2003 Dufour 34 vs Dufour 32 Classic — Comparison
2003 Dufour 34
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2003 Dufour 34 | Dufour 32 Classic |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | Dufour |
| Year | 2003–2007 | 1995–2002 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | France |
| Designer | Umberto Felci | Umberto Felci |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.30 m (33.8 ft) | 9.70 m (31.8 ft) |
| LWL | 8.95 m (29.4 ft) | 8.40 m (27.6 ft) |
| Beam | 3.37 m (11.1 ft) | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) | 1.70 m (5.6 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,500 kg (12,125 lbs) | 4,500 kg (9,921 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,800 kg (3,968 lbs) | 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 52.5 m² (565 ft²) | 45.0 m² (484 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 20 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 75 L (19.8 gal) | 80 L (21.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 140 L (37.0 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2003 Dufour 34 and Dufour 32 Classic represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2003 Dufour 34 is a 2000s design by Dufour from France, while the Dufour 32 Classic is a 1990s offering from Dufour from France. The 2003 Dufour 34 was penned by Umberto Felci. The Dufour 32 Classic was designed by Umberto Felci.
In terms of size, the 2003 Dufour 34 measures 10.30m (33.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.37m, compared to the Dufour 32 Classic at 9.70m (31.8ft) with a 3.20m beam. The 2003 Dufour 34 is 0.60m longer than the Dufour 32 Classic. The 2003 Dufour 34 displaces approximately 22% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2003 Dufour 34 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.12 and 52.5 m² of sail area. The Dufour 32 Classic, with an SA/D of 16.78 and 45.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2003 Dufour 34 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2003 Dufour 34 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.76). The Dufour 32 Classic has a comfort ratio of 19.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 32.7% for the 2003 Dufour 34 and 31.1% for the Dufour 32 Classic, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2003 Dufour 34 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 140L of water capacity and 75L of fuel. The Dufour 32 Classic offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L water and 80L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2003 Dufour 34 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 2003 Dufour 34 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: 2003 Dufour 34 · Dufour 32 Classic