2003 Dufour 34 vs Beneteau First 35 — Comparison
2003 Dufour 34
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2003 Dufour 34 | Beneteau First 35 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | Beneteau |
| Year | 2003–2007 | 2004–2009 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | France |
| Designer | Umberto Felci | Farr Yacht Design |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.30 m (33.8 ft) | 10.68 m (35.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.95 m (29.4 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.37 m (11.1 ft) | 3.45 m (11.3 ft) |
| Draft | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) | 2.00 m (6.6 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,500 kg (12,125 lbs) | 5,500 kg (12,125 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,800 kg (3,968 lbs) | 1,900 kg (4,189 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 52.5 m² (565 ft²) | 61.0 m² (657 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 20 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 75 L (19.8 gal) | 100 L (26.4 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 140 L (37.0 gal) | 180 L (47.6 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2003 Dufour 34 and Beneteau First 35 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2003 Dufour 34 is a 2000s design by Dufour from France, while the Beneteau First 35 is a 2000s offering from Beneteau from France. The 2003 Dufour 34 was penned by Umberto Felci. The Beneteau First 35 was designed by Farr Yacht Design.
In terms of size, the 2003 Dufour 34 measures 10.30m (33.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.37m, compared to the Beneteau First 35 at 10.68m (35.0ft) with a 3.45m beam. The Beneteau First 35 is 0.38m longer than the 2003 Dufour 34.
Looking at performance, the 2003 Dufour 34 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.12 and 52.5 m² of sail area. The Beneteau First 35, with an SA/D of 19.89 and 61.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Beneteau First 35 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2003 Dufour 34 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.76). The Beneteau First 35 has a comfort ratio of 16.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 32.7% for the 2003 Dufour 34 and 34.6% for the Beneteau First 35, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2003 Dufour 34 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 140L of water capacity and 75L of fuel. The Beneteau First 35 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 180L water and 100L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2003 Dufour 34 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 Beneteau First 35 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: 2003 Dufour 34 · Beneteau First 35