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39 Dufour Sailboat Walkthrough [Boat Review + Video]

Take an extensive tour of the 39 dufour sailboat in marina del rey, california with will petersen..

This article is a transcription of the 39 Dufour Sailboat video from Denison’s YouTube Channel . Tune in daily to discover the latest yacht video walkthroughs from the world’s largest yacht video collection. Watch the full video below:

Hi, I’m Will Petersen with Denison Yachting. And today we’re on the docks behind our Marina Del Rey office and I’d like to walk you through the all new Dufour 390. On today’s sea trial we were very lucky with good weather. We had clear skies, flat water and just the right amount of breeze. One of the key features of the 390 is her 13 foot wide beam which enhances the layout across the board.

We first see this midship on both sides which run back to her very large cockpit. One of the ways the beam enhances the Dufour 390 is in the interior volume. This is much larger than the smaller Dufour 360. In addition to having a great interior design, the salon is also very practical. For example, the salon table on the starboard side folds down to a berth. The real innovation isn’t that this turns into a bed but that you can also walk around on the port side easily.

One of the reasons we wanted to do this walkthrough today was to show you how different this particular 390 layout is. In years past the 390 has come with a two head layout. This particular 390 only comes with a one head layout which makes the master cabin much larger. Because the layout is so central to today’s walkthrough, we’re going to start in the aft cabin and work our way forward. With the two cabin layout option the aft berth becomes very large for this size of sailboat. The stateroom is lit up with a significant side window as well as an overhead hatch and side opening port hole. There is also a double door opening closet for storage along with shelves on all sides.

One step forward of the aft berth we find a traditional L-shaped galley. Appliances in the galley include a Propane stove and oven microwave, double stainless steel sink and plenty of refrigeration with a top and side loading fridge. Moving to the port side we find the oversized head and private shower stall. This shower stall is one of the biggest in the Dufour range. Behind the shower we find access to the deep lazarette storage. This space has a hanging locker and lots of space for sails or other cruising gear. The engine is located centerline between the galley and the head and access is found beneath the stairs. This Dufour 390 comes with the upgraded engine package with a 50 horsepower Volvo Penta with a sail drive and a folding prop.

At the base of the companionway stairs we find this wine cellar which lifts up out of the floor. On the port side we find a very long built-in settee that is great for lounging and it also doubles as the chart table. The chart table itself is integrated into the seating and lifts up and down. On the starboard side we find an L-shaped dinette which as I already mentioned converts into a berth. When you have more guests on board there is an extra leaf on the port side of the table that lifts up to make seating for 6. Forward in the salon is the entertainment center. This includes a 32-inch flat screen television as well as the upgraded Bose sound package. The last thing I’d like to point out on the salon is how well lit this space is. This is thanks to the large windows overhead and on the sides.

Our final stop below decks is the master cabin which is found all the way forward. Keeping in mind this 390 is the two cabin, one head layout the forward master is much less cluttered without the second head option. Having wrapped up in the interior, we’re going to jump overhead and show you the bow.

The first thing I’d like to point out is the integrated bow sprit. This used to come as an option but is now standard with the 390. The benefit of this design is that you can have both the Furling genoa and a Code Zero up at the same time and it also makes for easier anchoring. Just behind the bow sprit, we find our deep anchor locker with a Lewmar windlass. One of the great things Dufour has done with upgrading some of the range is integrating these overhead windows throughout the boat. These skylights start at the bow and work their way back over the top and sides of the coach roof. One of the greatest things about Dufour is the versatility of the sail packages. You can order Dufour with either classic full batten main or in-mast furling. You can also choose from self-tacking jib or an overlapping genoa. In addition, all the models can come with a Code Zero furling spinnaker. This particular 390 comes with a full batten classic main with lazy jacks and a stack pack as well as overlapping genoa with adjustable car leads and finally a Code Zero.

Next let’s make our way into the cockpit which for this size sailboat is very spacious. Most of the space comes as a result of the angled helm pedestals on either side. This design change allowed for more open cockpit as well as made the bench seat’s important starboard longer. These bench seats are a great place to lounge or you can convert the cockpit table for an outdoor dining experience. Immediately after the seating area is the starboard helm where we find our engine controls. Some of the other features we find in this area are the chain counter with windlass control, a Raymarine autopilot and a Raymarine multi-function display.

The final space we have to show to you today is the outdoor patio found on the folding swim platform. Here we have a Plancha grill stainless steel sink and storage for our propane bottle. The 390 is a boat that is designed to be away from the dock. And if you plan to spend time at anchor her swim platform is the perfect venue to relax.

On behalf of Denison Yachting and myself Will Petersen, I’d like to thank you for joining us on today’s walkthrough. If you have any questions feel free to contact me anytime.

Inquire About the 39 Dufour Sailboat:

Will petersen.

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Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

First look: Dufour 41 – better performance and simpler maintenance

• Theo Stocker
• February 23, 2023

The new Dufour 41 comes from the pen of designer Umberto Felci and features many of the same tricks which made his Dufour 37 so appealing

Product Overview

Manufacturer:.

The new Dufour 41 follows hot on the heels of the Dufour 37 in terms of design, focusing on more space, better performance and simpler maintenance. There’s more living space on board and on deck further than ever before, with a bigger cockpit than the larger Dufour 430. With a beam of 4.3m also matching the metre-longer 430, designer Umberto Felci has given the boat a fuller bow and full-length hull chines.

The huge saloon has been pushed all the way out to the hull sides and either a large island berth in an owner’s cabin forward, or – amazingly – in the four cabin version two cabins forward, both with full-width double berths.

The boat is aimed at private owners but the potential to squeeze in 10 berths by converting the saloon into a fifth double will certainly appeal to charter companies. Extensive ‘catamaran-style’ hull windows increase light below, as well as more opening ventilation and easier movement between the different space below all help to make the boat feel more spacious. The trademark outside grill and galley is in the transom seat between the two wheels, for use when the full-width bathing platform is down.

In terms of sailing, she has a deep, balance single spade rudder pushed forward to keep it submerged and twin wheels, to minimise drag and maximise feel on the helm. Decks have been kept completely clear, with both German mainsheet and optional genoa car tracks led aft along the coachroof – a self-tacking jib is standard.

The anchor stows via a windlass to a below-deck locker – there’s no hatch on deck so chain twists are dealt with from the forward cabin.

Weight has been saved in the hull and put into the keel, enabling a mast a metre taller than her predecessor, for better light wind performance and the boat comes in three specs: Adventure, Ocean and Performance. The latter can have a longer boom to enable the mainseet to be led to a fixed point in the cockpit for more control.

