The Dehler 38 Standard 2013 vs Dehler 46SQ 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Dehler 46SQ 2020 measures 49,0 feet overall (2020), giving it roughly 10,5 additional feet of deck space compared to the Dehler 38 Standard 2013 at 38,5 feet (2013). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Dehler 46SQ 2020 tips the scales at 25 352 lbs — 9 479 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.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 80 hp, the Dehler 46SQ 2020 has a 42-hp advantage over the Dehler 38 Standard 2013's 38-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Dehler 46SQ 2020 carries 55 gallons versus 42 gallons in the Dehler 38 Standard 2013. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Dehler 46SQ 2020 is rated for 14 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 46SQ 2020 could be the deciding factor.
Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Dehler 46SQ 2020 displaces 25 352 lbs — a 9 479-lb difference over the Dehler 38 Standard 2013 at 15 873 lbs. That gap separates two entirely different categories of sailing: the heavier boat is built for offshore passage-making and load-carrying, while the lighter hull rewards performance sailing and easier handling in lighter air.
Both boats draw a similar depth — 6,7 ft and 7,5 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.
The Dehler 38 Standard 2013 uses Sloop rigging. For auxiliary power the Dehler 46SQ 2020 carries a 80-hp engine against 38 hp on the Dehler 38 Standard 2013. Motoring range and ability to punch through a foul current or enter a tight marina under power will favour the more powerful installation.
For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Dehler 46SQ 2020 carries 119 gallons versus 83 gallons on the Dehler 38 Standard 2013 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.
Bottom line: The Dehler 46SQ 2020 is the offshore and bluewater choice — at 25 352 lbs displacement and 49 ft it has the load capacity, range, and seakeeping for extended passages. The Dehler 38 Standard 2013 at 15 873 lbs is the more nimble, accessible option — easier to single-hand and better suited to coastal and inland sailing.