Dufour 32 Classic vs 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 — Comparison
1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Dufour 32 Classic | 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | Hallberg-Rassy |
| Year | 1995–2002 | 1997–2007 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | Sweden |
| Designer | Umberto Felci | German Frers |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.70 m (31.8 ft) | 10.35 m (34.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.40 m (27.6 ft) | 8.85 m (29.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) | 3.34 m (11.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.70 m (5.6 ft) | 1.70 m (5.6 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,500 kg (9,921 lbs) | 5,800 kg (12,787 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) | 2,400 kg (5,291 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 45.0 m² (484 ft²) | 53.0 m² (571 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 28 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 80 L (21.1 gal) | 120 L (31.7 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 150 L (39.6 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Dufour 32 Classic and 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Dufour 32 Classic is a 1990s design by Dufour from France, while the 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 is a 1990s offering from Hallberg-Rassy from Sweden. The Dufour 32 Classic was penned by Umberto Felci. The 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 was designed by German Frers.
In terms of size, the Dufour 32 Classic measures 9.70m (31.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.20m, compared to the 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 at 10.35m (34.0ft) with a 3.34m beam. The 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 is 0.65m longer than the Dufour 32 Classic. The 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 displaces approximately 29% 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 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34, with an SA/D of 16.68 and 53.0 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 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 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 has a comfort ratio of 20.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 31.1% for the Dufour 32 Classic and 41.4% for the 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34, 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 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L water and 120L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34 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 · 1997 Hallberg-Rassy 34