1990 Morgan 38 vs 2016 Dehler 36 SQ — Comparison

1990 Morgan 381990 Morgan 38
VS
2016 Dehler 36 SQ

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1990 Morgan 382016 Dehler 36 SQ
General
ManufacturerMorganDehler
Year1990–19962016
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAGermany
DesignerTed BrewerJudel/Vrolijk
Dimensions
LOA11.58 m (38.0 ft)10.85 m (35.6 ft)
LWL9.45 m (31.0 ft)9.85 m (32.3 ft)
Beam3.56 m (11.7 ft)3.40 m (11.2 ft)
Draft1.68 m (5.5 ft)2.00 m (6.6 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,484 kg (16,499 lbs)5,500 kg (12,125 lbs)
Ballast3,175 kg (7,000 lbs)1,800 kg (3,968 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area61.8 m² (665 ft²)57.0 m² (614 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine35 HP21 HP
Fuel Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)55 L (14.5 gal)
Water Capacity227 L (60.0 gal)120 L (31.7 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1990 Morgan 38
16.41
2016 Dehler 36 SQ
18.59
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1990 Morgan 38
42.42
2016 Dehler 36 SQ
32.73
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1990 Morgan 38
0.73
2016 Dehler 36 SQ
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1990 Morgan 38
20.82
2016 Dehler 36 SQ
16.07

Detailed Comparison

The 1990 Morgan 38 and 2016 Dehler 36 SQ represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1990 Morgan 38 is a 1990s design by Morgan from USA, while the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ is a modern offering from Dehler from Germany. The 1990 Morgan 38 was penned by Ted Brewer. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ was designed by Judel/Vrolijk.

In terms of size, the 1990 Morgan 38 measures 11.58m (38.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.56m, compared to the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ at 10.85m (35.6ft) with a 3.40m beam. The 1990 Morgan 38 is 0.73m longer than the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ. The 1990 Morgan 38 displaces approximately 36% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1990 Morgan 38 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.41 and 61.8 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 1990 Morgan 38 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 20.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.73). The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ has a comfort ratio of 16.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 42.4% for the 1990 Morgan 38 and 32.7% for the 2016 Dehler 36 SQ, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1990 Morgan 38 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 227L of water capacity and 114L of fuel. The 2016 Dehler 36 SQ offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 120L water and 55L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1990 Morgan 38 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 1990 Morgan 38 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: 1990 Morgan 38 · 2016 Dehler 36 SQ