The new Dufour 32 now comes as a replacement for the long-serving, extremely popular and therefore often sold Dufour 310 (test in YACHT 7/2014). The hull, a design from the office of Umberto Felci, remains the same with minor adjustments. However, the deck has been completely redesigned and rebuilt for the new model.
The many innovative details provide excitement. For example, the bathing hatch attached to the stern as an inflatable and floatable platform. It can be raised as a whole like a fixed platform and locked in place at the stern. When deflated, it can also be stored in the forecastle. A large cockpit table can also be used flexibly. With short supports and additional insert cushions, it enlarges the cockpit bays to create an extended sunbed. There are also many other exciting gimmicks.
With the redesigned cockpit layout and the longer tiller, Dufour has also banned the double wheel steering from the previous model. The 32 is now only available with one tiller. However, this is not a mistake, especially for more freedom of movement for the helmsman combined with better single-handed manoeuvrability. And the Frenchwoman no longer has two rudder blades, but only one, but with a longer blade.
YACHT has already been on board the new Dufour 32 and a comprehensive test report will be published in an upcoming issue. The boat will be presented for the first time in Germany at the Boot trade fair in Düsseldorf in January. Until then, the photos from the YACHT test are available below exclusively as a gallery.
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Michael Good
Editor Test & Technology
