Dufour 32 Classic vs 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 — Comparison
2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Dufour 32 Classic | 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | Beneteau |
| Year | 1995–2002 | 2008–2012 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | France |
| Designer | Umberto Felci | Finot-Conq |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.70 m (31.8 ft) | 11.35 m (37.2 ft) |
| LWL | 8.40 m (27.6 ft) | 9.93 m (32.6 ft) |
| Beam | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) | 3.72 m (12.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.70 m (5.6 ft) | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,500 kg (9,921 lbs) | 6,680 kg (14,727 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) | 2,000 kg (4,409 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 45.0 m² (484 ft²) | 59.0 m² (635 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 29 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 80 L (21.1 gal) | 100 L (26.4 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 150 L (39.6 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Dufour 32 Classic and 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Dufour 32 Classic is a 1990s design by Dufour from France, while the 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 is a 2000s offering from Beneteau from France. The Dufour 32 Classic was penned by Umberto Felci. The 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 was designed by Finot-Conq.
In terms of size, the Dufour 32 Classic measures 9.70m (31.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.20m, compared to the 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 at 11.35m (37.2ft) with a 3.72m beam. The 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 is 1.65m longer than the Dufour 32 Classic. The 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 displaces approximately 48% 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 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37, with an SA/D of 16.90 and 59.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 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 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 has a comfort ratio of 16.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 31.1% for the Dufour 32 Classic and 29.9% for the 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 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 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 200L water and 100L 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 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
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Or view individual specs: Dufour 32 Classic · 2008 Beneteau Oceanis 37