Teak is replaced with sustainable timber from Panama and ALPI wood throughout. The boat can be fitted with electric propulsion and a genset to extend the range of the batteries.

Dufour 41 specifications

LOA: 12.75m / 41ft 10in Hull length: 11.99m / 39ft 4in LWL: 11.20m / 36ft 9in Draught: 2.10m / 6ft 11in Ballast: 2,600kg / 5,732 lbs Displacement: TBC Base price ex VAT: €233,000 Sail away price: €250,000 Contact: dufour-yachts.com

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Dufour 41 Review

They managed to surprise us again. We're talking about Felci Yacht Design - team of naval architects and designers, who were invited by the shipyard Dufour Yachts to work on a new sailing cruiser Dufour 41 . This time the Umberto Felci’s team joined forces with the group of interior designers Ardizio Design.

• FEATURES OF DUFOUR 41
• PRICE CALCULATOR

To Cabins Through the Saloon

Advantages of dufour 41.

• REVIEWS OF DUFOUR 41 FROM PROFESSIONALS
• VIDEO REVIEWS OF DUFOUR 41

The best boat of 2022, Dufour 37 ( Review ), continues its glorious rise after the stagnation period in the world of sailing and business associated with restrictions due to the pandemic. While she wins more and more awards and breaks sales records, fans of sailing cruises and racing are looking forward to the release of the 12-meter monohull announced at the exhibition in Düsseldorf Dufour 41.

TopRik team, that was present at the reveal of the new sailboat by Dufour Yachts, is also looking forward to getting into the cockpit of the new Dufour, testing it thoroughly from mast to engine room, deck to cabins, transom to bowsprit, and out to sea under its sails.

And to brighten up this expectation, we will conduct a virtual test of the Dufour 41. To do this, we used all the materials that the shipyard has provided to date for yachtsmen and dealers present at the presentation of the yacht, which was held as part of one of the largest closed exhibitions of yachts and boats in the world Boot Dusseldorf 2023: videos, booklets, detailed layouts, etc.

Let's start with the main technical characteristics.

Features of Dufour 41

• Brand: Dufour Yachts
• Hull type: Sailing yacht
• Overall length, m: 11.88
• Width, m: 3.96
• Draft, m: 1.82
• Keel weight, T: 2.6
• Water tanks, l: 250
• Exterior design (Architect): Felci Yacht Design
• Interior design: Ardizio Design
• CE Certification: A
• Mainsail type: Fully battened
• Jib type: Furling genoa
• Engine, HP: 50
• Fuel tanks, l: 250

Price calculator

Dufour 41 review by toprik team.

First, we immediately evaluate the exterior, that is, we determine those changes in the contours of the hull, dimensions and other details that affect seaworthiness and comfort on board.

The raised stern is the first thing you notice. This is an understandable innovation - it was necessary to reduce the area of the wetted surface, which was formed by increasing the length of the yacht. In this way, due to the innovative design of the waterlines, the maneuverability of the boat, its performance and speed characteristics under various sailing conditions are improved.

And if the increase in the dimensions of the boat caused trouble for naval architects, then this increase in size provided the designers with the opportunity to provide the yacht with additional side windows. This not only gave the exterior dynamism, but also added natural light to the cabins.

A characteristic feature of the Dufours - a significantly protruding bowsprit - remained in place. This is a decoration of the boat and at the same time a utilitarian detail - the anchor chain passes through it, excluding damage to the hull when raising or lowering the anchor. But its main task, like any bowsprit, is to increase the yacht's sail area by moving the sail center forward. This improves the maneuverability and stability of the sailboat, and increases the speed it can develop.

It is not surprising that we compare the new model with its predecessors and, of course, first of all with the Dufour 37. Because at first glance at the stern we see a lot in common with this model. We were pleased that the folding wings remained on both sides. This not only makes it easier to climb into the cockpit - on the 360 model, the absence of such a wing on the port side was an inconvenience when steering. It was impossible to sit down in a corner, resting comfortably on your back and legs. Now you can do it both for the right and for the left helm.

It is difficult to assess by eye how the width of the yacht has changed - according to the manufacturer, another 10 cm were added to the width (already quite large) of the previous model 37. It is interesting what naval architects will achieve, providing maximum comfort in such small yachts as latest Dufours.

And if we turn to the statements of the shipyard, it is worth noting one more thing before boarding. A single rudder is connected to two cockpit helms – this solution was designed to reduce hydrodynamic drag and make the boat easier to steer and has already become part of the Dufour Yacht's DNA. We can safely say this, since the topRik team visited almost all the latest shipyard models with such management organization - 360 , 390 , 412 , 430 , 470 , 37 .

Well, let's summarize the exterior of the Dufour 41 in comparison with the Dufour 37:

the dimensions are increased along the length and width of the body, and, consequently, along the height of the interior;

the center of the sail is also moved forward due to the bowsprit, which allows you to increase the speed under sail;

raising the stern and other changes in the design of the waterlines are aimed at improving seaworthiness;

two handwheels and one rudder blade make the control easier;

additional side windows provide additional natural light.

Well, after the first glance, you should take the first step. It can be done, as on the 37th model, by folding the narrowed platform. On the new yacht, the sparing dimensions of the platform were also left, designed to keep the hinges and the transom itself intact. We could see the same set of amenities as on the predecessor: a small stainless-steel ladder for launching into the water, a locker for a raft, folding wings that transform into seats when lowered, and wide steps that provide easy access to the cockpit even for people with large feet.

And complete déjà vu, as we remember very well how, during testing of the Dufour 37 we were welcomed by folding wings on both sides. We quickly appreciated that this improved the comfort of the helmsman at the left helm.

And of course, no one was left indifferent by the innovative panels on the steering wheels, which housed the tachometer, autopilot and thruster control panels. But, I remember, our cheers subsided somewhat when we saw the location of the chartplotter on the end of the table in the cockpit. We thought that was a bit far and could have been placed on this new steering panel, where there was enough room for at least a 7-inch screen.

And what about the Dufour 41? Yes! They did it! Take a look: the chartplotter can be placed on both panels, and the screen size, is not limited to 7 inches. You can quickly display maps of the route while standing at the helm, and your assistant at the left helm can monitor the state of the seabed and the presence of fish if you intend to go fishing. And if you have a more powerful echo sounder, you can look for sunken objects.

