Dufour 32 Classic vs 2002 X-Yachts X-37 — Comparison
Dufour 32 Classic
2002 X-Yachts X-37
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Dufour 32 Classic | 2002 X-Yachts X-37 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | X-Yachts |
| Year | 1995–2002 | 2002–2008 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | Denmark |
| Designer | Umberto Felci | Niels Jeppesen |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.70 m (31.8 ft) | 11.15 m (36.6 ft) |
| LWL | 8.40 m (27.6 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) | 3.42 m (11.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.70 m (5.6 ft) | 2.15 m (7.1 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,500 kg (9,921 lbs) | 6,500 kg (14,330 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) | 2,500 kg (5,512 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 45.0 m² (484 ft²) | 62.0 m² (667 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 28 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 80 L (21.1 gal) | 80 L (21.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 150 L (39.6 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Dufour 32 Classic and 2002 X-Yachts X-37 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Dufour 32 Classic is a 1990s design by Dufour from France, while the 2002 X-Yachts X-37 is a 2000s offering from X-Yachts from Denmark. The Dufour 32 Classic was penned by Umberto Felci. The 2002 X-Yachts X-37 was designed by Niels Jeppesen.
In terms of size, the Dufour 32 Classic measures 9.70m (31.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.20m, compared to the 2002 X-Yachts X-37 at 11.15m (36.6ft) with a 3.42m beam. The 2002 X-Yachts X-37 is 1.45m longer than the Dufour 32 Classic. The 2002 X-Yachts X-37 displaces approximately 44% 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 2002 X-Yachts X-37, with an SA/D of 18.09 and 62.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2002 X-Yachts X-37 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 2002 X-Yachts X-37 has a comfort ratio of 18.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 31.1% for the Dufour 32 Classic and 38.5% for the 2002 X-Yachts X-37, 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 2002 X-Yachts X-37 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L water and 80L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Dufour 32 Classic 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 2002 X-Yachts X-37 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.