Beneteau First 20 vs 1998 Dehler 29 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Beneteau First 20 | 1998 Dehler 29 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Dehler |
| Year | 2014 | 1998–2006 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | Germany |
| Designer | Sam Manuard | Judel/Vrolijk |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 5.90 m (19.4 ft) | 8.82 m (28.9 ft) |
| LWL | 5.39 m (17.7 ft) | 7.60 m (24.9 ft) |
| Beam | 2.34 m (7.7 ft) | 2.95 m (9.7 ft) |
| Draft | 1.30 m (4.3 ft) | 1.55 m (5.1 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 660 kg (1,455 lbs) | 3,200 kg (7,055 lbs) |
| Ballast | 165 kg (364 lbs) | 1,200 kg (2,646 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 19.5 m² (210 ft²) | 35.0 m² (377 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Lifting | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 4 HP | 14 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 40 L (10.6 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 10 L (2.6 gal) | 80 L (21.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 3 | 5 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Beneteau First 20 and 1998 Dehler 29 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau First 20 is a modern design by Beneteau from France, while the 1998 Dehler 29 is a 1990s offering from Dehler from Germany. The Beneteau First 20 was penned by Sam Manuard. The 1998 Dehler 29 was designed by Judel/Vrolijk.
In terms of size, the Beneteau First 20 measures 5.90m (19.4ft) overall with a beam of 2.34m, compared to the 1998 Dehler 29 at 8.82m (28.9ft) with a 2.95m beam. The 1998 Dehler 29 is 2.92m longer than the Beneteau First 20. The 1998 Dehler 29 displaces approximately 385% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Beneteau First 20 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 26.16 and 19.5 m² of sail area. The 1998 Dehler 29, with an SA/D of 16.38 and 35.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Beneteau First 20 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Beneteau First 20 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 10.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 1.08). The 1998 Dehler 29 has a comfort ratio of 18.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.80. The ballast ratios are 25.0% for the Beneteau First 20 and 37.5% for the 1998 Dehler 29, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Beneteau First 20 provides 3 berths in 1 cabin with 10L of water capacity and unspecified fuel capacity. The 1998 Dehler 29 offers 5 berths in 2 cabins with 80L water and 40L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1998 Dehler 29 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 20 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1998 Dehler 29 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: Beneteau First 20 · 1998 Dehler 29