Dufour 385 Grand Large vs 1982 Freedom 28 — Comparison

Dufour 385 Grand Large
VS
1982 Freedom 281982 Freedom 28

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationDufour 385 Grand Large1982 Freedom 28
General
ManufacturerDufourFreedom
Year2006–20101982–1988
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceUSA
DesignerUmberto FelciGarry Hoyt
Dimensions
LOA11.53 m (37.8 ft)8.53 m (28.0 ft)
LWL10.10 m (33.1 ft)7.01 m (23.0 ft)
Beam3.68 m (12.1 ft)2.84 m (9.3 ft)
Draft1.90 m (6.2 ft)1.14 m (3.7 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,100 kg (15,653 lbs)2,495 kg (5,501 lbs)
Ballast2,150 kg (4,740 lbs)907 kg (2,000 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area62.0 m² (667 ft²)29.0 m² (312 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine29 HP10 HP
Fuel Capacity130 L (34.3 gal)38 L (10.0 gal)
Water Capacity250 L (66.0 gal)57 L (15.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths65
Cabins21

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Dufour 385 Grand Large
17.05
1982 Freedom 28
16.02
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Dufour 385 Grand Large
30.28
1982 Freedom 28
36.35
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Dufour 385 Grand Large
0.77
1982 Freedom 28
0.84
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Dufour 385 Grand Large
17.35
1982 Freedom 28
17.13

Detailed Comparison

The Dufour 385 Grand Large and 1982 Freedom 28 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Dufour 385 Grand Large is a 2000s design by Dufour from France, while the 1982 Freedom 28 is a 1980s offering from Freedom from USA. The Dufour 385 Grand Large was penned by Umberto Felci. The 1982 Freedom 28 was designed by Garry Hoyt.

In terms of size, the Dufour 385 Grand Large measures 11.53m (37.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.68m, compared to the 1982 Freedom 28 at 8.53m (28.0ft) with a 2.84m beam. The Dufour 385 Grand Large is 3.00m longer than the 1982 Freedom 28. The Dufour 385 Grand Large displaces approximately 185% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Dufour 385 Grand Large has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.05 and 62.0 m² of sail area. The 1982 Freedom 28, with an SA/D of 16.02 and 29.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Dufour 385 Grand Large has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Dufour 385 Grand Large offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.4) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 1982 Freedom 28 has a comfort ratio of 17.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.84. The ballast ratios are 30.3% for the Dufour 385 Grand Large and 36.4% for the 1982 Freedom 28, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Dufour 385 Grand Large provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 250L of water capacity and 130L of fuel. The 1982 Freedom 28 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L water and 38L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Dufour 385 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 Dufour 385 Grand Large 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 385 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.

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Or view individual specs: Dufour 385 Grand Large · 1982 Freedom 28