1993 Beneteau First 42 vs 2003 Dehler 42 DS — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1993 Beneteau First 42 | 2003 Dehler 42 DS |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Dehler |
| Year | 1993–1998 | 2003–2010 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | Germany |
| Designer | Bruce Farr | Judel/Vrolijk |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.77 m (41.9 ft) | 12.77 m (41.9 ft) |
| LWL | 10.52 m (34.5 ft) | 11.20 m (36.7 ft) |
| Beam | 3.86 m (12.7 ft) | 3.93 m (12.9 ft) |
| Draft | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 8,845 kg (19,500 lbs) | 8,800 kg (19,401 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,402 kg (7,500 lbs) | 3,000 kg (6,614 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 76.3 m² (821 ft²) | 78.0 m² (840 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 40 HP | 40 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 150 L (39.6 gal) | 100 L (26.4 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 250 L (66.0 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 3 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1993 Beneteau First 42 and 2003 Dehler 42 DS represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1993 Beneteau First 42 is a 1990s design by Beneteau from France, while the 2003 Dehler 42 DS is a 2000s offering from Dehler from Germany. The 1993 Beneteau First 42 was penned by Bruce Farr. The 2003 Dehler 42 DS was designed by Judel/Vrolijk.
In terms of size, the 1993 Beneteau First 42 measures 12.77m (41.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.86m, compared to the 2003 Dehler 42 DS at 12.77m (41.9ft) with a 3.93m beam. The 1993 Beneteau First 42 displaces approximately 1% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1993 Beneteau First 42 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.12 and 76.3 m² of sail area. The 2003 Dehler 42 DS, with an SA/D of 18.59 and 78.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2003 Dehler 42 DS has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1993 Beneteau First 42 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.75). The 2003 Dehler 42 DS has a comfort ratio of 16.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 38.5% for the 1993 Beneteau First 42 and 34.1% for the 2003 Dehler 42 DS, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1993 Beneteau First 42 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 250L of water capacity and 150L of fuel. The 2003 Dehler 42 DS offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 200L water and 100L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1993 Beneteau First 42 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 2003 Dehler 42 DS 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: 1993 Beneteau First 42 · 2003 Dehler 42 DS