Dufour 385 Grand Large vs 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F — Comparison

Dufour 385 Grand Large
VS
1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationDufour 385 Grand Large1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F
General
ManufacturerDufourHallberg-Rassy
Year2006–20101986–1995
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceSweden
DesignerUmberto FelciGerman Frers
Dimensions
LOA11.53 m (37.8 ft)12.80 m (42.0 ft)
LWL10.10 m (33.1 ft)10.20 m (33.5 ft)
Beam3.68 m (12.1 ft)3.90 m (12.8 ft)
Draft1.90 m (6.2 ft)2.00 m (6.6 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,100 kg (15,653 lbs)10,500 kg (23,149 lbs)
Ballast2,150 kg (4,740 lbs)4,200 kg (9,259 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area62.0 m² (667 ft²)78.0 m² (840 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine29 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity130 L (34.3 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Water Capacity250 L (66.0 gal)400 L (105.7 gal)
Accommodation
Berths67
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Dufour 385 Grand Large
17.05
1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F
16.52
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Dufour 385 Grand Large
30.28
1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F
40.00
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Dufour 385 Grand Large
0.77
1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F
0.71
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Dufour 385 Grand Large
17.35
1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F
21.84

Detailed Comparison

The Dufour 385 Grand Large and 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Dufour 385 Grand Large is a 2000s design by Dufour from France, while the 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F is a 1980s offering from Hallberg-Rassy from Sweden. The Dufour 385 Grand Large was penned by Umberto Felci. The 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F was designed by German Frers.

In terms of size, the Dufour 385 Grand Large measures 11.53m (37.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.68m, compared to the 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F at 12.80m (42.0ft) with a 3.90m beam. The 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F is 1.27m longer than the Dufour 385 Grand Large. The 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F displaces approximately 48% 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 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F, with an SA/D of 16.52 and 78.0 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 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F has a comfort ratio of 21.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.71. The ballast ratios are 30.3% for the Dufour 385 Grand Large and 40.0% for the 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F, 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 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 400L water and 200L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F 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 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 42F 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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