the model name alone will not tell you whether a boat suits your harbour or crew.
Write down four requirements before viewing:
- Regular crew: two people sailing together need accessible controls and manageable sail handling; occasional guests do not necessarily justify another cabin.
- Sleeping arrangements: distinguish permanent cabins from saloon berths, and measure bunk length if anyone is tall.
- Sailing balance: weekend cruising favours straightforward systems; regular racing puts more weight on sails, deck hardware and rig specification.
- Water depth: allow clearance beneath the keel at your berth and usual destinations, including at low water.
For two adults and children, inspect the saloon, heads and storage with everyone aboard. A quoted berth count tells you little about comfort through three wet days.
Choose your Dehler model
Dehler 29: a sensible choice for a couple, coastal weekends and club racing without the bills of a larger yacht. The brochure gives an overall length of 8.75 m, a beam of 2.99 m and approximately 43.1 m² of mainsail and jib. Standard tiller steering with an extension suits owners who enjoy direct steering and a relatively uncluttered cockpit.
Check for a mainsheet traveller, gennaker bowsprit and removable cockpit table. These were configuration options, so do not assume every boat carries them. Accommodation is the compromise if four adults expect comfort on longer cruises.
Dehler 34: the best starting point for a couple wanting more cruising comfort, or a family combining holidays with racing. An older Dehler 34 and the design introduced in 2016 are substantially different boats. Compare build year, layout, keel and steering arrangement before comparing prices.
Dehler 38 and 38 SQ: consider these for longer holidays, more guests and extra accommodation. The later SQ version differs in detail and equipment, so check the boat's inventory. Larger sails, higher loads and dearer replacement equipment make effective reefing, an adequate autopilot and well-positioned winches more important when sailing as a couple.
Older Dehler 31 or 34: these can offer good value if the structure, engine and rig are sound. A well-maintained smaller boat can leave considerably more money for sailing than a larger example needing immediate repairs.