2003 Dufour 34 vs Dufour 310 Grand Large — Comparison

2003 Dufour 342003 Dufour 34
VS
Dufour 310 Grand Large

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2003 Dufour 34Dufour 310 Grand Large
General
ManufacturerDufourDufour
Year2003–20072015–2020
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceFrance
DesignerUmberto FelciFelci Yacht Design
Dimensions
LOA10.30 m (33.8 ft)9.43 m (30.9 ft)
LWL8.95 m (29.4 ft)8.45 m (27.7 ft)
Beam3.37 m (11.1 ft)3.13 m (10.3 ft)
Draft1.80 m (5.9 ft)1.60 m (5.2 ft)
Weight
Displacement5,500 kg (12,125 lbs)4,150 kg (9,149 lbs)
Ballast1,800 kg (3,968 lbs)1,230 kg (2,712 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area52.5 m² (565 ft²)40.0 m² (431 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine20 HP15 HP
Fuel Capacity75 L (19.8 gal)80 L (21.1 gal)
Water Capacity140 L (37.0 gal)120 L (31.7 gal)
Accommodation
Berths64
Cabins21

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2003 Dufour 34
17.12
Dufour 310 Grand Large
15.74
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2003 Dufour 34
32.73
Dufour 310 Grand Large
29.64
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2003 Dufour 34
0.76
Dufour 310 Grand Large
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2003 Dufour 34
19.14
Dufour 310 Grand Large
18.25

Detailed Comparison

The 2003 Dufour 34 and Dufour 310 Grand Large represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2003 Dufour 34 is a 2000s design by Dufour from France, while the Dufour 310 Grand Large is a modern offering from Dufour from France. The 2003 Dufour 34 was penned by Umberto Felci. The Dufour 310 Grand Large was designed by Felci 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 Dufour 310 Grand Large at 9.43m (30.9ft) with a 3.13m beam. The 2003 Dufour 34 is 0.87m longer than the Dufour 310 Grand Large. The 2003 Dufour 34 displaces approximately 33% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

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 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 2003 Dufour 34 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 Dufour 310 Grand Large has a comfort ratio of 18.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 32.7% for the 2003 Dufour 34 and 29.6% for the Dufour 310 Grand Large, 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 Dufour 310 Grand Large offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 120L water and 80L 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 2003 Dufour 34 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 2003 Dufour 34 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: 2003 Dufour 34 · Dufour 310 Grand Large