Of course, the brand and size of the chartplotter is an option, the owner of the yacht can order the model that he is used to. The topRik marketplace provides a large selection of nautical displays. Our experts will select you a chartplotter that will exactly match all the parameters and tasks you specify.

Everything else - with the exception of the size of the cockpit itself - is practically unchanged. Two pairs of winches are in the same place: behind the helms and on the roof of the wheelhouse along the sides. The halyards and everything connected to them pass through the winches in the wheelhouse and return to them, a position from which they are all perfectly well controlled, remaining protected in the cockpit. Nothing hangs, sticks out or gets under your feet or hands.

And pay attention to that large bench that is formed from the wings, including behind the helmsman. If you wish, you can even lie down here if the sofas on the sides of the table are occupied. By the way, the sofas around the table have also changed in shape and size. The table is just as big and just as folding. If necessary, this cockpit will freely accommodate 10 people, as the shipyard claims.

During real testing at this stage, we usually check the operation of the grill, that is, we sit down with the whole company at the laid out table in the cockpit and have lunch before going to sea. And after testing the boat under sail, we rest in the cabins...

And once again - YES! The developers took into account the regret of many yachtsmen about the uncomfortable, in their opinion, shape of the galley in the Dufour 37 – L shape. Part of the topRik crew also agrees. To their delight, the Dufour 41 has a linear galley in the saloon along the starboard side. It has this configuration and location in all versions. Here, without bumping into each other, two people can move around while cooking. And the table will accommodate a company of up to 10 people. Judging by the configuration of the table and its powerful "leg", it transforms into a bed for two people.

The table is surrounded by sofas on three sides, with a soft bench on the fourth. It looks very compact and cozy.

Interior trim with natural wood veneer offers options for lovers of the classics and those who prefer a lighter interior. Bleached oak and mahogany are the choice of designers for this purpose and the rest depends on the buyer’s taste.

The salon is filled with light through the side and ceiling windows. This natural lighting, the view of the sea and the view of the sails overhead is a very good solution, which we appreciated in previous models. It's great that such a saloon solution is becoming an integral part of Dufour's DNA.

We pass from the saloon to the owner's cabin in the bow of the yacht.

The developers did a great job with the increased space and volumes. This small yacht is offered in four different cabin layouts. In any of them you will have two aft cabins, a large saloon with galley and dining area, storage and technical rooms.

• Utility Room Yes
• Kitchen Fore-and-aft

• Utility Room No - instead of her separate toilet

As you can see, you can choose from extra storage space, an extra shower room, or a full toilet.

The charter option is distinguished by the absence of a large owner's cabin. Instead, in the bow, you can have two cabins for two berths each.

I remember we wondered how in the model 37 the developers managed to make such a large and comfortable owner's cabin. But what they've done with the Dufour 41 is incredible. The cabin contains not only an island double bed, but also a large bathroom with a shower, washbasin and toilet, as well as a spacious wardrobe for storing clothes. Under the bed there is also a large storage space for bedsheets. Small things and books can be arranged on shelves and wall cabinets or on a special tray.

Finish of the cabins, as well as the saloon, is available in two tones - natural bleached oak or mahogany veneer.

And now let's walk along the deck, which in many ways resembles the previous model, yet the side decks are, of course, wider. This will add safety when moving from stern to bow and back, although we did not find it difficult to navigate the decks on the previous model.

The length of the Dufour 41 made it possible to place additional lockers in the bow. Access to the anchor box is still from the inside. Same as in 37, we remember that a control panel for the anchor chain is located near the helm.

And of course, I'm very glad that they abandoned the solid side fender, replacing it with a bulwark - it took a lot of time to wash this element before. Although this replacement was made not so much to please lazy sailors, but to connect the deck to the hull.

It is clearly visible that part of the running rigging is hidden - this not only provides greater safety for movement and unloads the deck, but also protects the hidden halyards from the effects of sea salt and moisture.

Pioneers in the field of fiberglass hulls for sailboats, Dufour have remained true to themselves in the new model. This makes it possible to provide smooth hull lines and excellent aerodynamic characteristics, which in turn improves the performance of the boat.

Mast placement is the same as previous models. The center of the windage is moved forward, which is possible thanks to the bowsprit. This allows you to increase the sail area, in particular, by installing downwind sails. Bowsprit and rollers are usually already installed on the Dufour.

Since the automatic jib’s travel trail is visible on the layout, it can be argued that it is provided in the basic equipment. Discuss all the features of sailing rig and rigging with our experts before buying a Dufour 41. All of them are practicing sailors and will give you comprehensive qualified recommendations.

With this, we finish our virtual test.

From what we have been able to find out from reliable sources, the Dufour 41 largely repeats the main characteristics of its predecessor, so that all of them can be written down as the merits of the new boat.

• Reliability and safety due to the production of the hull by infusion, the use of high-quality materials for all parts of the hull and other parts of the boat: fiberglass, resin, stainless steel, etc.
• Quality through careful selection of instruments, motors, tanks, electronics, textiles, etc. from the best manufacturers of marine equipment and accessories .
• Multivariance due to the ability to customize the configuration of the yacht to your own taste, ranging from the choice of finishes in bleached oak or mahogany to the configuration of cabins with a choice of 6 to 10 beds.
• Multifunctionality due to the formation of an internal space that can be designed for a lone nature lover, a small family, a group of friends who love speed under sail or the organization of charters.
• Thoughtful comfort on board for life as a passenger or skipper.
• Transformations for ease of steering the yacht, including a convenient location of the helms, the appearance of tool panels on them and even folding wings that convert into comfortable seats.

But the Dufour 41 will also have a number of changes that we would attribute to the advantages of this particular model, even compared to the 37th:

• the most spacious cockpit for boats of this size, which improves movement and, in addition to additional comfort, makes it easier to control the yacht, opening up easy access to the winches on the saloon roof;
• moving the chartplotter to the helm;
• increasing the volume of living space in all 3 dimensions.

Reviews of Dufour 41 From Professionals

The shipyard has released a virtual presentation of the Dufour 41 under the motto "Instinctive sailing". And immediately stated that the new design provides a comfortable life on board in the open air.

At over 12 meters in length, this innovative yacht has a cockpit that is comparable to that of the aft area of a much larger boat.

The shipyard claims that the experience of the developers who are passionate about sailing makes it possible to guarantee excellent sailing thanks to the know-how implemented.

The Dufour 41 retains the DNA of the Dufour brand . This is an updated vintage that brings modernity, an abundance of light and many innovations. The new cruising sailboat offers a well-organized space that makes it easy and safe to move around on board. Reliable and efficient, the Dufour 41 will deftly cross seas and oceans.

