1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321 vs Dufour 32 Classic — Comparison
1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321 | Dufour 32 Classic |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Dufour |
| Year | 1995–2001 | 1995–2002 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | France |
| Designer | Groupe Finot | Umberto Felci |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.68 m (31.8 ft) | 9.70 m (31.8 ft) |
| LWL | 8.45 m (27.7 ft) | 8.40 m (27.6 ft) |
| Beam | 3.27 m (10.7 ft) | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.60 m (5.2 ft) | 1.70 m (5.6 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,200 kg (9,259 lbs) | 4,500 kg (9,921 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,500 kg (3,307 lbs) | 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 44.5 m² (479 ft²) | 45.0 m² (484 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 68 L (18.0 gal) | 80 L (21.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 120 L (31.7 gal) | 150 L (39.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321 and Dufour 32 Classic represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321 is a 1990s design by Beneteau from France, while the Dufour 32 Classic is a 1990s offering from Dufour from France. The 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321 was penned by Groupe Finot. The Dufour 32 Classic was designed by Umberto Felci.
In terms of size, the 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321 measures 9.68m (31.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.27m, compared to the Dufour 32 Classic at 9.70m (31.8ft) with a 3.20m beam. The Dufour 32 Classic is 0.02m longer than the 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321. The Dufour 32 Classic displaces approximately 7% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.37 and 44.5 m² of sail area. The Dufour 32 Classic, with an SA/D of 16.78 and 45.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.81). The Dufour 32 Classic has a comfort ratio of 19.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 35.7% for the 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321 and 31.1% for the Dufour 32 Classic, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 120L of water capacity and 68L of fuel. The Dufour 32 Classic offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 150L water and 80L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Dufour 32 Classic 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 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
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Or view individual specs: 1995 Beneteau Oceanis 321 · Dufour 32 Classic