Dufour 32 Classic vs 2010 Elan 340 — Comparison
2010 Elan 340
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Dufour 32 Classic | 2010 Elan 340 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | Elan |
| Year | 1995–2002 | 2010–2014 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | Slovenia |
| Designer | Umberto Felci | Rob Humphreys |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.70 m (31.8 ft) | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.40 m (27.6 ft) | 9.00 m (29.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) | 3.40 m (11.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.70 m (5.6 ft) | 1.95 m (6.4 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,500 kg (9,921 lbs) | 5,800 kg (12,787 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) | 1,750 kg (3,858 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 45.0 m² (484 ft²) | 55.0 m² (592 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 80 L (21.1 gal) | 80 L (21.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 150 L (39.6 gal) | 160 L (42.3 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Dufour 32 Classic and 2010 Elan 340 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Dufour 32 Classic is a 1990s design by Dufour from France, while the 2010 Elan 340 is a modern offering from Elan from Slovenia. The Dufour 32 Classic was penned by Umberto Felci. The 2010 Elan 340 was designed by Rob Humphreys.
In terms of size, the Dufour 32 Classic measures 9.70m (31.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.20m, compared to the 2010 Elan 340 at 10.36m (34.0ft) with a 3.40m beam. The 2010 Elan 340 is 0.66m longer than the Dufour 32 Classic. The 2010 Elan 340 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 2010 Elan 340, with an SA/D of 17.31 and 55.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2010 Elan 340 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 2010 Elan 340 has a comfort ratio of 19.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 31.1% for the Dufour 32 Classic and 30.2% for the 2010 Elan 340, 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 2010 Elan 340 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 160L water and 80L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2010 Elan 340 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 2010 Elan 340 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 · 2010 Elan 340