Dehler 34 (1988-1993 model)

[ds797]

Hi all,

I'm looking at the Dehler 34 to purchase used. Does anyone have experience with sailing/owning this type of boat? The year I am looking at is 1988/89 so its the older Van De Stadt type model.

Looks like it should be a good sailing boat, but the interior is not too large.

Would be most grateful for anyone's views.

Also, what is the performance like compared to say Sigma 33, MG335 etc.

Thanks.

 

[Bajansailor]

I met an American Dehler 34 who was in the first ARC in 1986 - 3 crew on board, and they had a good sail across the Atlantic, and I seem to remember they were singing praises about the boat.

Have you had a look at the Van de Stadt website re the 34?
http://www.stadtdesign.com/products/vds391.htm
Although they dont mention the production fibreglass version, there could still be some good background info there.
And have a look for 34's for sale worldwide on eg Yachtworld.

 

[mike_bryon]

I owned a Dehler 34 from that date (called Cool Diamond). She sail very, very well and we did a lot of miles in her in the channel and southern Ireland but the accommodation is a compromise, small for a 34 ft boat. We also found the interior fittings to be on the light side and had to make a few repairs to draws, doors etc. I have sailed a Sigma 33 and they are lots of fun but from my experience the Dehler is a much better boat (in a gale).

 

[nigelhudson]

We looked at a Dehler 34 of that age when we were buying. Nice boat but low headroom and low displacement compared with others. We eventually bought a Westerly Storm - roomier, heavier build and displacement than the Dehler and feels less tender but still has a good performance. Try a number of boats in the size/price range and see what feels best for your type of sailing.

 

[dehlerdave]

I've got an 89 model. Good strong boat, confidence inspiring in heavy weather. Reputedly don't suffer from osmosis. Do have problems with rudder bearings and bow rollers. The interior is small compared to modern boats but they do sail very well. Lots of fun, easy to handle even single handed.

 

[PaulR]

ours is a 91/2 version which we have now had for 5 + years - without doubt best yacht we have had - key features for us - lovely to sail - feels great on the wheel - sails brilliantly in all weathers .

build quality - ours is the nova (white interior finish) and we have found her to be built beautifully and the white finish we think ages better than conventional and is refreshingly bright and light ,

looks - yep we think she looks good too (but might be slightly biased)

space - fair comment - we have and do sail as family - often 5 of us and clearly there are bigger volume 34 foot boats but doubt for us any hit the marks on the other factors or overall -forecabin is cosy but workable for 2 - aft cabin the same - saloon /heads and galley all good ,

having owned 6 yachts of differing makes - our experience with our Dehler has been outstanding - great boat for us

 

[robbieg]

Another very satisfied owner-had mine for 6 years now. As you have identified if you can you want to go for the Mark 2 built from 1989 onwards-it has the upside down keel & bigger rig. Over a 1000 built-most in Holland/Germany. Good for fast cruising or club racing.

These boats sail very, very well, easy to handle single/short handed/ dead easy to manouvre under power and look good. Come in the Nova finish or mahogeny with choice of engines etc. Sigma 33 is a good boat with better headroom but in the end I went for a Dehler & not regetted it.

Joinery is lighter than many boats of the era but then she is a light boat 4200kg but very stable with 1800kg of that being in her keel -44% balast ratio. Big sail area with large fully battened main. Some have a self tacking jib if thats of interest.The joinery is well put together and the hull is made to a very high standard-no known cases of osmosis so the story goes and if you wish you can drive them into a rock at 5knts with minimal damage (see the youtube video-not recommended).

Downside is lower headroom and smaller accomodation-on a par with a modern 31 ft I would say. Can squeeze in 6 but better in my view with 4 unless racing. On the sailing side can slam a bit due to flat bow section in short chop when hard on the wind but equally then quick off the wind.

Personally I like to have a wheel, good light wind performance , good manouvre. under power and be confident the boat will be fine in largish seas and heavier weather. Ticks all these boxes.

Good luck with the search.

 

[rudolph_hart]

I've owned 2 Dehler 34s, 1986 ('Mk1') and 1990 (Mk2). Accomodation levels, good looks, performance and build quality all mentioned above. A few pointers, though:

1. The accomodation layout of the Mk1 & Mk 2 is totally dififferent. The saloon in the Mk2 is actually less spacious, as it's all been pushed forward by the aft heads and larger aft cabin. Joinery is mostly mahogany or 'Nova', although I have seen some in teak. Coachroof windows and hatches are totally different layout, too.

2. The keel, rudder, rig, deck gear, clutches, mainsheet track, winches and deck cleats are uprated on the Mk2, and major differences in cockpit & anchor lockers, footwells, pulpit, etc.

3. Although it's rig is about 1m shorter, the Mk1 can be quicker. I've also seen a Mk 1 with a shoal draft keel (draft 1m)

4. Unless they've been done, you can expect have to change the rudder bearings (Nylon: absorb water & swell)

5. The Whitlock wheel steering on the Mk2 versions needs to have the 'bump-stops' beefed up, to avoid potential to lock up on full lock. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

6. Excellent sail handling on Mk2 as standard (Lazybag, full-battened main, single line reefing, ) Some Mk1s may have this retro-fitted. Optional self-tacking jib on both versions.

7. 18HP Yanmar was standard, 27HP option. Later ones were indirect-cooled 'F' versions.

Hope this helps.

 

[Rooster]

Hi,

We had the 1988 Dehler 38. Very similar boat, but quite a bit more spacious internally. Excellent handling, especially when the weather turned foul, and fast too. We also had to replace the rudder bearings, and had trouble getting the correct parts as they were shipped from Germany. Ours was Nova top version so light coloured internally. Make sure heads moulding in good condition.
Not so many 38's around, but definitely recommended!

R

 

[JOHNOO]

The grey hulled Dehler 34 were built with a layer of Kevlar over the whole hull, this can be checked by trying to drill a hole in the hull, the 34’s with a white hull had no Kevlar.