Dufour 310 Grand Large vs 2003 Sabre 402 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Dufour 310 Grand Large | 2003 Sabre 402 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | Sabre |
| Year | 2015–2020 | 2003–2010 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Felci Yacht Design | Jim Taylor |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.43 m (30.9 ft) | 12.19 m (40.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.45 m (27.7 ft) | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.13 m (10.3 ft) | 3.72 m (12.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.60 m (5.2 ft) | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,150 kg (9,149 lbs) | 8,165 kg (18,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,230 kg (2,712 lbs) | 3,266 kg (7,200 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 40.0 m² (431 ft²) | 66.0 m² (710 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 40 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 80 L (21.1 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 120 L (31.7 gal) | 227 L (60.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 4 | 7 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Dufour 310 Grand Large and 2003 Sabre 402 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Dufour 310 Grand Large is a modern design by Dufour from France, while the 2003 Sabre 402 is a 2000s offering from Sabre from USA. The Dufour 310 Grand Large was penned by Felci Yacht Design. The 2003 Sabre 402 was designed by Jim Taylor.
In terms of size, the Dufour 310 Grand Large measures 9.43m (30.9ft) overall with a beam of 3.13m, compared to the 2003 Sabre 402 at 12.19m (40.0ft) with a 3.72m beam. The 2003 Sabre 402 is 2.76m longer than the Dufour 310 Grand Large. The 2003 Sabre 402 displaces approximately 97% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Dufour 310 Grand Large has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.74 and 40.0 m² of sail area. The 2003 Sabre 402, with an SA/D of 16.54 and 66.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2003 Sabre 402 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Dufour 310 Grand Large offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 2003 Sabre 402 has a comfort ratio of 18.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 29.6% for the Dufour 310 Grand Large and 40.0% for the 2003 Sabre 402, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Dufour 310 Grand Large provides 4 berths in 1 cabin with 120L of water capacity and 80L of fuel. The 2003 Sabre 402 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 227L water and 151L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2003 Sabre 402 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 Sabre 402 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 2003 Sabre 402 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 310 Grand Large · 2003 Sabre 402