2010 Dehler 32 vs Beneteau First 40 — Comparison

2010 Dehler 32
VS
Beneteau First 40

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2010 Dehler 32Beneteau First 40
General
ManufacturerDehlerBeneteau
Year2010–20172006–2012
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanyFrance
DesignerJudel/VrolijkFarr Yacht Design
Dimensions
LOA9.90 m (32.5 ft)12.16 m (39.9 ft)
LWL8.95 m (29.4 ft)10.58 m (34.7 ft)
Beam3.16 m (10.4 ft)3.80 m (12.5 ft)
Draft1.95 m (6.4 ft)2.15 m (7.1 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,400 kg (9,700 lbs)7,000 kg (15,432 lbs)
Ballast1,500 kg (3,307 lbs)2,500 kg (5,512 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area53.0 m² (571 ft²)74.0 m² (797 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP40 HP
Fuel Capacity55 L (14.5 gal)150 L (39.6 gal)
Water Capacity100 L (26.4 gal)280 L (74.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths58
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2010 Dehler 32
20.06
Beneteau First 40
20.55
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2010 Dehler 32
34.09
Beneteau First 40
35.71
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2010 Dehler 32
0.77
Beneteau First 40
0.80
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2010 Dehler 32
17.12
Beneteau First 40
14.87

Detailed Comparison

The 2010 Dehler 32 and Beneteau First 40 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2010 Dehler 32 is a modern design by Dehler from Germany, while the Beneteau First 40 is a 2000s offering from Beneteau from France. The 2010 Dehler 32 was penned by Judel/Vrolijk. The Beneteau First 40 was designed by Farr Yacht Design.

In terms of size, the 2010 Dehler 32 measures 9.90m (32.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.16m, compared to the Beneteau First 40 at 12.16m (39.9ft) with a 3.80m beam. The Beneteau First 40 is 2.26m longer than the 2010 Dehler 32. The Beneteau First 40 displaces approximately 59% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2010 Dehler 32 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 20.06 and 53.0 m² of sail area. The Beneteau First 40, with an SA/D of 20.55 and 74.0 m² of canvas, offers generous sail power for spirited sailing. The Beneteau First 40 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2010 Dehler 32 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The Beneteau First 40 has a comfort ratio of 14.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.80. The ballast ratios are 34.1% for the 2010 Dehler 32 and 35.7% for the Beneteau First 40, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2010 Dehler 32 provides 5 berths in 2 cabins with 100L of water capacity and 55L of fuel. The Beneteau First 40 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 280L water and 150L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2010 Dehler 32 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 Beneteau First 40 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The Beneteau First 40 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: 2010 Dehler 32 · Beneteau First 40