2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 vs Dufour 520 Grand Large — Comparison

2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.12019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1
VS
Dufour 520 Grand Large

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1Dufour 520 Grand Large
General
ManufacturerBeneteauDufour
Year20192012–2017
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceFrance
DesignerGroupe Finot-ConqFelci Yacht Design
Dimensions
LOA15.94 m (52.3 ft)15.80 m (51.8 ft)
LWL14.30 m (46.9 ft)13.85 m (45.4 ft)
Beam4.80 m (15.7 ft)4.69 m (15.4 ft)
Draft2.25 m (7.4 ft)2.45 m (8.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement13,500 kg (29,762 lbs)14,500 kg (31,967 lbs)
Ballast3,800 kg (8,378 lbs)4,600 kg (10,141 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area108.0 m² (1,163 ft²)110.0 m² (1,184 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine75 HP75 HP
Fuel Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)300 L (79.3 gal)
Water Capacity400 L (105.7 gal)550 L (145.3 gal)
Accommodation
Berths1010
Cabins54

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1
19.35
Dufour 520 Grand Large
18.79
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1
28.15
Dufour 520 Grand Large
31.72
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1
0.81
Dufour 520 Grand Large
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1
11.73
Dufour 520 Grand Large
13.64

Detailed Comparison

The 2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 and Dufour 520 Grand Large represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 is a modern design by Beneteau from France, while the Dufour 520 Grand Large is a modern offering from Dufour from France. The 2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 was penned by Groupe Finot-Conq. The Dufour 520 Grand Large was designed by Felci Yacht Design.

In terms of size, the 2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 measures 15.94m (52.3ft) overall with a beam of 4.80m, compared to the Dufour 520 Grand Large at 15.80m (51.8ft) with a 4.69m beam. The 2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 is 0.14m longer than the Dufour 520 Grand Large. The Dufour 520 Grand Large displaces approximately 7% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 19.35 and 108.0 m² of sail area. The Dufour 520 Grand Large, with an SA/D of 18.79 and 110.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 11.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.81). The Dufour 520 Grand Large has a comfort ratio of 13.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 28.2% for the 2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 and 31.7% for the Dufour 520 Grand Large, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 provides 10 berths in 5 cabins with 400L of water capacity and 200L of fuel. The Dufour 520 Grand Large offers 10 berths in 4 cabins with 550L water and 300L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Dufour 520 Grand Large 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 2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 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: 2019 Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 · Dufour 520 Grand Large