Jeanneau Sun Loft 47 vs Dufour 40 — Comparison

Jeanneau Sun Loft 47
VS
Dufour 40Dufour 40

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationJeanneau Sun Loft 47Dufour 40
General
ManufacturerJeanneauDufour
Year20192007–2012
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceFrance
DesignerPhilippe BriandUmberto Felci
Dimensions
LOA14.20 m (46.6 ft)12.05 m (39.5 ft)
LWL13.00 m (42.7 ft)10.55 m (34.6 ft)
Beam4.49 m (14.7 ft)3.85 m (12.6 ft)
Draft2.20 m (7.2 ft)1.95 m (6.4 ft)
Weight
Displacement11,500 kg (25,353 lbs)7,800 kg (17,196 lbs)
Ballast3,200 kg (7,055 lbs)2,400 kg (5,291 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area88.0 m² (947 ft²)68.0 m² (732 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine57 HP40 HP
Fuel Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)160 L (42.3 gal)
Water Capacity400 L (105.7 gal)300 L (79.3 gal)
Accommodation
Berths128
Cabins43

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Jeanneau Sun Loft 47
17.55
Dufour 40
17.56
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Jeanneau Sun Loft 47
27.83
Dufour 40
30.77
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Jeanneau Sun Loft 47
0.80
Dufour 40
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Jeanneau Sun Loft 47
13.39
Dufour 40
16.44

Detailed Comparison

The Jeanneau Sun Loft 47 and Dufour 40 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Jeanneau Sun Loft 47 is a modern design by Jeanneau from France, while the Dufour 40 is a 2000s offering from Dufour from France. The Jeanneau Sun Loft 47 was penned by Philippe Briand. The Dufour 40 was designed by Umberto Felci.

In terms of size, the Jeanneau Sun Loft 47 measures 14.20m (46.6ft) overall with a beam of 4.49m, compared to the Dufour 40 at 12.05m (39.5ft) with a 3.85m beam. The Jeanneau Sun Loft 47 is 2.15m longer than the Dufour 40. The Jeanneau Sun Loft 47 displaces approximately 47% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Jeanneau Sun Loft 47 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.55 and 88.0 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 Dufour 40 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Jeanneau Sun Loft 47 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 13.4) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The Dufour 40 has a comfort ratio of 16.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 27.8% for the Jeanneau Sun Loft 47 and 30.8% for the Dufour 40, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Jeanneau Sun Loft 47 provides 12 berths in 4 cabins with 400L of water capacity and 200L 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 Dufour 40 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The Jeanneau Sun Loft 47 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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