Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 vs Dufour 40 — Comparison

Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200
VS
Dufour 40Dufour 40

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationJeanneau Sun Fast 3200Dufour 40
General
ManufacturerJeanneauDufour
Year2010–20182007–2012
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceFrance
DesignerDaniel AndrieuUmberto Felci
Dimensions
LOA9.72 m (31.9 ft)12.05 m (39.5 ft)
LWL8.92 m (29.3 ft)10.55 m (34.6 ft)
Beam3.25 m (10.7 ft)3.85 m (12.6 ft)
Draft2.00 m (6.6 ft)1.95 m (6.4 ft)
Weight
Displacement3,900 kg (8,598 lbs)7,800 kg (17,196 lbs)
Ballast1,500 kg (3,307 lbs)2,400 kg (5,291 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area50.0 m² (538 ft²)68.0 m² (732 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine15 HP40 HP
Fuel Capacity60 L (15.9 gal)160 L (42.3 gal)
Water Capacity80 L (21.1 gal)300 L (79.3 gal)
Accommodation
Berths48
Cabins13

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200
20.51
Dufour 40
17.56
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200
38.46
Dufour 40
30.77
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200
0.83
Dufour 40
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200
14.86
Dufour 40
16.44

Detailed Comparison

The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 and Dufour 40 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 is a modern design by Jeanneau from France, while the Dufour 40 is a 2000s offering from Dufour from France. The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 was penned by Daniel Andrieu. The Dufour 40 was designed by Umberto Felci.

In terms of size, the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 measures 9.72m (31.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.25m, compared to the Dufour 40 at 12.05m (39.5ft) with a 3.85m beam. The Dufour 40 is 2.33m longer than the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200. The Dufour 40 displaces approximately 100% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 20.51 and 50.0 m² of sail area. The Dufour 40, with an SA/D of 17.56 and 68.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 14.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.83). The Dufour 40 has a comfort ratio of 16.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 38.5% for the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 and 30.8% for the Dufour 40, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 provides 4 berths in 1 cabin with 80L of water capacity and 60L of fuel. The Dufour 40 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 300L water and 160L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Dufour 40 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 Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 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 40 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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