Dehler 34 VdS vs ??? - performance cruising

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Airscrew

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Looking to change our yacht, so not just dreaming here.
Your experience here might help us towards a realistic shortlist.
But for this discussion, if you will indulge me, is targeted not about practicality, but on performance.

Looking for a performance cruiser, around 33ft, around £25k.
'Strong' brand, quick and enjoyable yet relatively viceless, deep groove, good to windward, layout good for single handed.
We could sacrifice some space, but a decent aft cabin is important, not quarter berth(s).
The target is: smile on your face cruising, but with potential for 2-hand JOG, fun but not winning performance.

Thinking Dehler 34 VdS era.
We are fond of the looks of the 'classic' IOR styled yachts, but not the super-pinched sterns.

So the question is, in real world fast cruising terms, would a good 1990's yacht be noticeably slow compared with 2000's cruisers.
In our YC, a good benchmark might be the Ben323 (outside the price range ofcourse).

Are the performance numbers helpful?
The Dehler is derived from the DB1/DB2 hull. SA/D 20.3 (Topp). L/D 195.
Ben 323 derived from the Figaro hull. SA/D 19.6. L/D 167.

Will the Dehler have similar real world performance or not?
Upwind / Downwind?
Light winds / 20kt winds?
Stability downwind, Ease of trim, to windward in Solent chop?

And ofcourse, what other yachts to consider?
Elan 33?
Maxi 999?
Dufour 32?
 
Well, can’t comment too much on the dehler, other than to say I would have one myself if in that market.

For 25kthough your pushing it...

I would take the dufour 32 off the list if you want something at the preformance end. Nice boat, good small cruiser... but not a scratch on the dehler.

At the price your thinking I would add three..

Mg335
Beneteau first 35s
Westerly storm.

And a x99.


Sorry, that’s 4

But of all of those, I would still take the dehler btw...
 
Nothing wrong with the Dehler in itself, but looking at it it will have a shorter waterline than modern boats, so its strength will be in windward work. If your cruising is likely to be more general and include a lot of offwind sailing and motoring you might prefer a boat with 'longer legs'.
 
A bit higher than you price range but I sailed and raced on on a Dehler 35 CWS not to everyones tastes but quick enough.
 
Dehler 34's are nippy boats, I don't think they can be compared to Beneteau 323's (unless I am thinking of completely different boats, which is quite possible).
Isn't the Bene AKA the Oceanis? It would not be many folks first choice for a racing steed. Anyroad.

Here is an off the wall idea:



****https://boats-from.co.uk/not-specified/elan-333-yacht-project-sale-113379******

Out of the price bracket normally though I see there are some 333's available in the eastern Med, as prices drift down.




**** I thought there was something odd and familiar about this site. Ignore it, it has been reported before and is a scam, the whole site is dodgy.
 
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First 345 is a good and quick boat. We had one for a few years and were surprised by it's mix of comfort and race-pace.
 
Pity your budget would not run to an X yacht. very similar performance and underwater shape to the Finngulf 33 which is slightly more cruising biased but not cheap enough.
 
D34s good to windward and have relatively flat bottom so go well off the wind as well. Main competition were Sigma 33 and X boats-X boats a bit faster but not by as much as you would think. Elan 33 was also good fun to race against. D34s have been used in the Fastnet race and done well in the RIR and club racing so pretty decent fast boats with a good pedigree.

Main issues are woodwork is a bit light compared to some contemporary UK designs, not got much height in the saloon if 6ft+ and interior volume is not a patch on a modern 34 with high topsides. They are very pretty though, easy to single/double hand, handle nicely under power, light to helm and responsive to sail. We use ours for fast cruising and it is great for a couple or small family.

Should get a decent one for 25 to 30k. Hope this helps.
 
X99 needs four or five bods on the rail to keep upright .

Similar for early D34. The later ones have an upside down keel with much more weight lower down.

The flat forefoot slams something chronic if you are motoring into a choppy sea.
 
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