1990 J/40 vs Dufour 385 Grand Large — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1990 J/40 | Dufour 385 Grand Large |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | J/Boats | Dufour |
| Year | 1990–1995 | 2006–2010 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | France |
| Designer | Rod Johnstone | Umberto Felci |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.30 m (40.4 ft) | 11.53 m (37.8 ft) |
| LWL | 10.21 m (33.5 ft) | 10.10 m (33.1 ft) |
| Beam | 3.65 m (12.0 ft) | 3.68 m (12.1 ft) |
| Draft | 2.08 m (6.8 ft) | 1.90 m (6.2 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,711 kg (17,000 lbs) | 7,100 kg (15,653 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,402 kg (7,500 lbs) | 2,150 kg (4,740 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 72.5 m² (780 ft²) | 62.0 m² (667 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 35 HP | 29 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 130 L (34.3 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 189 L (49.9 gal) | 250 L (66.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1990 J/40 and Dufour 385 Grand Large represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1990 J/40 is a 1990s design by J/Boats from USA, while the Dufour 385 Grand Large is a 2000s offering from Dufour from France. The 1990 J/40 was penned by Rod Johnstone. The Dufour 385 Grand Large was designed by Umberto Felci.
In terms of size, the 1990 J/40 measures 12.30m (40.4ft) overall with a beam of 3.65m, compared to the Dufour 385 Grand Large at 11.53m (37.8ft) with a 3.68m beam. The 1990 J/40 is 0.77m longer than the Dufour 385 Grand Large. The 1990 J/40 displaces approximately 9% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1990 J/40 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.87 and 72.5 m² of sail area. The Dufour 385 Grand Large, with an SA/D of 17.05 and 62.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 1990 J/40 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1990 J/40 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.74). The Dufour 385 Grand Large has a comfort ratio of 17.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 44.1% for the 1990 J/40 and 30.3% for the Dufour 385 Grand Large, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1990 J/40 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 189L of water capacity and 114L of fuel. The Dufour 385 Grand Large offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 250L water and 130L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1990 J/40 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 1990 J/40 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: 1990 J/40 · Dufour 385 Grand Large