Dufour 460 Grand Large vs 2014 Elan 400 — Comparison

Dufour 460 Grand Large
VS
2014 Elan 4002014 Elan 400

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationDufour 460 Grand Large2014 Elan 400
General
ManufacturerDufourElan
Year2016–20202014–2018
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceSlovenia
DesignerFelci Yacht DesignRob Humphreys
Dimensions
LOA14.15 m (46.4 ft)12.07 m (39.6 ft)
LWL12.65 m (41.5 ft)10.50 m (34.4 ft)
Beam4.35 m (14.3 ft)3.90 m (12.8 ft)
Draft2.20 m (7.2 ft)2.10 m (6.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement11,000 kg (24,251 lbs)8,200 kg (18,078 lbs)
Ballast3,400 kg (7,496 lbs)2,600 kg (5,732 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area92.0 m² (990 ft²)76.0 m² (818 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine57 HP30 HP
Fuel Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)120 L (31.7 gal)
Water Capacity430 L (113.6 gal)250 L (66.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths107
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Dufour 460 Grand Large
18.89
2014 Elan 400
18.99
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Dufour 460 Grand Large
30.91
2014 Elan 400
31.71
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Dufour 460 Grand Large
0.78
2014 Elan 400
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Dufour 460 Grand Large
13.89
2014 Elan 400
17.08

Detailed Comparison

The Dufour 460 Grand Large and 2014 Elan 400 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Dufour 460 Grand Large is a modern design by Dufour from France, while the 2014 Elan 400 is a modern offering from Elan from Slovenia. The Dufour 460 Grand Large was penned by Felci Yacht Design. The 2014 Elan 400 was designed by Rob Humphreys.

In terms of size, the Dufour 460 Grand Large measures 14.15m (46.4ft) overall with a beam of 4.35m, compared to the 2014 Elan 400 at 12.07m (39.6ft) with a 3.90m beam. The Dufour 460 Grand Large is 2.08m longer than the 2014 Elan 400. The Dufour 460 Grand Large displaces approximately 34% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Dufour 460 Grand Large has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.89 and 92.0 m² of sail area. The 2014 Elan 400, with an SA/D of 18.99 and 76.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2014 Elan 400 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Dufour 460 Grand Large offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 13.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 2014 Elan 400 has a comfort ratio of 17.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 30.9% for the Dufour 460 Grand Large and 31.7% for the 2014 Elan 400, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Dufour 460 Grand Large provides 10 berths in 3 cabins with 430L of water capacity and 200L of fuel. The 2014 Elan 400 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 250L water and 120L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2014 Elan 400 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 2014 Elan 400 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 460 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 460 Grand Large · 2014 Elan 400