Dehler 34, any opinions?

[nbourbaki]

Hey all,

I have come across a pretty attractive deal on a mid 80s Dehler 34 that is well equipped and seems in good condition. I will of course have a local pro examine it before purchase, but am interested in the general opinions of the boat as a daysailer to week long expeditioner. google hasnt been as friendly as I would have expected.

which other brands would you consider comparable? any other similar boats you would select over it in a heartbeat (no massive cost differences, please).

Cheers,

[sestina]

Nice boat! I spent a lot of time sailing her racier sister, the DB1. IIRC the hulls are the same, different deck moulding and a de-tuned rig. Dunno if the 34 has got the DB1's space frame.

Well screwed together with a good reputation. Van de Stadt design.

[nbourbaki]

Good to hear. Has any had any experience cruising one? Any commonly known problems?

It has tiller steering. I've always used a wheel on anything over 26' I think. I actually tend to prefer tiller on small boats but just unfamiliar on longer one

[Ocean Diamond 2]

Hi nbourbaki,
We had a Dehler 34 and it was a great ship. Loved the ocean and ours even sailed from Germany singlehanded to Brisbane Aus.
Not a lot of head room but workable, heaps of storage and strong. I mean strong. look for the Dehler crashtest they youtubed.
Very nice to sail.
Derek