Dufour 36 Classic vs Dufour 45E — Comparison
Dufour 45E
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Dufour 36 Classic | Dufour 45E |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | Dufour |
| Year | 1996–2003 | 2008–2011 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | France |
| Designer | Umberto Felci | Umberto Felci |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.90 m (35.8 ft) | 13.80 m (45.3 ft) |
| LWL | 9.60 m (31.5 ft) | 11.90 m (39.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.50 m (11.5 ft) | 4.20 m (13.8 ft) |
| Draft | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 6,200 kg (13,669 lbs) | 10,500 kg (23,149 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,000 kg (4,409 lbs) | 3,200 kg (7,055 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 57.0 m² (614 ft²) | 88.0 m² (947 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 27 HP | 55 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 110 L (29.1 gal) | 200 L (52.8 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 380 L (100.4 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 8 |
| Cabins | 2 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Dufour 36 Classic and Dufour 45E represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Dufour 36 Classic is a 1990s design by Dufour from France, while the Dufour 45E is a 2000s offering from Dufour from France. The Dufour 36 Classic was penned by Umberto Felci. The Dufour 45E was designed by Umberto Felci.
In terms of size, the Dufour 36 Classic measures 10.90m (35.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.50m, compared to the Dufour 45E at 13.80m (45.3ft) with a 4.20m beam. The Dufour 45E is 2.90m longer than the Dufour 36 Classic. The Dufour 45E displaces approximately 69% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Dufour 36 Classic has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.16 and 57.0 m² of sail area. The Dufour 45E, with an SA/D of 18.64 and 88.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Dufour 45E has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Dufour 36 Classic offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.76). The Dufour 45E has a comfort ratio of 15.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 32.3% for the Dufour 36 Classic and 30.5% for the Dufour 45E, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Dufour 36 Classic provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 110L of fuel. The Dufour 45E offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 380L water and 200L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Dufour 36 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 45E 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 45E 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 36 Classic · Dufour 45E