2017 Dehler 46 vs 2015 Elan 450 — Comparison
2017 Dehler 46
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2017 Dehler 46 | 2015 Elan 450 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dehler | Elan |
| Year | 2017 | 2015–2019 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Germany | Slovenia |
| Designer | Judel/Vrolijk | Rob Humphreys |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 14.10 m (46.3 ft) | 13.85 m (45.4 ft) |
| LWL | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) | 12.20 m (40.0 ft) |
| Beam | 4.20 m (13.8 ft) | 4.28 m (14.0 ft) |
| Draft | 2.30 m (7.5 ft) | 2.20 m (7.2 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 10,500 kg (23,149 lbs) | 10,800 kg (23,810 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,500 kg (7,716 lbs) | 3,500 kg (7,716 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 96.0 m² (1,033 ft²) | 95.0 m² (1,023 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 55 HP | 40 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 130 L (34.3 gal) | 160 L (42.3 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 250 L (66.0 gal) | 350 L (92.5 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 8 | 8 |
| Cabins | 3 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2017 Dehler 46 and 2015 Elan 450 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2017 Dehler 46 is a modern design by Dehler from Germany, while the 2015 Elan 450 is a modern offering from Elan from Slovenia. The 2017 Dehler 46 was penned by Judel/Vrolijk. The 2015 Elan 450 was designed by Rob Humphreys.
In terms of size, the 2017 Dehler 46 measures 14.10m (46.3ft) overall with a beam of 4.20m, compared to the 2015 Elan 450 at 13.85m (45.4ft) with a 4.28m beam. The 2017 Dehler 46 is 0.25m longer than the 2015 Elan 450. The 2015 Elan 450 displaces approximately 3% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
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 2015 Elan 450, with an SA/D of 19.75 and 95.0 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 2015 Elan 450 has a comfort ratio of 14.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 33.3% for the 2017 Dehler 46 and 32.4% for the 2015 Elan 450, 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 2015 Elan 450 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 350L water and 160L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2015 Elan 450 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.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 2017 Dehler 46 · 2015 Elan 450