The Dehler 38 Standard 2013 vs Dehler 38SQ 2020 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Dehler 38 Standard 2013 at 38,5 ft versus Dehler 38SQ 2020 at 39,7 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Dehler 38SQ 2020 tips the scales at 16 534 lbs — 661 lbs less than the Dehler 38 Standard 2013 at 15 873 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 38 hp for the Dehler 38 Standard 2013 and 39 hp for the Dehler 38SQ 2020. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 42 gal and 42 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Dehler 38SQ 2020 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Dehler 38 Standard 2013 caps at 11. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Dehler 38SQ 2020 could be the deciding factor.

Both boats sit in a similar displacement bracket — 15 873 lbs for the Dehler 38 Standard 2013 and 16 534 lbs for the Dehler 38SQ 2020. Comparable displacement means broadly similar seakeeping behaviour and load capacity, though hull form and ballast ratio will still produce noticeably different sailing characteristics.

Both boats draw a similar depth — 6,7 ft and 6,8 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.

The Dehler 38 Standard 2013 uses Sloop rigging.