Dehler Optima 98 Information Please

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Stevedud

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I am considering buying a Dehler Optima 98 but cannot find out much information on this boat. Tried all the normal routes PBO reports Dehler owners website both UK and Holland without sucess. Can anyone help with information regarding the different versions (98A, 98G, 98GS) and also and info regarding build quality and sailing performance.
To add the the problems I live in Turkey and have difficulty communicating with the Turkish owner. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks Steve
 
Hi steve,

I don't know the difference between the 3 versions but I can say that the optima 98 were in the past very populair in The Netherlands due to the good sailing performance. They are comparable with the the dutch Friendship quality. I sailed once with an Optima 98 and can't say anything wrong about the sailing performance.

Erwin
 
I own an Optima 98 GS. Sailed it a lot on open sea, from the Baltic to Brittany and am quite satisfied with it. The building quality is quite good and it's a fast boat that will never broach like more modern types (due to the relatively narrow waterline behind).
There are indeed 3 types: the 92 and the 98 in two versions. The 98 is a lengthened version of the 92 (with the same rig). The two 98's are from the same mould, except for a seperate cabin in the poop vs a higher forecabin - mine has 1.98 m throughout the ship).
Osmosis is known with all versions (not mine - never had a blister). On some older types (70ties) the colour will fade. The small windows in the rump on the G may leak. But altogether a very nice and seaworthy boat and surprisingly roomy - especially the GS.
Always available for more information if you want,
chris
 
Many thanks Chris for your reply and Merry Christmas.
Im a bit sad reading forums on Christmas Day but ther you go.
Just a couple of points. Could you expand on the differences between the 98G and GS models.
I will be viewing the boat in a few days after the holidays and any points which I should look out for which are particular to these boats.
I understand this boat has been respray in the orginal colours 1981 model (white with maroon trim (similar to your photo)). Do know where I can obtain a review or report on the boat.
Has there been any issues with wheel steering etc etc.
The small windows on the boat in question appear to be round portholes but I have noted on some photos that the later boats did in fact have small windows fitted.
I believe she has a 27 hp yanmar would this me the orginal size engine for this boat.
Any ideal what an average price for a 1981 version would be

many thanks for your help

best regards

Steve
 
Hi Steve,
First, I think the original versions were called AK (=rear cabin) and GS (Geraum Schiff - that's German for Spacious/Luxury version). i own the GS, with a lot of teak trim and even a shower. Because I make long trips with it I installed a windvane and a radar - but as I said it's really a good seaboat, and fast for its size (faster than a Bavaria for instance and easier in a seaway). I hear good things about the AK too - but the windows lower in the rump were a problem cause of leakage. Will be changed by now, I reckon. I renewed my cabin windows also because they were badly scratched. Points to look at are osmosis in rump and rudder (there is a batch, especially from the seventies, that got it - should be obvious by now) and the colouring. Although mine is still in very good shape and has never been painted.
I have a (favourable) review by the German magazine Yacht, but that is in German - you have to realize that many hundreds of these boats were built by Dehler and that they originally were constructed under Lloyds. All original parts are still available in Germany.
Wheelsteering may differ. Mine is cable, and once I had in the Baltic a breakage due to the loads of my electric wheelpilot that had worked hard during 18 hours of quite rough weather. But construction is sound. Some other Optima's have hydraulic systems - know nothing about that.
The Yanmar is indeed original (with a reverse Hurth gearbox that I had to revise). Fine engine, mine started today right away in 2 seconds - and it is freezing here. Done 2000 hours.
Prices are going down nowadays. 6 years ago I paid 34.000 euro for it (mine is from 1983) - I think I could get around 30.000 for it now, but for every one it will differ depending on the state of the boat. A sister ship went for 27.000, a not very well maintained example. But I don't know the prices in England.
Look at http://www.optima98.de/ for a website with photo's from a German owner of a GS.
Or send me a PM with your mail and I could attach some photo's of mine.
Best, and a Merry Christmas
Chris
 
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