The Dehler 36 CWS
Specs & Key Performance Indicators

Published Specification for the Dehler 36 CWS*

Underwater Profile: Bulb Keel & Spade Rudder

Hull Material: GRP (Fiberglass)

Length Overall: 36'1" (11.0m)

Waterline Length: 29'6" (9.0m)

Beam: 11'6" (3.5m)

Draft: 6'1" (1.9m)

Rig Type: Fractional sloop

Displacement: 12,348lb (5,600kg)

Designer: E.G. van de Stadt

Builder: Dehler (Germany)

Year First Built: 1986

Year Last Built: 1994

* 'CWS' (Central Winch System) relates to a single, electrically powered winch in the cockpit which controls the sheets, halyards and reefing lines.

Published Design Ratios for the Dehler 36 CWS

1. Sail Area/Displacement Ratio: 19.1

• Less than 16 would be considered under-powered;
• 16 to 20 would indicate reasonably good performance;
• Over 20 suggests relatively high performance.

2. Ballast/Displacement Ratio: 42.9

• Under 40: less stiff, less powerful
• Over 40: stiffer, more powerful

3. Displacement/Length Ratio: 214

• Under 100: Ultralight
• 100 to 200: Light
• 200 to 275: Moderate
• 275 to 350: Heavy
• Over 350: Ultraheavy

4. Comfort Ratio: 23.5

• Under 20 indicates a lightweight racing boat
• 20 to 30 indicates a coastal cruiser
• 30 to 40 indicates a moderate offshore cruising boat
• 40 to 50 indicates a heavy offshore boat
• Over 50 indicates an extremely heavy offshore boat

5. Capsize Screening Formula: 2.0

• Under 2.0 (the lower the better): Better suited for ocean passages
• Over 2.0: Less suited for ocean passages

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Summary Analysis of the Design Ratios for the Dehler 36 CWS

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1. A Sail Area/Displacement Ratio of 19.1 suggests that the Dehler 36 CWS will, in the right conditions, approach her maximum hull speed readily and satisfy the sailing performance expectations of most cruising sailors.

2. A Ballast/Displacement Ratio of 42.9 means that the Dehler 36 CWS will stand up well to her canvas in a blow, helping her to power through the waves.

3. A Displacement/Length Ratio of 214, tells us the Dehler 36 CWS is a moderate displacement cruiser, which means she'll carry all your cruising gear without it having a dramatic effect on her performance. Most of today's sailboats intended for offshore cruising fall into this displacement category.

4. Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio of 23.5 suggests that crew comfort of a Dehler 36 CWS in a seaway is similar to what you would associate with the motion of a coastal cruiser with moderate stability, which is not encouraging news for anyone prone to seasickness.  

5. The Capsize Screening Formula (CSF) of 2.0 indicates that a Dehler 36 would not be the wisest choice of sailboat for ocean passage-making owing to the lower resistance to capsize in strong winds and heavy seas that is associated with similar sailboats with a CSF of 2.0 and above.