2013 Oyster 485 vs 2017 Dehler 46 — Comparison

2013 Oyster 485
VS
2017 Dehler 462017 Dehler 46

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2013 Oyster 4852017 Dehler 46
General
ManufacturerOysterDehler
Year2013–20202017
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUnited KingdomGermany
DesignerRob HumphreysJudel/Vrolijk
Dimensions
LOA14.85 m (48.7 ft)14.10 m (46.3 ft)
LWL12.70 m (41.7 ft)12.80 m (42.0 ft)
Beam4.38 m (14.4 ft)4.20 m (13.8 ft)
Draft2.15 m (7.1 ft)2.30 m (7.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement14,200 kg (31,306 lbs)10,500 kg (23,149 lbs)
Ballast5,400 kg (11,905 lbs)3,500 kg (7,716 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area98.0 m² (1,055 ft²)96.0 m² (1,033 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine110 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity300 L (79.3 gal)130 L (34.3 gal)
Water Capacity550 L (145.3 gal)250 L (66.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths78
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2013 Oyster 485
16.98
2017 Dehler 46
20.34
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2013 Oyster 485
38.03
2017 Dehler 46
33.33
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2013 Oyster 485
0.72
2017 Dehler 46
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2013 Oyster 485
17.13
2017 Dehler 46
13.71

Detailed Comparison

The 2013 Oyster 485 and 2017 Dehler 46 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2013 Oyster 485 is a modern design by Oyster from United Kingdom, while the 2017 Dehler 46 is a modern offering from Dehler from Germany. The 2013 Oyster 485 was penned by Rob Humphreys. The 2017 Dehler 46 was designed by Judel/Vrolijk.

In terms of size, the 2013 Oyster 485 measures 14.85m (48.7ft) overall with a beam of 4.38m, compared to the 2017 Dehler 46 at 14.10m (46.3ft) with a 4.20m beam. The 2013 Oyster 485 is 0.75m longer than the 2017 Dehler 46. The 2013 Oyster 485 displaces approximately 35% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2013 Oyster 485 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.98 and 98.0 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 2013 Oyster 485 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.72). The 2017 Dehler 46 has a comfort ratio of 13.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 38.0% for the 2013 Oyster 485 and 33.3% for the 2017 Dehler 46, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2013 Oyster 485 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 550L of water capacity and 300L of fuel. The 2017 Dehler 46 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 250L water and 130L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2013 Oyster 485 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: The 2017 Dehler 46 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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