Dehler 41

At one time I was seriously interested but was informed that the rudder had dropped off one on the ARC one year and comments that the ancillary steering equipment appeared slightly small for a 41 but OK for a 36. I never investigated further as decided not to replace our boat at that time.

My understanding is that they sail well and are at the better end of the build quality for a production boat.

I believe they had financial difficulties in the past and am not sure whether this reflected in the boats built at that time.

Buying a boat is normally a serious amount of expenditure so I would always look at a similar year model on someones charter fleet then take the opportunity of speaking to the people doing the charter maintenance. A weekends charter lets you get to know that models ability far better than any test sail.

A good boat lasts well in a charter fleet but the extra use soon reveals any weaknesses. I know one person who insists on visiting a boat at the end of a boat show and then opening everything. If the hinges, catches fittings etc cant stand a week as a static exhibition what will it be like when used in anger.
 
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I know one person who insists on visiting a boat at the end of a boat show and then opening everything. If the hinges, catches fittings etc cant stand a week as a static exhibition what will it be like when used in anger.

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Nice idea, but some manufacturers are one step ahead...Some, not all build things, like the companionway steps, heavier in their display boats than their production boats...and the display boat will travel round to a number of different shows before being a demonstrator. Also don't forget that if during a week long show, if something breaks or is showing signs of wear it will be replaced in the morning before the show opens /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
My brother-in-law did an Atlantic circuit in a Dehler 41 Deck Saloon (including the ARC) - this was not the one that sank. The rudder is a blade with little protection. It is quite possible that the one that sank had its rudder damaged on an underwater obstruction when it was moored stern to a wall shortly before the start, damaging the rudder stock.

My brother-in-law did 20,000 miles plus in his over about four/five seasons. She was pretty tired at the end. They had a problem with the vang mounting on the mast on the first offshore passage to Gibraltar. Most significantly on leaving Brest in very heavy seas at the end of the Atlantic circuit (under power as I recall) the boat was slamming very badly and the internal moulding underneath the forepeak berth cracked - she was lifted and surveyed - the hull itself was declared OK. It got repaired. Apparently six months after the boat was sold, it happened again and the new owner spoke to the Dehler agent in Norway who said it was a known weakness.

Personally I sailed the boat from the Azores to Portugal in relatively fine weather - she was very fast. She was in good order when I joined although she had spent 4 or 5 days in F8/F9 between Bermuda and the Azores.

My view? A good boat. Not many sea berths for offshore in the Deck Saloon. Wouldn't be my choice for a long ocean passage - I'd really prefer something more heavily built. Great for typical south copast sailing though...

Regards,

Ed
 
My father has one that he keeps in Haslar. If you're interested I can get him in contact with you - I don't think he is a visitor of scuttlebutt.

Richard
 
Anyone know of anyone who has a Dehler 38? I have just got one, and just working through the niggles and quirks of a new (to us) boat. Haven't been able to find an owner's association.

John
 
I followed the persons advice on the boat we were considering and found a number of latches, hinges etc did not work at the end of the show so many don't replace damaged ones or can't get the spares in time. What I found also fitted in with peoples comments who had experience of that make of boat on charter fleets. I should clarify that these specific comments of examining a show boat thoroughly refer to a different make but it demonstrated the principle often works!

You are correct though in mods to some display boats. I bought a display boat (southampton 2001 - not a Dehler) and found the underside of all the floorboards taped at the edges (about 30mm wide 3mm thick) and all the cockpit lockers had rubber door stops fitted (I assume because the "tyre kicker brigade" slam them. These mods were not on a previous production boat of the same make that we had bought.
 
That would be helpful. My biggest problem is my partner on this one. We both race and therefore the boat must have performance, however persuading him what makes a good cruising/liveaboard is proving difficult!
 
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