A new and apparently growing market segment is the day sailors where easy boat handling and ample cockpit space come together as priorities. The latest issue of Yachting World has a long article about it and I guess that is proof of something. As indicated in the article it's difficult to say what exactly constitutes a "day sailor" but for the purpose of this exercise I will simply accept the general perception that a Morris 29 is a day sailor whereas a Dehler 29 isn't. And in all fairness a Dehler 29 truly isn't. The D29 deliberately aims at being a "small big boat" whereas the Morris 29 with its sleak lines looks much more like retro and timeless beauty. And despite the fact that they have the same LOA these two boats have completely different buyers and without a doubt very different purposes of use.
The Morris 29 is like a beefed-up "IF" - but most likely with impeccable building quality and countless layers of clearcoat - with everlasting and stunning lines whereas the Dehler 29 tries to combine the characteristics of an "iron shaped" hull, reasonably practical living accomodations below and fair boat speed. Yes, pretty sleak lines as well and good quality but not timeless like the Sparkman & Stephens design of the Morris 29. I have never sailed - or even seen up close - the Morris 29 (although I've been in Bar Harbor where they are manufactured!) so I can really not say much about this brand let alone model. However, just the price tag (USD190,000) indicates, at least to me, that this is by no means an entry level boat. The only groups I could think of as potential buyers are the "filthy rich" who just want to have a good looking toy to sail around with on a sunny day. Then there is also "retirees" which obviously is a growing - and increasingly wealthy - part of the population across the globe. I'm sure they too could enjoy the Morris 29 to its fullest extent.
But for me the choice is simple and it reads - Dehler 29 without a doubt. Just a general disclaimer at the end of this as well - yes I too realize that the comparison between a day sailor and a "regular sail boat" - albeit the same boat lenght - is borderline prepostrous but it's just a little interesting to see how much you can charge a customer in different market segments with such different characteristics. And if Nautor designed their Swan 90 for "the younger generation" it tells me that markets are no longer what they used to be.
