The Dehler 45 Deep/Shoal draft 2011 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 4,9 additional feet of deck space compared to the Dehler 45 Deep/Shoal draft 2011 at 44,1 feet (2011). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Dehler 46SQ 2020 tips the scales at 25 352 lbs — 3 967 lbs less than the Dehler 45 Deep/Shoal draft 2011 at 21 385 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 40-hp advantage over the Dehler 45 Deep/Shoal draft 2011's 40-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 44 gallons in the Dehler 45 Deep/Shoal draft 2011. 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 45 Deep/Shoal draft 2011 caps at 13. 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 3 967-lb difference over the Dehler 45 Deep/Shoal draft 2011 at 21 385 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 — 7,2 ft and 7,5 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.

The Dehler 45 Deep/Shoal draft 2011 uses Sloop rigging. For auxiliary power the Dehler 46SQ 2020 carries a 80-hp engine against 40 hp on the Dehler 45 Deep/Shoal draft 2011. 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 61 gallons on the Dehler 45 Deep/Shoal draft 2011 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.