Buying a used boatMore model evolution is not possible - Dehler 31 TOP in the test

Almost 1,100 of them were built as the Duetta 94, Dehler 31 and 32. Owners like them and they are often offered second-hand. Solid. An agile sailor with plenty of space. Used from around 20,000 euros
Photo: YACHT/B. Scheurer
With 1,100 boats sold, the Duetta 94/Dehler 31 TOP is one of the top sellers on the used boat market. Can it fulfil today's requirements? It has been constantly developed over the course of its life, but not always to its advantage

The Dehler 31 is part of a used boat comparison test:

You can easily find the perfect yacht for 40,000. But: buy cheap and invest or spend it all and go straight away? We tested five yachts to find out:


Modern is not always better. At the beginning of the nineties, Dehler launched the TOP, a further development of the successful Duetta 94, which was later called the Dehler 31. The tiller can be replaced by a wheel on request, and white surfaces dominate the picture below deck. Deep-drawn parts made of ABS are very popular at Dehler. They are cheap to produce and relatively light.

The shipyard uses these on the floor and ceiling, as well as snow-white surfaces in the galley and navigation system. The saloon is kept cosy and aisle-like, with mahogany veneers. The result: a wild mix that looks very restless from today's perspective.

Berth dimensions

Used boat comparison test: berth dimensions

Less generous external dimensions compared to the Bavaria make for cramped spatial conditions. It is not possible to sit upright on the bunk either fore or aft, for example to get dressed. The aft ceiling panelling, a kind of velvet substitute, has picked up a lot of dirt over time, which is unsightly. In the foredeck, the berth runs right up to the front. The 2.30 metre length is therefore unusable. The headroom in the saloon is standard at 1.83 metres, but decreases towards the front. The toilet room is perfectly fine. The headroom in the wet room is 1.71 metres. The saloon berths are easy to use thanks to the folding back cushions. If you're looking for a Dehler, it's better to look for a Duetta 94.

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Superfluous steering wheel

The steering wheel is another example of constant change. Already several years old, the Duetta is doing well on the market. But at some point, the competition offers the steering wheel from 30 feet upwards. Dehler had to keep up in order not to lose market share. So the Whitlock column is offered as an option and even retrofitted by some owners. However, the cockpit is not designed for this - too narrow, because everything has to fit behind the Traveller, and not rigid enough.

The result: the pillar wobbles, the helmsman has hardly any room and finds it difficult to reach the mainsheet. Yet the Dehler with tiller sails excellently. The space on the coaming is comfortable and all the necessary lines are within easy reach.

The Dehler 31 can be fun in the right configuration and in good condition

In addition, the rudder bearing on the test boat was worn out, as was the case with all test subjects, and the autopilot took away all sensitivity from the steering. As with the test in YACHT 18/2013 she can definitely sail. As a Dehler 32 a little better, by the way, as it has been made longer at the stern. This increases the length of the waterline. The result is a little more speed.

This was also necessary, as the ship has become heavier inside. The door in front of the aft cabin and a differently designed navigation system added weight. In the version with a short keel, the Dehler can certainly take weight on the edge when it comes to the start of yardstick regattas in stronger winds.

The Dehler sails well and is even fun with a tiller. After 30 years, the deck equipment finally wants to be retired, as do the original electronics. That can be expensive.


The Dehler 31 TOP in detail

yacht/grafik_82261488fdec95a4cb931673b7495787Photo: YACHT/N . Campe
Used boat comparison test: Dehler 31Photo: YACHT/N . Campe

Technical data

  • Designer: Van de Stadt
  • Number of units (Duetta 94/Dehler 31): 995
  • Hull length: 9.40 m
  • Width: 3.05 m
  • Draught/alternative: 1.50/1.10 m
  • Weight (Duetta 94/Dehler 31): 3,0/3,5 t
  • Ballast/proportion (Duetta 94/Dehler 31): 1,3 t/43/37 %
  • Sail area (Duetta 94/Dehler 31): 40,7/52,8 m²
  • Sail carrying capacity (Duetta 94/Dehler 31): 4,4/4,8
  • Engine (Yanmar): 13 kW/18 hp

Hull and deck construction

Hull solid laminate in hand lay-up process, deck sandwich. Floor assembly made of GRP, cast iron keel

Model history

First the Duetta 94 - still without a door on the aft cabin - then the Dehler 31 and 32, the TOP model was fitted with spinnaker fittings and heating. The 32 is 20 centimetres longer

Market situation

  • Available from 16,000 euros* depending on condition
  • as Dehler 31 from 24,000 euros*
  • since 1,100 times built, the range is large

* Status 2020

YACHT rating

A wild mix of different surfaces below deck, sluggish when sailing with wheel steering. Tiller is the better choice

Design and concept

  • + Solid hull
  • + Rowing coker on bathing platform
  • - Wild mix of colours below deck

Living and finishing quality

  • + Sliding door in front of WC room
  • - Yellowed plastic parts
  • - Ceiling panelling unsightly


Used boat comparison test:


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