1985 Beneteau First 285 vs 2016 Dehler 30 OD — Comparison
1985 Beneteau First 285
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1985 Beneteau First 285 | 2016 Dehler 30 OD |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Dehler |
| Year | 1985–1990 | 2016 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | Germany |
| Designer | Jean Berret | Judel/Vrolijk |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.65 m (28.4 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.32 m (24.0 ft) | 8.60 m (28.2 ft) |
| Beam | 2.90 m (9.5 ft) | 2.98 m (9.8 ft) |
| Draft | 1.65 m (5.4 ft) | 1.95 m (6.4 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 2,900 kg (6,393 lbs) | 3,700 kg (8,157 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,100 kg (2,425 lbs) | 1,350 kg (2,976 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 36.0 m² (388 ft²) | 46.0 m² (495 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 13 HP | 15 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 45 L (11.9 gal) | 35 L (9.2 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 60 L (15.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 4 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1985 Beneteau First 285 and 2016 Dehler 30 OD represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1985 Beneteau First 285 is a 1980s design by Beneteau from France, while the 2016 Dehler 30 OD is a modern offering from Dehler from Germany. The 1985 Beneteau First 285 was penned by Jean Berret. The 2016 Dehler 30 OD was designed by Judel/Vrolijk.
In terms of size, the 1985 Beneteau First 285 measures 8.65m (28.4ft) overall with a beam of 2.90m, compared to the 2016 Dehler 30 OD at 9.45m (31.0ft) with a 2.98m beam. The 2016 Dehler 30 OD is 0.80m longer than the 1985 Beneteau First 285. The 2016 Dehler 30 OD displaces approximately 28% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1985 Beneteau First 285 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.99 and 36.0 m² of sail area. The 2016 Dehler 30 OD, with an SA/D of 19.54 and 46.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2016 Dehler 30 OD has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1985 Beneteau First 285 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.81). The 2016 Dehler 30 OD has a comfort ratio of 16.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 37.9% for the 1985 Beneteau First 285 and 36.5% for the 2016 Dehler 30 OD, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1985 Beneteau First 285 provides 6 berths in 1 cabin with 76L of water capacity and 45L of fuel. The 2016 Dehler 30 OD offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 60L water and 35L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1985 Beneteau First 285 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 30 OD has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1985 Beneteau First 285 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: 1985 Beneteau First 285 · 2016 Dehler 30 OD