Design and Construction
The Dehlya 22 measures 21ft 9in overall, with a 17ft 1in waterline and a beam just under 8ft. Her solid fiberglass hull has a lifting keel, giving a draft range from 1ft 4in to 3ft 11in.
Dehler’s build quality is high, although many boats were assembled from kits rather than completed at the factory high build quality despite kit assembly. As a result, the quality of the final finish depends partly on whoever assembled each boat.
Yachting Monthly described the Dehlya 22 as well designed for trailering, helped by an efficient original trailer-and-trolley combination. Her low, elegant hull contributes to that compact profile, but it also restricts sitting headroom below.
Rig and Handling
The fractional rig carries 210 square feet of sail. Combined with her light displacement, that generous sail plan makes the Dehlya 22 lively. It also means the same review warns that she needs to be reefed early in stronger breeze to remain manageable.
In light to medium airs, the same characteristics deliver excellent, dinghy-like performance. The lifting keel and modest beam also make her easy to maneuver, whether she’s on the trailer or moving around a tight slip.
Accommodations and Stowage
The Dehlya 22 sleeps four, though her low hull restricts even sitting headroom in the cabin. The compensating strength is organization: stowage is very well arranged, an important advantage aboard a 22-footer where the crew must live compactly.
Ownership and Refits
The original trailer-and-trolley setup is integral to the Dehlya 22’s concept. So is the water-ballast system, which plays a central role in how she sails and trails. Any refit should preserve that balance rather than add fixed weight.
Because many boats were kit-built, prospective owners will find that finish quality varies according to who assembled each hull, despite the underlying quality of Dehler’s construction.
The Verdict
The Dehlya 22 is a clever trailerable pocket cruiser with four berths, well-organized stowage, and dinghy-like performance in light to medium airs. The trade-offs are restricted headroom below and the need to reef early as the breeze strengthens.
Pros
- Water ballast supports trailability, with a minimum draft of 1ft 4in
- Excellent performance in light to medium airs
- Four berths and very well-organized stowage
- Efficient original trailer-and-trolley setup
Cons
- Restricted sitting headroom below
- Light displacement and a large rig require early reefing
- Many boats were kit-built, so finish quality varies
