1975 Columbia 34 Mk II vs Dufour 32 Classic — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II | Dufour 32 Classic |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Columbia | Dufour |
| Year | 1975–1980 | 1995–2002 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | France |
| Designer | William Crealock | Umberto Felci |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) | 9.70 m (31.8 ft) |
| LWL | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) | 8.40 m (27.6 ft) |
| Beam | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.70 m (5.6 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,216 kg (11,499 lbs) | 4,500 kg (9,921 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,177 kg (4,799 lbs) | 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 46.5 m² (501 ft²) | 45.0 m² (484 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 80 L (21.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II and Dufour 32 Classic represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II is a 1970s design by Columbia from USA, while the Dufour 32 Classic is a 1990s offering from Dufour from France. The 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II was penned by William Crealock. The Dufour 32 Classic was designed by Umberto Felci.
In terms of size, the 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II measures 10.36m (34.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.05m, compared to the Dufour 32 Classic at 9.70m (31.8ft) with a 3.20m beam. The 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II is 0.66m longer than the Dufour 32 Classic. The 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II displaces approximately 16% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.71 and 46.5 m² of sail area. The Dufour 32 Classic, with an SA/D of 16.78 and 45.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Dufour 32 Classic has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 23.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.70). The Dufour 32 Classic has a comfort ratio of 19.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 41.7% for the 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II and 31.1% for the Dufour 32 Classic, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The Dufour 32 Classic offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L water and 80L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II is the better choice for comfortable cruising thanks to its higher comfort ratio, offering a gentler motion at sea that crews will appreciate on longer passages.
For racing: The Dufour 32 Classic has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
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Or view individual specs: 1975 Columbia 34 Mk II · Dufour 32 Classic