The shipyard claims that the new model is multi-variant: buyers can choose from three versions, two cabin layouts and even different styles due to the change in interior trim.

“With this boat, we have gone even further in developing a new concept started with the Dufour 37: to offer high performance sailboats with wonderful volume”.

"Dufour 41 is the new French cruiser (12m) with an Italian touch" – that’s the title of the review from Dusseldorf interdisciplinary designer Doi de Luise.

The author noted that Boot Düsseldorf 2023 was the perfect opportunity for Dufour Yachts to launch a new model in the range with dimensions of 12.75 x 4.30 m. The new Dufour 41, according to Doi De Luise, will be a worthy successor to the previous models 390 and 412, which, along with the Dufour 37, continue the selection of Dufour's DNA , keeping the best and adding innovations that improve the brand.

The author noted that the new yacht promises comfort for living, since ¾ of the above-deck space is given to the spacious saloon, and the cockpit is huge and ergonomic. At the same time, the developers did not leave aside the seaworthiness and sporting qualities inherent in the brand. The new model really caters to all tastes, especially when you consider that the model range of this yacht is presented in three versions: Adventure, Ocean and Performance.

Doi De Luise thinks that the concept of the shipyard is perfectly embodied in this model, which was developed by Felci Yacht Design (naval architecture) and Ardizio Design (interiors). The team was able to create a 12.75 m yacht that satisfies the growing market demand for high performance yet comfortable cruising sailboats.

As a result, the exterior and interior have been redesigned to increase above and below deck space with a large cockpit and roomy cabins and saloon, making life on board much easier.

The author expressed the hope that the replacement of diesel engines with electric ones also fits into this concept, as the shipyard constantly demonstrates a growing attention to the environmental issues.

Video Reviews of Dufour 41

Here’s some videos which demonstrate the progressive design and new interior solutions of the model 41.

More rendered exteriors and interiors:

During the review, we noted not only the excellent seaworthiness of the boat, which is important for fans of high-speed sailing, but also the comfort of life on board. This is definitely an urgent requirement of the market - you can be ironic as much as you like about yachtsmen who are prone to maximum comfort, but you can’t argue with facts. Dufour Yachts was one of the first to notice this trend and began to create boats that meet the requirements of those who want to combine sailing romance with comfort on a long cruise.

The latest model is no exception, on the contrary, thanks to increased volumes and intuitive and easy operation, Dufour 41 is suitable for everyone who:

• loves speed under sail;
• seeks to retire, be left alone with nature;
• prefers family holidays on the water in comfort and safety;
• wants a reliable and high-speed cruiser for traveling with friends;
• rents out boats, organizes charters and other types of business related to sea travel.

Among the experts of our marketplace there are all the above categories of yachtsmen, so when choosing Dufour 41 for sale, you will always receive the most comprehensive recommendations on choosing a yacht configuration for the purposes you specified.

Where to Buy Dufour 41 at a Bargain Price

TopRik marketplace provides all types of services related to the delivery of sailing and motor yachts, inflatable boats, related marine equipment and accessories. You only make a choice, we do the rest:

• we advise on all issues that arise when choosing, buying and delivering a yacht;
• we select Dufour 41 in exactly the configuration you declared;
• choose a convenient and profitable payment method that suits you;
• deliver Dufour 41 to the agreed point within the time specified by you;
• we provide the yacht with additional equipment, textiles and accessories;
• if necessary, we conduct a training course at yachting school SimpleSail for the IYT certificate Yacht Training Course "International Bareboat Skipper" .

When you decide to buy Dufour 41, contact our employees using the feedback function of the marketplace, call or leave us a message - all contacts are listed on the website. We are happy to continue helping our clients for many years after the first purchase.

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Yachting World

• Digital Edition

Dufour 41 review: game-changing 40-footer

• Toby Hodges
• September 28, 2023

Dufour has just changed the game with how much boat you can expect to get in a 40-footer – but is that a good thing? Toby Hodges tests the Dufour 41

Product Overview

The number of bedrooms is usually the first line of enquiry for people looking to buy a house. It helps to categorise and price a property. So it stands to reason it can be no different for many when buying a yacht.

Yet surely we know what to expect from a 40ft production monohull these days. It’ll either have a two- or three-cabin layout with one or two heads, depending on how social you feel, right? Not any longer, not with the arrival of this Dufour.

Ever since the Beneteau Group shook things up when it brought out its new generation of Sun Odyssey and Oceanis hulls back in 2017, which use the full bow shapes employed by offshore racing designs to create extra volume, we have seen internal volume continue to swell. Bavaria and other mainstream yards have followed suit, using the trickery of naval architecture to minimise wetted surface while maximising space below decks.

None has managed to do so enough, however, to alter layouts and cabin numbers significantly for this mainstay 40ft size… until now. The new Dufour 41 is the only boat in this class to offer four cabins, including two forward cabins with proper double beds. It’s also offered as a three-cabin boat with up to three heads, so you can start to imagine just how much volume it has in its forward ends.

It’s always interesting how yards choose to promote their yachts. ‘Pushes the limits for ever more space’ are the first words of the brochure. After all, space is the prime reason why the multihull market and Dufour’s sister company Fountaine Pajot has burgeoned in recent years. It’s clear from the outset that this is a yacht that’s all about volume, deck space and natural light below.

Serious beam in the forward ends, a feature designer Felci draws the eye away from with the reverse-swept hull ports. The low chine helps quickly narrow the wetted surface area. Photo: Jean-Marie Liot

The big question is: how has Dufour achieved this? Umberto Felci, who has drawn Dufour hulls over the last two decades, has cleverly combined this voluminous hull with an aggressive, modern, angular look. Full length hull chines are used plus contours to help incorporate those extensive black-panelled hull port surrounds. Aesthetically, it’s very much in keeping with Dufour’s latest launches, but it’s a wider boat. In fact, this Dufour is certainly one of the beamiest in its class, along with the Bavaria C42, at 4.3m – particularly in the forward sections.

This is the first Dufour styled by Luca Ardizio. According to sales director Nicholas Beranger, he made a big difference by finding space, despite Felci chasing the millimetres back for less wetted surface. “If I’m being honest, the sailing is a big surprise for us,” added Beranger, an experienced offshore racer – which, were you to read between the lines, might suggest they were expecting all this volume to pay a penalty on the water.

