1997 Dufour 30 Classic vs Dufour 310 Grand Large — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1997 Dufour 30 Classic | Dufour 310 Grand Large |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | Dufour |
| Year | 1997–2003 | 2015–2020 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | France |
| Designer | Umberto Felci | Felci Yacht Design |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.15 m (30.0 ft) | 9.43 m (30.9 ft) |
| LWL | 7.80 m (25.6 ft) | 8.45 m (27.7 ft) |
| Beam | 3.10 m (10.2 ft) | 3.13 m (10.3 ft) |
| Draft | 1.60 m (5.2 ft) | 1.60 m (5.2 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,800 kg (8,378 lbs) | 4,150 kg (9,149 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) | 1,230 kg (2,712 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 40.0 m² (431 ft²) | 40.0 m² (431 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 15 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 50 L (13.2 gal) | 80 L (21.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 90 L (23.8 gal) | 120 L (31.7 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 4 |
| Cabins | 2 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic and Dufour 310 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 310 Grand Large is a modern offering from Dufour from France. The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic was penned by Umberto Felci. The Dufour 310 Grand Large was designed by Felci Yacht Design.
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 310 Grand Large at 9.43m (30.9ft) with a 3.13m beam. The Dufour 310 Grand Large is 0.28m longer than the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic. The Dufour 310 Grand Large displaces approximately 9% 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 310 Grand Large, with an SA/D of 15.74 and 40.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic 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 310 Grand Large has a comfort ratio of 18.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 36.8% for the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic and 29.6% for the Dufour 310 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 310 Grand Large offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 120L water and 80L 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 1997 Dufour 30 Classic has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 1997 Dufour 30 Classic · Dufour 310 Grand Large