A surprise coup from western France. The new Dufour is now being presented as the successor to the Dufour 360 (formerly Dufour 350 Grand Large, test YACHT 4/2015). The first ship of the completely newly developed model is apparently already sailing, and the shipyard has already published the first photos (see gallery below). However, Dufour is cheating a little with the name. With a hull length of just under ten metres, the new 37 from La Rochelle is actually a 33-footer.
Visually, the new boat is also a typical Dufour with the lines of Felci Yacht Design. The similarities to the equally new entry-level model Dufour 32 (test YACHT 3/2022) and the larger Dufour 470 (test YACHT 8/2021) are unmistakable and ensure a strong programme identity for the new model generation. The enormous hull volume of the Dufour 37 is particularly striking. With a width of 3.80 metres, the Frenchwoman is significantly fuller than the boats of the competition. The aspect ratio (length to width) is an unusually low 2.6, whereas the normal aspect ratio for touring boats is 3.0.
The extended hull volume is particularly striking in the foredeck. This allows the shipyard to compensate for the significantly longer cockpit compared to the previous model by utilising the space more efficiently. The steering columns are installed slightly further forward, which makes it possible to integrate folding seats for the helmsman and a storage compartment for the life raft right at the stern. The stern hatches can be folded up for access to the bathing platform. Like its predecessor, the new 37 also has just one, relatively slim and deep rudder blade, which is also built quite far under the ship. The draft of the L-keel is 1.90 metres. According to the information currently available, variants with a short keel, flexible draught and double rudder blades are not yet planned.
The mast on the new boat is slightly further back, so the J dimension is larger than on the previous model. And, as with its smaller sister, the Dufour 32, the aluminium mast with two spreaders on the new 37 is also trimmed with a relatively large mast drop, which should reduce the sag in the forestay. The new ship will be equipped with a self-tacking jib from the shipyard. As an option, the overlapping genoa with adjustable hove-to points on the cabin superstructure is available for more performance potential. And as with all new Dufour boats, a bowsprit for a gennaker or a code zero is also permanently attached to the 37. The trunk also serves as a step and anchor holder.
Buyers can choose between two variants for the interior fittings. In the two-cabin version, the double berth is installed aft with princely berth dimensions. This leaves space on the starboard side for a large locker, which can be accessed from the cockpit as well as from the inside. The toilet room is also larger and has a shower facility. The alternative is a layout with a total of three cabins and a slightly smaller wet room aft, which is built further forward into the saloon. However, the small navigation system has to make way for this.
The extremely spacious foredeck allows the double berth in the foredeck to be designed as an island bed, which is a novelty in the ten metre length class. However, the berth is built quite far forward. Judging by the plans, this significantly reduces the width at the shoulders. As an alternative, Dufour can also fit the foredeck with a conventional V-shaped double berth. With two rows of tall cupboards to the side, there is plenty of storage space, especially in the saloon. There are also large storage compartments and lockers in the cabins. For visual variety, Dufour offers the interior fittings in three different versions with light or darker wood tones and a choice of colours for the upholstery and covers. Visualisations of the Europe, Millenium and Boston variants as well as the layouts can be seen in the image gallery below.
The shipyard has not yet announced the prices. The world premiere of the Dufour 37 will take place at the Yachting Festival in Cannes in September.
The little sister Dufour 32 tested by YACHT tv