Physics of economy

He explained how they equipped Felci’s powerful hull with a comparatively taller mast. So by Dufour’s calculations the power ratio of the 41 is the highest yet in its modern range (a calculation which factors in sail area, length, wetted surface and displacement).

All of which raises a basic but fundamental question: in this race for space, why don’t manufacturers make their yachts as voluminous as possible and simply add mast height and sail area to keep the boat moving well?

“Because when you increase the mast, you increase the cost,” explained Beranger. This includes rig costs, more lead in the keel, and more fibre, wood and resin in the boat etc, which is not something volume production yards would want to do.

Powered up under spinnaker. Photo: Jean-Marie Liot

Chasing the breeze

An unseasonably hot and muggy June day greeted us in Palma, so stuffy ashore it made us long for a sea breeze afloat. Yet hazy cloud stifled the normally reliable convection until late in the day, so every bit of apparent wind we could generate was welcomed. There was plenty of beating in the lighter stuff to keep the breeze in our faces before it began to build to ideal Force 4 conditions by early evening.

We were sailing the Ocean version, by far the most popular of Dufour’s three main deck configurations. Where the Easy has only two winches, this has an additional two on the coachroof. The third Performance option also has four winches and does away with the table in favour of a 50cm longer boom and a centrepoint main (although no traveller).

The test boat carries upgraded sails including a 108% genoa. As per Dufour’s recent new test models such as the 37 and 470, these are Elvstrøm’s EKKO recycled laminates which, for around a €10,000 upgrade, is a good investment for better shaped full batten sails.

Elvstrøm has done a good job of maximising the roach too, which it could do thanks to the backstays leading right on to the quarters. A flat deck furler for the genoa helps allow for a full-footed headsail.

The Felici design is particularly distinctive from head on. Photo: Jean-Marie Liot

Sailing close-hauled with these enhanced sails in calm water we clocked 5.5 in 9 knots true wind, 6 in 6.5 knots and 6.3 in 10 knots at 50°, tacking through 90°. However, it felt a little lifeless in the lighter breeze and tricky to find its groove which, for a single rudder design, surprised me.

I found it liked to be sailed a little freer, which is typical of a modern, high volume beamy boat to help induce heel, reduce drag and keep speed up. For example, it averaged 6.5-7 in 11 knots at around 55-60º to the true wind but pinch below 50° and you lose over half a knot.

In the zone

The big yellow gennaker helped liven things up, increasing our heel angle and, thankfully, the apparent wind across the deck. We clocked 7 in 10 knots and a steady 8 in 11.5-12 knots, reaching at 95-100° to the wind.

Certainly there is an appreciable difference in feel once the breeze breaks into double figures. The Dufour heels a little but then remains at a comfortable angle. And when the sea breeze finally filled in to 14-17 knots and the boat powered up, it had a marked effect. The 41 felt that bit more sporty, deep reaching at 8-8.5 knots. It still wasn’t a sparkling performance, but it helped reveal how the full bow sections above the waterline, which buy that interior space, also help provide high form stability.

Swim platform with optional grill central above the liferaft stowage. Photo: Jean-Marie Liot

The 41 proved well mannered enough, while being easy to sail and control. Even when I tried to press it in 15+ knots, the rudder grip remained firm. Felci has positioned the blade relatively far forward which, combined with the form stability, helps ensure grip is maintained.

In terms of ergonomics, it’s all about maximised deck and cockpit space. This makes it tight in the quarters, especially with the optional guardrail cushions – which are comfortable when helming to leeward, but constrictive to windward. Steering and trimming is still easy and comfortable enough to achieve short-handed, although when helming you can’t quite straddle the wheel, so it is a bit of a stretch to reach a winch or clutch over the corner of the pedestal.

The large, long benches contain lockers each side, but there is no allowance for tail stowage designed in, either aft or at the coachroof winches, so it can get messy on the aft cockpit and companionway sole.

Generously wide – albeit relatively unprotected – cockpit. Photo: Jean-Marie Liot

Anchored acreage

Were prizes awarded for tanning space on deck, Dufour would clear up, as it was early on to the trend of expansive, flat decks including using the coachroof and foredeck for sun lounging. In the cockpit, this entails a lack of protection as the low cockpit benches rely on backrest cushions for seated comfort, with no real support.

Dufour’s trademark outdoor galley was fitted to the test boat, a grill and sink option you access from standing on the swim platform. This can help extend cockpit space and transform life at anchor. Stowage is moderate in cockpit bench lockers and a lazarette, but consider that the latter also contains plumbing, seacocks and pipes and is split by the liferaft locker.

Up forward, the bulkhead for the forward cabin is so far forward there is no room for a sail locker on the standard layout. Even the chain locker has to be accessed through a hatch in that forward cabin bulkhead. If the four-cabin format is chosen, this bulkhead moves aft, which creates room for a chain and sail locker.

All-Italian design: the contemporary interior styling is the first for Dufour by Luca Ardizio. Photo: Jean-Marie Liot

The design team has devised a layout where the space and volume of this yacht is felt throughout. The test boat has the 3+3 format, while the four-cabin option still offers two 145cm berths forward. When you include the saloon berths, this allows 10 to sleep aboard. Although not my idea of desirable on a 40-footer, this option will have its bums-on-seats appeal for the charter market.

The Italian styling is a big plus; the grey, white and black trim gives a smart, contemporary feel. Dufour says this model offers 60% more glazing than yachts of comparable length, which is believable when you note the size of the hull ports.

However, there is no chart table. “We’re working on a solution to have a workstation,” said Beranger, although he envisages having a communal space to work at rather than the conventional setup of an owner’s chart table doubling as a private desk.

Glazing everywhere provides masses of natural light and views out. Photo: Jean-Marie Liot

Dufour has instead opted for maximum saloon and social space to enjoy that central beam, plus of course the potential for two aft heads. The fore-and-aft galley with an inboard countertop section works well and allows for a large fridge which can be accessed from the front or above. Raised lockers help bolster stowage space and there’s a large bin below the small twin sinks.

The saloon table can seat six and there’s good stowage beneath the seats and in raised lockers – but remember that with no navstation any passage planning or work will need to be done on this (non-fiddled) table.

There are handrails on the deckheads by the aft heads but another running parallel to the galley would be useful for walking forward at heel. At least 6ft 3in headroom is maintained right up to the forward berth, where the forward facing coachroof windows bring in more light (but sited too high for all but the tallest to see out of).

