Dufour 32 Classic vs 1979 Westerly Fulmar — Comparison
1979 Westerly Fulmar
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Dufour 32 Classic | 1979 Westerly Fulmar |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | Westerly |
| Year | 1995–2002 | 1979–1986 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | UK |
| Designer | Umberto Felci | Ed Dubois |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.70 m (31.8 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.40 m (27.6 ft) | 8.00 m (26.2 ft) |
| Beam | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.70 m (5.6 ft) | 1.07 m (3.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,500 kg (9,921 lbs) | 4,990 kg (11,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 45.0 m² (484 ft²) | 36.0 m² (388 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Bilge |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 80 L (21.1 gal) | 68 L (18.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 150 L (39.6 gal) | 136 L (35.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Dufour 32 Classic and 1979 Westerly Fulmar represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Dufour 32 Classic is a 1990s design by Dufour from France, while the 1979 Westerly Fulmar is a 1970s offering from Westerly from UK. The Dufour 32 Classic was penned by Umberto Felci. The 1979 Westerly Fulmar was designed by Ed Dubois.
In terms of size, the Dufour 32 Classic measures 9.70m (31.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.20m, compared to the 1979 Westerly Fulmar at 9.75m (32.0ft) with a 3.20m beam. The 1979 Westerly Fulmar is 0.05m longer than the Dufour 32 Classic. The 1979 Westerly Fulmar displaces approximately 11% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Dufour 32 Classic has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.78 and 45.0 m² of sail area. The 1979 Westerly Fulmar, with an SA/D of 12.53 and 36.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The Dufour 32 Classic has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Dufour 32 Classic offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 1979 Westerly Fulmar has a comfort ratio of 22.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 31.1% for the Dufour 32 Classic and 36.4% for the 1979 Westerly Fulmar, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Dufour 32 Classic provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L of water capacity and 80L of fuel. The 1979 Westerly Fulmar offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 136L water and 68L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1979 Westerly Fulmar 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: Dufour 32 Classic · 1979 Westerly Fulmar