Dufour 32 Classic vs 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37 — Comparison
Dufour 32 Classic
2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Dufour 32 Classic | 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | Hallberg-Rassy |
| Year | 1995–2002 | 2005–2014 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | Sweden |
| Designer | Umberto Felci | German Frers |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.70 m (31.8 ft) | 11.25 m (36.9 ft) |
| LWL | 8.40 m (27.6 ft) | 9.60 m (31.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) | 3.52 m (11.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.70 m (5.6 ft) | 1.85 m (6.1 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,500 kg (9,921 lbs) | 7,500 kg (16,535 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) | 3,000 kg (6,614 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 | 40 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 80 L (21.1 gal) | 160 L (42.3 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 150 L (39.6 gal) | 280 L (74.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Dufour 32 Classic and 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Dufour 32 Classic is a 1990s design by Dufour from France, while the 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37 is a 2000s offering from Hallberg-Rassy from Sweden. The Dufour 32 Classic was penned by Umberto Felci. The 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37 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 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37 at 11.25m (36.9ft) with a 3.52m beam. The 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37 is 1.55m longer than the Dufour 32 Classic. The 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37 displaces approximately 67% 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 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37, with an SA/D of 16.44 and 62.0 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 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37 has a comfort ratio of 21.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.72. The ballast ratios are 31.1% for the Dufour 32 Classic and 40.0% for the 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 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 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 280L water and 160L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2005 Hallberg-Rassy 37 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.