Design and Construction
The beamy hull carries its width aft, has an L/B ratio of 3.19, and uses no chine to interrupt the smooth lines aft. Construction moves well beyond Dehler’s older monocoque tradition. The 46 SQ is vacuum infused epoxy resin over a Divinycell core, with bulkheads of the same construction laminated into the hull and deck.
A laminated carbon keel matrix distributes loads from the rig, keel, and mast. The outboard chainplates connect directly to this carbon hull matrix.
Three versions were offered: standard, competition, and short keel. The competition model has a fin keel with a bulb and carries 772 fewer pounds of ballast, giving it a D/L of 145 compared with 149 for the standard model. Draft is 7 feet 5 inches for the standard version, 8 feet 6 inches for the competition model, and 7 feet 1 inch with the short keel.
Rig, Handling, and Performance
The tall fractional rig has swept spreaders and is anchored by a 9/10 Selden twin-spreader, keel-stepped mast suited to the boat’s performance brief. The standard rig has an SA/D of 23.28, while the competition rig’s figure is 25.59.
A German mainsheet system with 2:1 purchase works through a three-quarter-width traveller track, which testers found indispensable for adjustment. A powerful Selden manual hydraulic backstay tensioner can be adjusted from the helm. The bowsprit is supported by a bobstay, allowing downwind sails to be set with proper luff tension, while the open pulpit provides access to the tack points. For heavy air, a blade staysail sets on a removable inner forestay.
Writing in Yachting Monthly, test sailors found the 46 SQ making around 30 degrees to the apparent wind when hardened on, while its deep single rudder never lost grip. After bearing away, the same test recorded the boat easily topping 9 knots and nudging 10 on GPS. The absence of aggressive hull chines made it easier to mollify than some rivals, and twin wheels with carbon rims keep the helm light.
Cockpit and Deck Equipment
The broad, flat transom incorporates a fold-down boarding platform, and the twin wheels leave an easy passage to it. The cockpit itself is huge, with sloping coamings, a foot lip, and a steel-framed table on the centerline that gives the crew something to brace against. Stowage includes two sole-depth lockers and two lazarettes, although the cockpit table has no storage for everyday items.
An optional arch spans the companionway, moving the mainsheet and traveller out of the cockpit. It also provides a point from which the sprayhood can fold down. Lewmar Performance 50ST winches—now available with power—worked well in testing, and bins beneath the coaming beside the helm seats hold rope tails.
At the bow, a cavernous foredeck locker has climbing steps. A horizontal-axis anchor windlass sits above a deep chain well, and a substantial bow roller is fitted beneath the bowsprit.
Accommodation
Dehler offers two nearly identical layouts. They differ only in the treatment of the port side of the main cabin: one has a conventional settee with a small navigation station forward, while the other has a divided settee with the navigation station aft.
Mirror-image quarter cabins can each accommodate a double berth. Alternatively, the port quarter berth can be divided into a scissor arrangement that provides two tight singles.
The forward owner’s cabin has a large island berth measuring 205 by 170 centimeters amidships and narrowing to 115 at each end. Hanging-locker space is to port, with a large heads compartment to starboard. For the SQ version, Dehler enlarged the heads opposite the galley.
In the saloon, a U-shaped dinette and C-shaped seating wrap around fold-out tables. The port saloon berth slides forward electrically to bring guests closer to the table. Every coachroof window opens outward beneath a sleek gutter, while hull windows are positioned at seated eye level. Hidden strip lighting provides the evening illumination. The overhead lockers sacrifice some volume to an elaborate hinge arrangement.
The L-shaped galley to starboard is sensibly arranged, but counter space is limited by the need to preserve the passage to the aft cabin. Two heads compartments are fitted, with a separate shower stall in the aft one. Oddly, there is no wet locker for foul-weather gear.
Engine and Systems
Standard power comes from a 57-horsepower Yanmar, with an 80-horsepower engine available as an option. The engine is turned around so that the saildrive sits forward beneath the companionway steps. Decent access is provided through hatches in the aft cabins.
Fuel capacity is 55 gallons, and water capacity is 119 gallons.
Below deck, the accommodation feels seaworthy, with plenty of handholds, few open spaces, curved companionway steps, and generous fiddles throughout. A central handrail runs the length of the saloon, although it is positioned at 210 centimeters. Lower handholds are fitted above the settees.
Verdict
The Dehler 46 SQ is a thoroughly modern performance cruiser. Its carbon-reinforced epoxy structure, versatile Judel/Vrolijk hull, and interior balance entertainment with offshore sensibility. It is quick, stiff, and well finished, and is aimed above mass-production cruisers toward higher-end European performance marques.
Pros
- Carbon keel matrix and vacuum-infused epoxy-Divinycell construction produce a lighter, stiffer hull than the 2014 predecessor
- Tall fractional rig with a German mainsheet system, hydraulic backstay, and bowsprit-supported downwind capability
- Flexible cabin layouts, opening coachroof windows, hull windows, an electrically sliding saloon berth, and enlarged SQ heads
- Good engine access through the aft-cabin hatches, aided by the reversed engine and forward saildrive arrangement
Cons
- Galley counter space is tight because of the passage requirements
- No wet locker for foul-weather gear
- Cockpit table lacks storage for everyday items
- Elaborate hinge arrangements reduce the capacity of the overhead lockers
