2017 Dehler 46 vs 1998 Feeling 44 — Comparison
2017 Dehler 46
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2017 Dehler 46 | 1998 Feeling 44 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dehler | Feeling |
| Year | 2017 | 1998–2005 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Germany | France |
| Designer | Judel/Vrolijk | Philippe Harlé / Mortain & Mavrikios |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 14.10 m (46.3 ft) | 13.41 m (44.0 ft) |
| LWL | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) | 11.50 m (37.7 ft) |
| Beam | 4.20 m (13.8 ft) | 4.10 m (13.5 ft) |
| Draft | 2.30 m (7.5 ft) | 1.90 m (6.2 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 10,500 kg (23,149 lbs) | 10,500 kg (23,149 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,500 kg (7,716 lbs) | 4,000 kg (8,818 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 96.0 m² (1,033 ft²) | 82.0 m² (883 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 55 HP | 55 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 130 L (34.3 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 250 L (66.0 gal) | 400 L (105.7 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 8 | 8 |
| Cabins | 3 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2017 Dehler 46 and 1998 Feeling 44 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2017 Dehler 46 is a modern design by Dehler from Germany, while the 1998 Feeling 44 is a 1990s offering from Feeling from France. The 2017 Dehler 46 was penned by Judel/Vrolijk. The 1998 Feeling 44 was designed by Philippe Harlé / Mortain & Mavrikios.
In terms of size, the 2017 Dehler 46 measures 14.10m (46.3ft) overall with a beam of 4.20m, compared to the 1998 Feeling 44 at 13.41m (44.0ft) with a 4.10m beam. The 2017 Dehler 46 is 0.69m longer than the 1998 Feeling 44.
Looking at performance, the 2017 Dehler 46 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 20.34 and 96.0 m² of sail area. The 1998 Feeling 44, with an SA/D of 17.37 and 82.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2017 Dehler 46 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2017 Dehler 46 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 13.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 1998 Feeling 44 has a comfort ratio of 16.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 33.3% for the 2017 Dehler 46 and 38.1% for the 1998 Feeling 44, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2017 Dehler 46 provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 250L of water capacity and 130L of fuel. The 1998 Feeling 44 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 400L water and 200L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1998 Feeling 44 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: 2017 Dehler 46 · 1998 Feeling 44