Dufour 45E vs 2017 Dehler 46 — Comparison
Dufour 45E
2017 Dehler 46
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Dufour 45E | 2017 Dehler 46 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | Dehler |
| Year | 2008–2011 | 2017 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | Germany |
| Designer | Umberto Felci | Judel/Vrolijk |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 13.80 m (45.3 ft) | 14.10 m (46.3 ft) |
| LWL | 11.90 m (39.0 ft) | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) |
| Beam | 4.20 m (13.8 ft) | 4.20 m (13.8 ft) |
| Draft | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) | 2.30 m (7.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 10,500 kg (23,149 lbs) | 10,500 kg (23,149 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,200 kg (7,055 lbs) | 3,500 kg (7,716 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 88.0 m² (947 ft²) | 96.0 m² (1,033 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 55 HP | 55 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 130 L (34.3 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 380 L (100.4 gal) | 250 L (66.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 8 | 8 |
| Cabins | 3 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Dufour 45E and 2017 Dehler 46 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Dufour 45E is a 2000s design by Dufour from France, while the 2017 Dehler 46 is a modern offering from Dehler from Germany. The Dufour 45E was penned by Umberto Felci. The 2017 Dehler 46 was designed by Judel/Vrolijk.
In terms of size, the Dufour 45E measures 13.80m (45.3ft) overall with a beam of 4.20m, compared to the 2017 Dehler 46 at 14.10m (46.3ft) with a 4.20m beam. The 2017 Dehler 46 is 0.30m longer than the Dufour 45E.
Looking at performance, the Dufour 45E has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.64 and 88.0 m² of sail area. The 2017 Dehler 46, with an SA/D of 20.34 and 96.0 m² of canvas, offers generous sail power for spirited sailing. The 2017 Dehler 46 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Dufour 45E offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 15.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 2017 Dehler 46 has a comfort ratio of 13.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 30.5% for the Dufour 45E and 33.3% for the 2017 Dehler 46, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Dufour 45E provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 380L of water capacity and 200L of fuel. The 2017 Dehler 46 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 250L water and 130L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Dufour 45E 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 2017 Dehler 46 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: Dufour 45E · 2017 Dehler 46