1981 Ericson 30+ vs 1984 Dehler 25 — Comparison

1981 Ericson 30+
VS
1984 Dehler 25

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1981 Ericson 30+1984 Dehler 25
General
ManufacturerEricsonDehler
Year1981–19861984–1992
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAGermany
DesignerBruce KingE.G. van de Stadt
Dimensions
LOA9.14 m (30.0 ft)7.50 m (24.6 ft)
LWL7.62 m (25.0 ft)6.30 m (20.7 ft)
Beam3.05 m (10.0 ft)2.50 m (8.2 ft)
Draft1.52 m (5.0 ft)1.35 m (4.4 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,082 kg (8,999 lbs)1,800 kg (3,968 lbs)
Ballast1,678 kg (3,699 lbs)680 kg (1,499 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area39.7 m² (427 ft²)22.5 m² (242 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine15 HP8 HP
Fuel Capacity57 L (15.1 gal)25 L (6.6 gal)
Water Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)40 L (10.6 gal)
Accommodation
Berths64
Cabins11

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1981 Ericson 30+
15.79
1984 Dehler 25
15.46
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1981 Ericson 30+
41.11
1984 Dehler 25
37.78
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1981 Ericson 30+
0.76
1984 Dehler 25
0.82
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1981 Ericson 30+
21.78
1984 Dehler 25
18.41

Detailed Comparison

The 1981 Ericson 30+ and 1984 Dehler 25 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1981 Ericson 30+ is a 1980s design by Ericson from USA, while the 1984 Dehler 25 is a 1980s offering from Dehler from Germany. The 1981 Ericson 30+ was penned by Bruce King. The 1984 Dehler 25 was designed by E.G. van de Stadt.

In terms of size, the 1981 Ericson 30+ measures 9.14m (30.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.05m, compared to the 1984 Dehler 25 at 7.50m (24.6ft) with a 2.50m beam. The 1981 Ericson 30+ is 1.64m longer than the 1984 Dehler 25. The 1981 Ericson 30+ displaces approximately 127% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1981 Ericson 30+ has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.79 and 39.7 m² of sail area. The 1984 Dehler 25, with an SA/D of 15.46 and 22.5 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1981 Ericson 30+ has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1981 Ericson 30+ offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 21.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.76). The 1984 Dehler 25 has a comfort ratio of 18.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.82. The ballast ratios are 41.1% for the 1981 Ericson 30+ and 37.8% for the 1984 Dehler 25, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1981 Ericson 30+ provides 6 berths in 1 cabin with 76L of water capacity and 57L of fuel. The 1984 Dehler 25 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 40L water and 25L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1981 Ericson 30+ 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 1981 Ericson 30+ has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1981 Ericson 30+ 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: 1981 Ericson 30+ · 1984 Dehler 25