Her angular shape is unmistakably late-1990s Dehler: a snub bow that lengthens the loaded waterline, a plumb stem, and a wedgelike deck.
Design and Construction
The 28-foot 8-inch hull has a 26-foot 3-inch waterline, thanks largely to that snub bow. The profile is thoroughly modern, with minimal rocker and maximum hull depth pushed aft, ending in a very wide transom in plan view. A flat forefoot keeps wetted surface to a minimum for a boat of this type.
The hull and deck are hand-laid over end-grain balsa cores. Dehler laminated the two together while they were still in the mold, using the marque’s classic-era monocoque method to create a continuous fiberglass bond without through-bolts.
The externally fastened cast-iron keel attaches to glassed-in steel floors. A solid aluminum rudder stock carries the balanced rudder blade. Buyers could choose among three keel configurations:
- A racing keel drawing 5 feet 11 inches
- A standard narrow fin drawing 5 feet 3 inches
- A shoal-draft swing keel drawing 4 feet
Rig and Handling
The Dehler 29 carries the marque’s trademark 7/8 fractional sloop rig on a double-spreader, anodized aluminum spar. Inboard shrouds lead to single-pod chainplates, while highly swept spreaders make runners unnecessary. Each chainplate ties into a stout hull stringer, and the wire terminal ends use swage fittings.
A rigid vang comes standard, as does Dehler’s “Quick Reef” slab-reefing system, which leads back to the cockpit. All sail-control lines are led aft. The mainsheet traveler sits amidships in the cockpit, where the helmsman can trim it directly.
The boat sails best on her lines without excessive heel. She should be fast off the wind but will likely pound when sailing upwind in a chop. With the standard 110-percent headsail and a reefed main, test sailors clipped along at nearly 7 knots on a broad reach. Under the 10-horsepower Volvo diesel and saildrive, she steamed at close to 6 knots.
Deck and Cockpit
Tiller steering is unusual among 29-footers. The Dehler’s tiller can fold back or be removed, freeing cockpit space at the dock. The molded nonskid provides good traction, and one tester particularly approved of the small molded rail. The four mooring cleats are husky.
Deck hardware is high quality, from the rope clutches to the self-tailing Lewmar winches. Most fittings are backed by aluminum plates molded into the deck.
Stowage includes a large locker to starboard and a self-draining external anchor locker. A split stern pulpit provides access to the stern ladder. The standard boat, however, has no hardware for anchoring from the bow.
Accommodations
The standard interior is finished in mahogany, with impressive detailing and a warm feel, although the test boat had the optional cherrywood. A molded fiberglass sole with wooden insets covers a molded liner that encapsulates the mahogany-faced plywood bulkheads.
Forward, a small partial bulkhead and privacy curtain separate the cabin from the saloon. The double V-berth extends so far into the bow that it ends in a point. One reviewer found room for only one foot at the narrow end and little comfort there, although the builder describes the bunks as long enough for comfortable sleeping.
The head compartment to starboard is surprisingly spacious. It includes a washbasin and a locker that doubles as a wet locker.
Semicircular saloon seating accommodates up to six around a good-sized table that folds out on both sides. A step in the sole takes some getting used to.
The port-side galley is functional, with a single sink, pressure water, and a two-burner Origo pressureless alcohol stove. Cane-fronted lockers add a distinctive touch. Opposite is a small navigation station with the electrical panel mounted above it.
Aft, a genuine double berth sits to port beneath the cockpit and includes a small wardrobe.
Known Issues and Ownership Notes
The standard boat’s lack of bow-anchoring hardware is a built-in limitation rather than a fault. Likewise, the pointed forward end of the V-berth is an accommodation compromise noted by a reviewer, not a defect.
The Verdict
The Dehler 29 is a purpose-built Judel/Vrolijk performance cruiser that punches above her length. She combines a long-waterline hull with minimal wetted surface, a fractional rig with all controls led aft, straightforward cockpit reefing, and a tiller-steered cockpit that can be opened up at the dock.
Below, she feels more spacious and more thoroughly finished than her 29 feet might suggest. The legitimate aft double and roomy head are notable strengths, although the pointed forward berth is best suited to one person. Germany’s 1997 Yacht of the Year still reads as modern.
Pros
- Long waterline from the snub bow, with a flat forefoot that minimizes wetted surface
- Monocoque hull-to-deck lamination, balsa coring, and glassed-in steel floors
- All lines led aft, with a mid-cockpit traveler, standard rigid vang, and cockpit reefing
- Folding or removable tiller, quality Lewmar hardware, and aluminum-backed deck fittings
- Spacious head with wet locker, genuine aft double, and warm mahogany trim
Cons
- Will likely pound when sailing upwind in a chop
- Pointed forward end of the V-berth was uncomfortable for two, according to one reviewer
- Standard boat lacks bow-anchoring hardware
- Small navigation station opposite a compact galley
