2012 Dufour 410 Grand Large vs Beneteau First 35 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2012 Dufour 410 Grand Large | Beneteau First 35 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | Beneteau |
| Year | 2012–2017 | 2004–2009 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | France |
| Designer | Umberto Felci | Farr Yacht Design |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.35 m (40.5 ft) | 10.68 m (35.0 ft) |
| LWL | 10.82 m (35.5 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| Beam | 4.02 m (13.2 ft) | 3.45 m (11.3 ft) |
| Draft | 2.10 m (6.9 ft) | 2.00 m (6.6 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 8,500 kg (18,739 lbs) | 5,500 kg (12,125 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,600 kg (5,732 lbs) | 1,900 kg (4,189 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 72.0 m² (775 ft²) | 61.0 m² (657 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 40 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 120 L (31.7 gal) | 100 L (26.4 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 250 L (66.0 gal) | 180 L (47.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 8 | 6 |
| Cabins | 3 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2012 Dufour 410 Grand Large and Beneteau First 35 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2012 Dufour 410 Grand Large is a modern design by Dufour from France, while the Beneteau First 35 is a 2000s offering from Beneteau from France. The 2012 Dufour 410 Grand Large was penned by Umberto Felci. The Beneteau First 35 was designed by Farr Yacht Design.
In terms of size, the 2012 Dufour 410 Grand Large measures 12.35m (40.5ft) overall with a beam of 4.02m, compared to the Beneteau First 35 at 10.68m (35.0ft) with a 3.45m beam. The 2012 Dufour 410 Grand Large is 1.67m longer than the Beneteau First 35. The 2012 Dufour 410 Grand Large displaces approximately 55% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2012 Dufour 410 Grand Large has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.56 and 72.0 m² of sail area. The Beneteau First 35, with an SA/D of 19.89 and 61.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Beneteau First 35 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2012 Dufour 410 Grand Large offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The Beneteau First 35 has a comfort ratio of 16.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 30.6% for the 2012 Dufour 410 Grand Large and 34.6% for the Beneteau First 35, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2012 Dufour 410 Grand Large provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 250L of water capacity and 120L of fuel. The Beneteau First 35 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 180L water and 100L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Beneteau First 35 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 Beneteau First 35 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 2012 Dufour 410 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.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 2012 Dufour 410 Grand Large · Beneteau First 35