1979 Islander 36 vs 2016 Dehler 36 SQ — Comparison

1979 Islander 361979 Islander 36
VS
2016 Dehler 36 SQ

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1979 Islander 362016 Dehler 36 SQ
General
ManufacturerIslanderDehler
Year1979–19852016
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAGermany
DesignerAlan GurneyJudel/Vrolijk
Dimensions
LOA10.97 m (36.0 ft)10.85 m (35.6 ft)
LWL8.84 m (29.0 ft)9.85 m (32.3 ft)
Beam3.28 m (10.8 ft)3.40 m (11.2 ft)
Draft1.68 m (5.5 ft)2.00 m (6.6 ft)
Weight
Displacement6,350 kg (13,999 lbs)5,500 kg (12,125 lbs)
Ballast2,722 kg (6,001 lbs)1,800 kg (3,968 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area54.2 m² (583 ft²)57.0 m² (614 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine22 HP21 HP
Fuel Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)55 L (14.5 gal)
Water Capacity151 L (39.9 gal)120 L (31.7 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1979 Islander 36
16.06
2016 Dehler 36 SQ
18.59
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1979 Islander 36
42.87
2016 Dehler 36 SQ
32.73
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1979 Islander 36
0.71
2016 Dehler 36 SQ
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1979 Islander 36
22.32
2016 Dehler 36 SQ
16.07

Detailed Comparison

The 1979 Islander 36 and 2016 Dehler 36 SQ represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1979 Islander 36 is a 1970s design by Islander from USA, while the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ is a modern offering from Dehler from Germany. The 1979 Islander 36 was penned by Alan Gurney. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ was designed by Judel/Vrolijk.

In terms of size, the 1979 Islander 36 measures 10.97m (36.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.28m, compared to the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ at 10.85m (35.6ft) with a 3.40m beam. The 1979 Islander 36 is 0.12m longer than the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ. The 1979 Islander 36 displaces approximately 15% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1979 Islander 36 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.06 and 54.2 m² of sail area. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ, with an SA/D of 18.59 and 57.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1979 Islander 36 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 22.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.71). The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ has a comfort ratio of 16.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 42.9% for the 1979 Islander 36 and 32.7% for the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1979 Islander 36 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 151L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 120L water and 55L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1979 Islander 36 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 2016 Dehler 36 SQ has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1979 Islander 36 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: 1979 Islander 36 · 2016 Dehler 36 SQ