1990 Beneteau First 235 vs 1984 Dehler 25 — Comparison
1990 Beneteau First 235
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1990 Beneteau First 235 | 1984 Dehler 25 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Dehler |
| Year | 1990–1996 | 1984–1992 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | Germany |
| Designer | Jean Berret | E.G. van de Stadt |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 7.18 m (23.6 ft) | 7.50 m (24.6 ft) |
| LWL | 6.17 m (20.2 ft) | 6.30 m (20.7 ft) |
| Beam | 2.50 m (8.2 ft) | 2.50 m (8.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) | 1.35 m (4.4 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 1,497 kg (3,300 lbs) | 1,800 kg (3,968 lbs) |
| Ballast | 567 kg (1,250 lbs) | 680 kg (1,499 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 24.0 m² (258 ft²) | 22.5 m² (242 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 6 HP | 8 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 20 L (5.3 gal) | 25 L (6.6 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 30 L (7.9 gal) | 40 L (10.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 4 | 4 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1990 Beneteau First 235 and 1984 Dehler 25 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1990 Beneteau First 235 is a 1990s design by Beneteau from France, while the 1984 Dehler 25 is a 1980s offering from Dehler from Germany. The 1990 Beneteau First 235 was penned by Jean Berret. The 1984 Dehler 25 was designed by E.G. van de Stadt.
In terms of size, the 1990 Beneteau First 235 measures 7.18m (23.6ft) overall with a beam of 2.50m, compared to the 1984 Dehler 25 at 7.50m (24.6ft) with a 2.50m beam. The 1984 Dehler 25 is 0.32m longer than the 1990 Beneteau First 235. The 1984 Dehler 25 displaces approximately 20% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1990 Beneteau First 235 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.64 and 24.0 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 1990 Beneteau First 235 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1990 Beneteau First 235 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.88). The 1984 Dehler 25 has a comfort ratio of 18.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.82. The ballast ratios are 37.9% for the 1990 Beneteau First 235 and 37.8% for the 1984 Dehler 25, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1990 Beneteau First 235 provides 4 berths in 1 cabin with 30L of water capacity and 20L of fuel. The 1984 Dehler 25 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 40L water and 25L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1984 Dehler 25 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 1990 Beneteau First 235 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
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Or view individual specs: 1990 Beneteau First 235 · 1984 Dehler 25