1997 Dufour 30 Classic vs Dufour 365 Grand Large — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1997 Dufour 30 Classic | Dufour 365 Grand Large |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | Dufour |
| Year | 1997–2003 | 2003–2007 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | France |
| Designer | Umberto Felci | Umberto Felci |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.15 m (30.0 ft) | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.80 m (25.6 ft) | 9.72 m (31.9 ft) |
| Beam | 3.10 m (10.2 ft) | 3.52 m (11.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.60 m (5.2 ft) | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,800 kg (8,378 lbs) | 6,100 kg (13,448 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) | 1,850 kg (4,079 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 40.0 m² (431 ft²) | 57.5 m² (619 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 50 L (13.2 gal) | 120 L (31.7 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 90 L (23.8 gal) | 210 L (55.5 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic and Dufour 365 Grand Large represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic is a 1990s design by Dufour from France, while the Dufour 365 Grand Large is a 2000s offering from Dufour from France. The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic was penned by Umberto Felci. The Dufour 365 Grand Large was designed by Umberto Felci.
In terms of size, the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic measures 9.15m (30.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.10m, compared to the Dufour 365 Grand Large at 10.97m (36.0ft) with a 3.52m beam. The Dufour 365 Grand Large is 1.82m longer than the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic. The Dufour 365 Grand Large displaces approximately 61% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.69 and 40.0 m² of sail area. The Dufour 365 Grand Large, with an SA/D of 17.50 and 57.5 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Dufour 365 Grand Large has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The Dufour 365 Grand Large has a comfort ratio of 17.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 36.8% for the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic and 30.3% for the Dufour 365 Grand Large, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic provides 5 berths in 2 cabins with 90L of water capacity and 50L of fuel. The Dufour 365 Grand Large offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 210L water and 120L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1997 Dufour 30 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 Dufour 365 Grand Large 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 365 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: 1997 Dufour 30 Classic · Dufour 365 Grand Large