Return to Dehler 39SQ Impressions   © MASTERPEACE, 2004, Dehler 39 Sailed on Lake Erie (Owner's Comments)
Here are some comments on our D39, Masterpeace. These are based on three seasons of use and over 50 races, mostly around the buoys. I'm sometimes accused of being a negative person so I'll cover all the D39 faults first. Biggest problem with the boat is that once you become accustomed to routinely sailing at 7.5 to 8.5 kts, sailing on other, slower boats can be, well, let's just say I'd rather sail the Dehler. Some people think the knot meter isn't calibrated until then they realize its gps speed they are looking at (there is very little current in Lake Erie). We have sailed in the low 9 kts and our best speed so far is 10.1 kts. A couple of summers ago we averaged over 8 kts on a 50 mile trip. Next biggest problem with the boat is you sometimes get to your destination too quickly. You may have to sail around for a while to get enough sailing fix for the day. And lastly, there just aren't enough things to complain about. Our prior boat was a Tartan 3500, a high quality boat which we liked a lot and sailed for 8 years. The Dehler is of much higher quality and the engineering superb (what else would you expect from the Germans). Systems, details, workmanship, design are all excellent and are what really sold us. The boat is simply fast without being overwhelming. I was concerned about it being too much boat for just my wife and me. Not a problem. With an auto pilot this is an easily single handed boat. With the secondary cockpit winches we can lead the head sail back to the helm so everything is within easy reach of the driver. The sails are big but manageable. As big as it is, the main still goes up by hand but for the last few inches. For cruising you could even get by with just a working jib above 10 kts, although a 135% is the best general purpose sail. Of course we buy boats for their sailing abilities and the Dehler neverdisappoints. With a 155% it's been a surprisingly good light air boat. In 10 kts true, 6 kts upwind is normal. The boat really excels in the middle wind ranges and once it's 15 to 20 kts true, well, it just doesn't get any better than that. And we've sailed a few times in 30kts true with lots of excitement and no problems. My wife liked the boat for its comfortable cabin and cockpit. It's a smart arrangement that doesn't pretend to accommodate more people than you actually want on board. I especially like the "garage" and the no maintenance cabin floor. And having a totally dry bilge is something new to me. (There's another "problem" with this boat, you have to pour water in the bilge to test the bilge pumps.) If motoring could ever be considered a joy, it would be on this boat. In calm conditions 8 kts is normal. With the 40 hp engine there is a ton of reserve power when needed. The sail drive is quiet and near vibration free. Sometimes you have to look at the tachometer to know that the engine started. It's reasonably good about going in and out of the slip although there does need to be a little more water flow on the rudder than what I have been used to. If there is one serious thing to be aware of on the D39, it's tuning the rig. The triple spreader, discontinuous rod or wire rig is complex and not a simple matter to properly tune. There are tuning guides available to help (the ones I've seen should not be followed exactly), a professional Loos gauge also helps and some trial and error is necessary. Not a big deal, just need to spend some time on it to get it right. Then be able to repeat it if the mast is taken down or the rig eased for the off season. We've had no warranty issues or other problems in three seasons. I guess you and Dehler did it right the first time.