Dufour 32 Classic vs Dufour 385 Grand Large — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Dufour 32 Classic | Dufour 385 Grand Large |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | Dufour |
| Year | 1995–2002 | 2006–2010 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | France |
| Designer | Umberto Felci | Umberto Felci |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.70 m (31.8 ft) | 11.53 m (37.8 ft) |
| LWL | 8.40 m (27.6 ft) | 10.10 m (33.1 ft) |
| Beam | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) | 3.68 m (12.1 ft) |
| Draft | 1.70 m (5.6 ft) | 1.90 m (6.2 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,500 kg (9,921 lbs) | 7,100 kg (15,653 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) | 2,150 kg (4,740 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 | 29 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 80 L (21.1 gal) | 130 L (34.3 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 150 L (39.6 gal) | 250 L (66.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Dufour 32 Classic and Dufour 385 Grand Large represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Dufour 32 Classic is a 1990s design by Dufour from France, while the Dufour 385 Grand Large is a 2000s offering from Dufour from France. The Dufour 32 Classic was penned by Umberto Felci. The Dufour 385 Grand Large was designed by Umberto Felci.
In terms of size, the Dufour 32 Classic measures 9.70m (31.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.20m, compared to the Dufour 385 Grand Large at 11.53m (37.8ft) with a 3.68m beam. The Dufour 385 Grand Large is 1.83m longer than the Dufour 32 Classic. The Dufour 385 Grand Large displaces approximately 58% 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 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 Dufour 385 Grand Large 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 Dufour 385 Grand Large has a comfort ratio of 17.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 31.1% for the Dufour 32 Classic and 30.3% for the Dufour 385 Grand Large, 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 Dufour 385 Grand Large offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 250L water and 130L 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 Dufour 385 Grand Large 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 · Dufour 385 Grand Large