The attractive forward headboard is naturally lit from the large hatch above and allows you to recline and stare out of the large hull windows. It’s certainly inviting at rest, though a berth with headboard that far forward is one to avoid in a seaway. Deep, raised lockers on each side help supplement the good wardrobe and below-berth stowage, and this cabin boasts a proper en-suite with separate shower stall.

While the standard layout has identical aft double cabins, with a heads to starboard and a shower to port, Dufour’s extra options here could prove very useful.

Master cabin (in the three-cabin version) with headboard in the bows. Photo: Jean-Marie Liot

For example, the test boat had toilets and showers on both sides, or a large wet hanging area can be chosen if going for a shower stall only.

The generous aft cabins have tall headroom and good natural light and ventilation. Again, you have to remind yourself this is only a 40-footer. Tanks below the berths limit stowage a little, but there’s good mechanical space between the cabins, while panels can be removed aft to access the lazarette and steering gear.

Look behind the scenes and you’ll find plenty of bare plywood, with unsealed end grain. That said, Dufour is continually improving its build techniques elsewhere. Technical elements are all kept central in the bilges now, for example, with piping runs neatly channelled under the sole – plumbing in one channel, electrics in another. The result is much easier maintenance.

One of the spacious aft cabins. Photo: Jean-Marie Liot

Elsewhere deckheads are fixed with Fastmount fittings rather than Velcro, which are stronger and easier to access. And the companionway uses an aluminium frame for the wooden steps for a lighter effect. There’s good access to the engine bay under the steps and from both cabins, but it the engine itself was relatively loud under power at cruising revs, and really needs insulation on the main access panel.

The main topic of our last issue was the rise of more sustainable boatbuilding practices and it’s really encouraging to see the Fountaine Pajot and Dufour group leading by example in this respect. Following FP’s extensive development of electric and hydrogen power, Dufour has turned its focus to the development of materials and the employment of a recyclable resin formed of recycled material. It is using this to build a prototype 41 and fast track sail it before disassembling it to build another yacht, so proving its circular concept.

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The 41 is all about the volume and space it offers, the extra berths it can provide and the views and natural light it encourages into the boat. But volume comes at a price: weight. The Dufour is over two tonnes heavier than the Sun Odyssey 410. It’s more comparable to Bavaria’s C42 in volume and weight, yet with less sail area:displacement and less engagement on the helm. It still covered ground consistently well, but it’s not the most rewarding Dufour or modern production cruiser I’ve sailed, particularly in single figure wind speeds (the typical Med conditions that its deck layout suggests its aimed at). However, in a very competitive market area, the decision compared to other mainstream production yachts will, I wager, not come down to the sailing experience. The cockpit, deck, social and interior space, and crucially the option for that fourth cabin or third heads, could prove to be the deal clincher. It’s akin to house buying, where having a spare room for guests or a room each for the children could be invaluable. If you were to put it to a family vote, the lure of that extra cabin/space could swing things in favour of the Dufour.

Yacht Sourcing > Your Ultimate Dufour Sailboat Buying Guide – Everything You Need to Know

Your Ultimate Dufour Sailboat Buying Guide – Everything You Need to Know

• April 15, 2024

Dreaming of slicing through crystal-clear waters, the wind in your hair, and the sun warming your face? A Dufour sailboat could be your perfect passport to freedom on the open ocean. Renowned for their quality, performance, and comfort, Dufour sailboats offer a range of models to suit every sailor’s needs and aspirations. This guide will equip you to navigate the exciting world of Dufour ownership and find a yacht that perfectly matches your sailing dreams.

The Allure of Dufour

Since 1964, Dufour has been a leading name in sailboat construction, meticulously crafting vessels that seamlessly blend elegance with functionality. Here’s what makes Dufour stand out:

• Unwavering Quality:  Each Dufour is a testament to exceptional craftsmanship. Skilled artisans meticulously handcraft these vessels, ensuring superior quality and a luxurious finish, be it a sleek sailboat or a spacious yacht.
• Performance & Comfort in Harmony:  Experience the exhilaration of sailing with Dufour’s expertly designed hulls, optimized for both speed and stability. The spacious and well-appointed interiors offer unparalleled comfort, whether you’re traversing vast distances or exploring hidden coves.
• A Model for Every Dream:  Dufour boasts a diverse range, from the agile Dufour 37 to the majestic Dufour 470. With various sizes and layouts, there’s a Dufour perfectly suited for your crew size and sailing aspirations.

Choosing Your Ideal Dufour

With so many Dufour models to choose from, here are some key factors to consider when making your decision:

1. Intended Use:

• Cruising:  If island hopping and leisurely exploration are your priorities, prioritize comfort and livability. Consider models with spacious cabins and well-equipped galleys, like the Dufour 41 or Dufour 430.
• Racing:  For those seeking the thrill of competition, Dufour offers performance-oriented models like the Dufour 37, designed for speed and maneuverability.
• Mixed Use:  Many Dufour models offer a great balance of performance and comfort, making them ideal for sailors who enjoy both racing and cruising.

2. Crew Size & Layout:

Consider how many people you’ll typically have on board. Dufour offers models with various cabin configurations, from two cabins on the Dufour 37 to four or more on larger models like the Dufour 470. Think about the amount of living space you desire and choose a layout that best suits your needs.

Dufour offers a range of models at different price points. Determine your budget upfront and explore models that fit comfortably within your range.

4. New vs. Used:

While a new Dufour offers the latest technology and a pristine warranty, a pre-owned Dufour can be a more affordable option. Carefully consider maintenance history and potential repair costs when exploring used options.

Dufour Sailboat Models to Set Your Course

With a clearer picture of your needs, here’s a closer look at some popular Dufour models:

• Dufour 37:  Ideal for couples or small families seeking an agile and well-equipped vessel for coastal cruising. Perfect for those who prioritize maneuverability and a comfortable living space.
• Dufour 41:  This versatile option offers a balance of performance and comfort, making it ideal for exploring hidden coves or island getaways. The spacious cockpit and well-designed interior cater to both racing enthusiasts and cruising adventurers.
• Dufour 44:  Step up to unparalleled luxury and performance with this spacious and technologically advanced yacht. Featuring a stunning design and innovative features, the Dufour 44 is perfect for those seeking a luxurious yachting experience.
• Dufour 470:  Experience pure luxury aboard this majestic vessel. The Dufour 470 boasts exceptional living space, cutting-edge technology, and superior performance, making it ideal for unforgettable yachting adventures.

Ready to Set Sail with Dufour?

Contact Yacht Sourcing today! Our expert team will guide you through the Dufour range, answer your questions, and help you find the perfect sailboat to match your dreams and needs. Let’s turn your yachting aspirations into reality.

