DEHLER 34
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 33.13 ft |
| LWL | 27.23 ft |
| Beam | 11.15 ft |
| Draft | 5.74 ft |
| Displacement | 8,818 lb |
| Ballast | 4,446 lb |
| Material | 33’ 10”10.3 m |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.0 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 40.85 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 11.97 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 41.38 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 14.33 ft |
| FLforestay | 12 ft |
| Mainsail | 512.8 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 231.7 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 393.9 sq ft |
Accommodation
| Cabins | 2 |
| Berths | 5 |
| Heads | 6 |
| Water | 60.8 L |
| Fuel | 42.3 L |
| CE category | About130 000€(2020) |
Engine
| Volvo Penta | D1-2018 hpSee all 9 parts → |
| Yanmar | 2GM15 hpSee all 65 parts → |
| Yanmar | 2GM2018 hpSee all 31 parts → |
About the DEHLER 34
VDS design #320. Originally called the OPTIMA 106. A more cruising oriented version of the DB1-2 designs,(IOR 3/4 ton). Shallow draft: 4.74'/1.45m SA (100% fore+main triangles): 540.97 ft2/50.26 m2
Designed by E. G. van de Stadt and built by Dehler (GER) from 1983–1993, the Dehler 34 is a popular fractional sloop with 1200 hulls produced. Owner reports highlight a mix of high-performance sailing characteristics and significant structural maintenance challenges, particularly regarding deck integrity and keel bonding.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and performance-oriented sailors who prioritize speed and handling over heavy bluewater comfort, provided they are prepared for rigorous structural maintenance.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 8818.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 2.16, the boat is moderately capable offshore, but critical structural risks like deck core moisture and keel smile issues require thorough verification before extended passages.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to other 1980s German performance cruisers like the Bavaria 34 or Beneteau First 343, sharing similar fractional rig configurations and lightweight displacement ratios aimed at racing and active cruising.
Direct variant of the DEHLER 34
Near-identical models — same hull, builder and designer, re-badged or lightly changed. Specs and owner-reported issues are typically shared across the group, so a sister model's page may carry detail this one doesn't.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(60 certificates)
Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.
Polar Diagram
Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC
Racing Ratings
Triple Number
ORC Measured
Sail Areas (ORC)
Speed Table (kn)
| TWA \ TWS | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 4.6 | 5.5 | 6.2 | 6.5 | 6.7 | 6.8 | 6.8 |
| 60° | 4.9 | 5.8 | 6.4 | 6.7 | 6.8 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| 75° | 5.3 | 6.2 | 6.7 | 6.9 | 7.0 | 7.2 | 7.5 |
| 90° | 5.5 | 6.5 | 6.9 | 7.2 | 7.4 | 7.6 | 7.8 |
| 110° | 5.4 | 6.4 | 6.8 | 7.2 | 7.5 | 7.9 | 8.5 |
| 120° | 5.1 | 6.2 | 6.7 | 7.1 | 7.5 | 7.8 | 8.6 |
| 135° | 4.6 | 5.6 | 6.4 | 6.8 | 7.2 | 7.6 | 8.3 |
| 150° | 3.9 | 4.9 | 5.7 | 6.3 | 6.7 | 7.0 | 7.5 |
| Beat VMG | 3.0 | 3.6 | 4.1 | 4.5 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.8 |
| Run VMG | 3.4 | 4.2 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.9 | 6.5 | 7.1 |
Estimated Value
Low ConfidenceAsking price by model year
24 listings · boat years 1987–2024 · median $181,939
Each dot is one listing · hover for details · dashed red line marks the median · obvious data-entry outliers (top & bottom 2.5%) excluded.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 33.13ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Featured YouTube Videos
Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
29 reported issues across 9 systems for the DEHLER 34, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a DEHLER 34? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 29 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
Similar Sailboats
Engine Parts & Maintenance
The engines most commonly fitted to this model. “All parts” opens the engine's full catalogue; each part links to a matching listing on 
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matched to its part number.
Volvo Penta D1-20
All parts →Yanmar 2GM
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Used sails that fit the DEHLER 34
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…