Introducing brand new cruising boats for 2 0 0 4

Blue Water Sailing - September 2003

Note: The previews for the Dufour 34, 40 and 44 were excerpted from the full Blue Water Sailing article for the Dufour website.
 

While most boat builders are introducing one or perhaps two new boats this fall, Dufour has launched three cruiser/racer designs into the North American market

THE DUFOUR 34

The new Dufour 34 to be introduced to North America this fall was designed by Umberto Felci. The has a narrow entry at the bow and a fairly plumb stern with just enough flair forward to keep the decks relatively dry. The hull and deck are cored with PVC foam (**see manufacturers comment below) and both are molded using the modern resin infusion method to ensure a high laminate-to-resin ration. The hull is solid fiberglass below the water.

The Dufour 34 has a modern 9/10 rig that sports a smallish headsail and a large main. the boat sails well under mainsail alone and will be a breeze for a couple to tack. The cockpit is large and open for a 34 footer and the winches and line stoppers well placed for shorthanded sailing.

Down below, the boat's joinery work is in varnished mahogany. The forward cabin has small V-berth, which will work well for one large or two smaller people. The saloon has settees port and starboard with storage beneath and behind them. The galley is compact but seamanlike with twin sinks, a reefer box and a two-burner propane stove. Aft, owners may choose either the twin-aft-cabin model or a single aft cabin option. The after compartments are snug, but the bunks a large enough for regulation size couples.

A sweet sailing boat that offers a lot of accommodations in a small package, the Dufour 34 will make an excellent coastal racer/cruiser and will take more adventurous owners far afield in safety and at excellent average speeds.

THE DUFOUR 40

The Dufour 40, which was introduced in Europe last year, proved to be a popular concept, so much so that it spawned the newer Dufour 34 and 44. The Umberto Felci designed hull is a departure for Dufour as it accentuates the boat's business like sailing qualities, particularly the long waterline, nearly plumb bow and reverse transom. One look and you know the boat was created to sail easily at high average speeds. The 9/10 rig offers the crew easy headsail handling and the benefit of being able to sail well under mainsail alone.

Down below, the 40 offers her crew pleasant and comfortable accommodations in an interior that is finished in varnished mahogany. The forward cabin sports a port side double while the quarter cabin aft offers a huge double bed under the side decks and cockpit. The L-shaped galley in the main saloon lies to port with large storage compartments outboard of the counter and sinks. the chart table to starboard is large enough to work easily with paper charts or Chartkits and has cabinetry to house a wide selection of electronics.

Four adults can sit at the saloon table, even with the leaf folded down: fold the leaf out and two more can dine while sitting on the starboard settee. The boat has three good sea berths.

For cruisers who want to sail in rallies or offshore events as well as poking around favorite cruising grounds, the Dufour 40 will answer both needs with style.

THE DUFOUR 44

The new Dufour 44 extends the thinking behind the new 34 and last year's popular 40, to a size and length that will really make sense for extended cruising, long periods of living aboard and passage making. Like the smaller sisters, the 44 was designed by Umberto Felci and has a thoroughly modern, European look with short ends, a long waterline and a sleek cabin top. The rig is tall and efficient and will power the boat well in all breezes.

The 9/10 rig will be easy and efficient for a couple to handle yet, when need be, will give a competitive crew all the horsepower they need to acquit themselves well in a race or a rally.

Down below, the Dufour 44 has ample space for a couple to line aboard with guest or children along. the interior is bright and warm with a fine U-shaped galley and large chart table. the boat comes in either three or four cabin layouts; for most cruising families the three cabin layout will suffice. The boat has four good seaberths.

Stylish and sleek, the new Dufour 44 will turn heads in every anchorage and will garner knowing nods as she sails through the fleet. For those who want a true performance cruiser that can comfortably cross oceans, the new Dufour 44 fills the bill.

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