1995 J/80 vs Dufour 310 Grand Large — Comparison
1995 J/80
Dufour 310 Grand Large
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1995 J/80 | Dufour 310 Grand Large |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | J/Boats | Dufour |
| Year | 1995 | 2015–2020 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | France |
| Designer | Rod Johnstone | Felci Yacht Design |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.00 m (26.2 ft) | 9.43 m (30.9 ft) |
| LWL | 7.01 m (23.0 ft) | 8.45 m (27.7 ft) |
| Beam | 2.50 m (8.2 ft) | 3.13 m (10.3 ft) |
| Draft | 1.49 m (4.9 ft) | 1.60 m (5.2 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 1,360 kg (2,998 lbs) | 4,150 kg (9,149 lbs) |
| Ballast | 499 kg (1,100 lbs) | 1,230 kg (2,712 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 32.0 m² (344 ft²) | 40.0 m² (431 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | — | 15 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 80 L (21.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | — | 120 L (31.7 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 2 | 4 |
| Cabins | — | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1995 J/80 and Dufour 310 Grand Large represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1995 J/80 is a 1990s design by J/Boats from USA, while the Dufour 310 Grand Large is a modern offering from Dufour from France. The 1995 J/80 was penned by Rod Johnstone. The Dufour 310 Grand Large was designed by Felci Yacht Design.
In terms of size, the 1995 J/80 measures 8.00m (26.2ft) overall with a beam of 2.50m, compared to the Dufour 310 Grand Large at 9.43m (30.9ft) with a 3.13m beam. The Dufour 310 Grand Large is 1.43m longer than the 1995 J/80. The Dufour 310 Grand Large displaces approximately 205% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1995 J/80 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 26.50 and 32.0 m² of sail area. The Dufour 310 Grand Large, with an SA/D of 15.74 and 40.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1995 J/80 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1995 J/80 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 11.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.90). The Dufour 310 Grand Large has a comfort ratio of 18.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 36.7% for the 1995 J/80 and 29.6% for the Dufour 310 Grand Large, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1995 J/80 provides 2 berths with unspecified water tankage and unspecified fuel capacity. The Dufour 310 Grand Large offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 120L water and 80L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Dufour 310 Grand Large 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 1995 J/80 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The Dufour 310 Grand Large offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.