Design and Construction
With a length-to-beam ratio of 3.08 and a displacement-length figure of 284, the Optima 92 falls among the heavy cruisers. She displaces roughly 8,600 pounds and carries iron ballast, with a ballast ratio of 33 percent. The hull is single-skin fiberglass, and the keel is also iron.
Dehler offered two keel alternatives. One draws 1.65 to 1.75 meters, depending on load, while a deeper variant draws 1.80 to 1.90 meters. Wetted surface is about 279 square feet. An immersion rate of 821 pounds per inch indicates that payload has a meaningful effect on how deeply the hull sits in the water.
Rig, Performance, and Handling
The Optima 92 has a fractional sloop rig and a spade rudder. Her theoretical hull speed is 6.6 knots. A Relative Speed Performance figure of 38 describes a boat that is quick enough for her weight class but remains fundamentally a cruiser.
The capsize screening value is 1.89, while the Motion Comfort Ratio falls between 25.1 and 25.7, a stable, damped motion profile. With a ballast ratio near one-third and loaded draft varying by keel choice, she behaves as a predictable coastal vessel.
Draft and Keel Considerations
Draft is the main variable for an owner. The boat’s immersion rate means that load changes her depth by a measurable amount, while the two keel options were built to different drafts. A specific hull therefore needs to be identified before making any marina claim.
The iron keel is prone to corrosion in bilge or grounding scenarios.
Machinery and Ownership
The Optima 92 may be equipped with an inboard Volvo Penta diesel engine. Her 1974 start year and Van de Stadt parentage place her among Dehler’s early fixed-keel cruisers. Any surviving example is therefore a long-service hull.
The Verdict
The Optima 92 is a quietly competent, heavy-displacement cruiser from the classic Van de Stadt-Dehler period. She suits an owner who values motion comfort over speed and accepts that draft changes with load.
Pros
- Stable, comfort-biased motion profile, with a Motion Comfort Ratio of 25.1–25.7
- Two keel drafts offered to suit different marina constraints
Cons
- Heavy-cruiser displacement limits outright performance
- Iron keel requires vigilance for corrosion
- Load-dependent draft complicates planning for marinas with fixed depth limits