Don’t wait! Make your dream Dufour sailboat a reality. Contact Yacht Sourcing today!

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Sailboat Preview: Dufour 44

• By Andrew Parkinson
• April 2, 2024

Dufour Yachts has settled into a rhythm of late. Coming off launches of the Dufour 37, 41 and 61 in a little more than a year’s time, the French sailboat builder’s newest offering is a sturdy 44-foot model. According to Dufour, it was designed to be a game-changer in the midsize cruiser category. 

A collaboration between Felci Yacht Design and the Dufour design team, the Dufour 44 maintains the brand’s DNA of ­comfort, versatility, and seaworthiness. The hull design is optimized for speed and stability, whether cruising along ­coastal ­waters or embarking on offshore passages. 

Some new features are aimed at enhancing the overall sailing experience, including a hexagonal table in the salon. It’s a notable design element with seating for up to 10 people. This boat also has versatile layout options, called Adventure and Ocean versions, in three- and four-stateroom configurations. 

Owners can also choose a longitudinal galley or a forward galley. The longitudinal galley has a larger work surface, while interior designer Luca Ardizio penned a reimagined version of the traditional forward galley. The warm, light-filled salon layout prioritizes atmosphere and flow, with maximum space for ­entertaining, and more stowage than on previous models. 

The owner’s stateroom is forward, with an island berth and a separate head for privacy. 

“The approach we adopted was to create a soft design, playing with curves and experimenting with materials,” Ardizio says. “We opted for the abundant use of white to create a luminous atmosphere. We focused on creating a harmonious ambience by playing with light to enhance the space we were given. This meant making specific decor choices to enhance different areas of the boat.” 

On deck, the enlarged cockpit can seat at least six people, making it ideal for socializing and relaxation underway. The swim platform is enlarged, with a dual-access concept that’s intended to ease the guests’ transition between on-deck activities and relaxation. 

“The objective was to create a spacious outdoor living area, resulting in a proportionally larger cockpit compared with her predecessor of the same size,” says naval architect Umberto Felci. “Our focus was on integrating elements from the Dufour 470 and Dufour 530, emphasizing fluid communication in the cockpit, facilitating easy passage to the deck, and optimizing the overall length of the boat. We have taken successful elements from the Dufour 41 while introducing new features.”

• More: dufour yachts , Print April 2024 , Sailboat Reviews , Sailboats
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Dufour 470 sailboat

Much more than a sailing boat.

When Dufour’s know-how re-invents itself to craft the sailing boat of tomorrow . This results in a 47-foot sailing yacht which is both beautifully designed and high-performance for incredible thrills.

The Dufour 470 combines both Dufour’s know-how and the Brand’s desire to innovate. This model, in line with its predecessor, enjoys the shipyard’s DNA while offering an edge of modernity.

Its hull design and the fluidity of its deck layout already make it an iconic sailing boat . Its modernity, its simplicity and its elegance already make it a new “classic”. Three models in one. Let your instinct do the talking…

Easy Version / Ocean Version / Performance Version

An interior layout in three versions The Dufour 470, a 47-foot sailing yacht comes in three interior layouts. Every sailor will find what they are seeking, whether it’s sailing with a large or reduced crew . Design innovations allow for an optimum use of space to guarantee simple sailing while retaining very comfortable sleeping areas.

EASY VERSION

The “Easy” version is for owners and renters looking for simplicity and comfort. Its refined manoeuvring plan allows great mobility.

OCEAN VERSION

The “Ocean” version is ideal for owners who want a more traditional manoeuvring plan with the sheets positioned on the coamings and the halyard and mainsail traveller manoeuvres close to the helm station.

PERFORMANCE VERSION

The “Performance” version is ideal for lovers of great thrills and regatta sailors. With its 6 high quality winches, her traveler at the bottom of the cockpit and her “Performance” equipment, this model is transformed into a pure-racer.

Virtual Tour 360°

Technical specs

Construction

• Architect: Felci Yacht Design
• Hull construction: Fiberglass / contact
• Deck construction: Injection

Technical specifications

• Overall length 14.85 m
• Waterline length 13.55 m
• Hull length 13.99 m
• Max beam 4.74
• Light displacement 13 200 kg
• Draft 2.25 m
• Keel weight 3 550 kg
• Fuel tank capacity 250 L
• Water tank capacity 530 L
• Engine power 60 cv
• Sail area 107 m2
• Genoa 50 m2

In the Press

Cruising world – #dufour470 #dufour61 – march 2022 (english), voile magazine – #dufour470 – march 2022 (french), sail new boats & gear 2022 #dufour470 – september 2021 (english), marina – #dufour470 -july/august 2021 (french), are you interested in the dufour 470 sailboat.

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Fast passages and Franco-Italian flair

Aimed at avid racers or speed junkies making the transition to cruising, the Dufour 44 slides neatly into the niche between affordable boats with lackluster sailing capabilities and racer-cruisers with price tags in the stratosphere.

The boat is the third in Dufours new line of performance cruisers designed by Italian Bruno Felci (hull) and Frenchman Patrick Roseo (deck and interior) that aims to redefine Dufour Yachts. The pronounced shift in both marketing and design began shortly after Cantieri del Pardo, the Italian builder of Grand Soleil Yachts, purchased the French company in 2002.

Dufour still builds its boats in La Rochelle, France, but the Italian influence is clear. In terms of aesthetics and thrill factor, the 44 is miles apart from previous Dufours, which through the mid-90s competed in the marketplace with Catalina, Hunter, Jeanneau, and Beneteau.

So far, the new Dufours are surpassing expectations. Ummu de Sevilla, a Dufour 40 (albeit one with an IMS fared keel that is lighter than the one on the stock boat) owned by Spanish sailor Sergio Llorca was crowned IMS World Champion in the 2005 IMS 670 class.

The boat we sailed, Second Wind, is owned by former J30 racer Ray Sullivan. Since buying the boat in 2005, he has already cruised the East Coast from Miami to New England, and claimed a pair of wins (including one overall) in PHRF racing.

Design Felci and Roseo werent tasked with producing a race-winner, just a fast boat that was exciting to sail, yet still had the interior amenities, easy motion, and requisite deck plan for comfortable cruising. The trick, as with any cross-purpose boat, was to come up with a shape that could contain a tasteful apartment belowdeck and still have the sexy exterior lines that youd expect from a Franco-Italian alliance.

