1998 Dehler 29 vs 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur — Comparison

1998 Dehler 29
VS
1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1998 Dehler 291988 Wauquiez Gladiateur
General
ManufacturerDehlerWauquiez
Year1998–20061988–1998
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanyFrance
DesignerJudel/VrolijkJean-Marie Finot
Dimensions
LOA8.82 m (28.9 ft)10.21 m (33.5 ft)
LWL7.60 m (24.9 ft)8.38 m (27.5 ft)
Beam2.95 m (9.7 ft)3.28 m (10.8 ft)
Draft1.55 m (5.1 ft)1.70 m (5.6 ft)
Weight
Displacement3,200 kg (7,055 lbs)5,443 kg (12,000 lbs)
Ballast1,200 kg (2,646 lbs)2,268 kg (5,000 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area35.0 m² (377 ft²)47.0 m² (506 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine14 HP22 HP
Fuel Capacity40 L (10.6 gal)90 L (23.8 gal)
Water Capacity80 L (21.1 gal)170 L (44.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths56
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1998 Dehler 29
16.38
1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur
15.43
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1998 Dehler 29
37.50
1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur
41.67
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1998 Dehler 29
0.80
1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1998 Dehler 29
18.34
1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur
21.56

Detailed Comparison

The 1998 Dehler 29 and 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1998 Dehler 29 is a 1990s design by Dehler from Germany, while the 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur is a 1980s offering from Wauquiez from France. The 1998 Dehler 29 was penned by Judel/Vrolijk. The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur was designed by Jean-Marie Finot.

In terms of size, the 1998 Dehler 29 measures 8.82m (28.9ft) overall with a beam of 2.95m, compared to the 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur at 10.21m (33.5ft) with a 3.28m beam. The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur is 1.39m longer than the 1998 Dehler 29. The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur displaces approximately 70% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1998 Dehler 29 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.38 and 35.0 m² of sail area. The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur, with an SA/D of 15.43 and 47.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1998 Dehler 29 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1998 Dehler 29 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur has a comfort ratio of 21.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 37.5% for the 1998 Dehler 29 and 41.7% for the 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1998 Dehler 29 provides 5 berths in 2 cabins with 80L of water capacity and 40L of fuel. The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 170L water and 90L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur 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 1998 Dehler 29 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur 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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