The boats profile view aligns perfectly with this design brief. The main saloon has 6 feet, 4 inches of headroom, yet theres nary a bulge in the cabintop. The nearly plumb bow, flat sheerline, and low cabin profile give it an appealing, streamlined form. The ends are shorter than previous Dufours, and the maximum beam is located well aft.

The boat we tested carried the standard keel with 5 feet, 8 inches of draft. The high performance keel draws 6 feet, 6 inches. For about $14,000, buyers can opt for a performance package that includes a tapered three-spreader mast, three-bladed folding prop, and Dyform standing rigging.

Deck Layout The 44 carries a 130-percent genoa on a 9/10 fractional rig with swept-back spreaders. Sail controls are within easy reach of the helmsman. The genoa sheets are led to primaries just forward of the wheel. Genoa lead blocks can be adjusted from the cockpit. The mainsheet traveler bridges the cockpit just forward of the binnacle. The molded fiberglass binnacle houses the steering cable sheaves and digital repeaters.

The boat has a deep anchor locker with extra room for fenders, but a disconcerting amount of saltwater backed up through the drain while the boat we tested was under sail, leaving the chain and rode sloshing in at least an inch of water. Paul Wuyts, head of marketing for Dufour, said this had not been reported in any of its other boats.

The boat PS sailed featured teak decks, an option that isn’t worth the trouble, in PS opinion. The deck is nicely detailed with molded risers to accommodate major fittings, which are either through-bolted or tapped into backing plates.

The boat has a liferaft locker, but cabins below limit the amount of cockpit locker space. A removable pedestal-mounted table in the spacious cockpit offers plenty of room for four to dine. The helm seat folds down to create an open passage to the sugar-scoop transom, though the assembly is awkward to use.

Accommodations Stepping below, the sheer volume of space is surprising, given the boats low profile. Owners have the option of three or four sleeping cabins, the latter adds a passageway cabin with stacked bunks forward of the main saloon. We sailed the more common version with port and starboard aft cabins and a V-berth forward. The port and starboard double berths will be stuffy in the tropics, but elsewhere, ventilation-through four deck hatches and six opening portlights-is adequate.

The guest head is conveniently located starboard of the companionway stairs. Forward of that is the generous nav station. The U-shaped galley has a deep double sink, three-burner stove/oven, and plenty of locker space and drawers. An interesting feature is the use of plastic milk-crate-style bins for fruits or veggies in some of the drawers, which lets those potatoes breathe.

The main saloon is a well-appointed social center, with an L-shaped dinette to port and a starboard settee to starboard. Either can serve as a sea berth, though the starboard settee is a little short. The centerline table with drop-down leaves will seat six comfortably for dinner-during which you can enjoy the lights of the harbor through the two fixed portlights below the sheerline.

The forward V-berth has 6 feet, 2 inches of headroom, a hanging locker and shelf space. Two small seats on either side of the berth offer extra storage space. Interior joinery is Good to Excellent: varnished wood grain veneer with blonde wood trim, stylish seat cushions, and teak and holly floors. Dufour and other high-volume builders don’t go to the trouble of rounding all the corners and sealing edges of bilge hatches, which keeps the veneer from delaminating or chipping at the corners.

Systems Each Dufour bound for the U.S. is designated as such at the start of its production run, ensuring that buyers here don’t wind up with a mish-mash of fittings and appliances that work fine on one side of the Atlantic, but not on the other. However, a few items that fell short of standards set by the American Boating and Yacht Council caught our attention. The batteries (100 Ah engine, 2 x 135 Ah house), stacked in the port aft berth in a dedicated battery compartment lacked covers overthe terminals.

The lid to the propane locker aft was not gasketed, though it is unlikely any leaks at the tank would make it into the cabin.

The through-hull valves are the in-line type and appeared to have components made of various alloys (presumably zinc among them), not the more rugged bronze flange type that are intended for this service. Our tester did not like the way Dufour closely aligned six through-hulls to accommodate hoses to the head. (Zipper is the image that came to mind.)

Access to all systems was adequate, including some far recesses in the bilge, rare in boats with interior liners. The boat is powered by an efficient Volvo Penta TAMD-2 with a saildrive, typical of many modern high-performance cruisers.

Performance We sailed Second Wind on Biscayne Bay, in Miami, Fla., with 9-11 knots of wind, and were impressed by its speed, acceleration, and handling. Sullivan had the boat fitted with a 95 percent jib that he uses in winter, but even without the extra horsepower of the standard 130-percent genoa, the boat had the zip of a sports car.

The Dufour tacked quickly through angles 90 degrees or less, recorded speeds of 6.7 to 7 knots going to windward, and accelerated quickly to 7.3-7.5 knots when we eased the sheets and bore off with the wind at 90-110 degrees true. The helm was very well balanced. The boat tracked well unattended on a reach, yet was very responsive to slight changes in rudder angle. Though we did not set the screacher, it would no doubt have delivered an adrenaline rush.

The boats wide beam, coupled with deep ballast provided a stable, if not fairly stiff ride. Sullivan reported that the boat handled well in its first real test, a long beat into 30-plus knots off the coast of New Jersey. In a recent PHRF ocean race, his toughest competition came from the

Melges 24s, which surfed past him on the downwind leg.

The efficient Volvo pushed the boat at 7.6 knots at 2500 rpm and registered 83 decibels in the main saloon. The port quarter berth yielded 90 decibels, indicating a need for better sound-proofing. The boat handled well under power with no pressing need for a bow thruster.

Conclusions The Dufour minimizes the inherent compromises in a high performance cruiser, and at $325,000 for a basic boat delivered, is less expensive than comparable U.S.-built boats from Sabre and Tartan, which PS believes feature better systems, fit, and finish. With the Dufour, you get a stylish boat with excellent sailing performance, above-average fit and finish, and adequate systems delivered in less than 90 days. The fact that Dufour continues to build its boats to Bureau Veritas Category A standards, which sets strict engineering, scan’tlings and safety details, is reassuring to one planning offshore work, although PS would like to see all systems brought up to American Boat and Yacht Council standards as well.

With the launch of its parallel line of cruise-oriented Grand Large boats (also designed by Felci and Roseo), Dufour is clearly filled with great expectations. How well the boats in either line will hold value on this side of the Atlantic hinges on how successful the company is at building wider dealer support in the U.S., and delivering boats that set themselves apart in a crowded field. In our opinion, the Dufour 44 accomplishes the latter quite handily.

Contact – Dufour Yachts, ( 33) 5-4630-0760, http://www.dufour-yachts.com/ .

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