What is that? Great astonishment on the jetty in La Rochelle. Something is hanging from the stern of the small touring yacht that is difficult to categorise at first glance and without knowledge. Perhaps a SUP paddleboard? A buoyancy aid? Or even a kind of tailgate? The solution is to be found in the combination of all these speculations. Dufour Yachts has invented the first inflatable, buoyant and multifunctional bathing platform, which can also be easily removed and stowed away to save space. It is probably the most striking component of a comprehensive model upgrade for the smallest model in the current cruising range. And this is by no means the only exciting new feature.
One after the other: In summer 2021, Dufour Yachts announced a new entry-level model - judging by the initial visualisations and descriptions, a completely newly developed boat to replace the Dufour 310, which was launched as a new model in 2014. In reality, however, the new model is based on the hull of its predecessor, and the deck also remains largely unchanged. Which is ultimately not a mistake. After all, the 310, designed by Umberto Felci, has built up a reputation over the years as an extremely solid and reliable touring boat with a well thought-out and coherent concept.
And yet Dufour changed a lot of the boat's design. For example, the shipyard removed the double rudder blades and the two steering positions from the boat and replaced them with a simple tiller steering system with a very slim and deep single rudder. The elimination of the space-consuming steering wheels meant that the dikes could be lengthened, which significantly increased the amount of space, comfort and freedom of movement in the cockpit.
News from the Dufour 32
The rig geometry is also new and different. Instead of the simple aluminium mast with a pair of spreaders as on the previous model, a slightly higher, modern rig with two spreaders swept strongly aft is now used. What is striking about this is that the aluminium profile is trimmed with quite a lot of mast drop (rake) and also with more rig tension and therefore more pre-bend. This is to ensure that the forestay sags less downwind and the headsail can be trimmed flatter for more height upwind. This popular rig concept with a large mast drop is relatively new for pure cruising yachts and is currently being increasingly implemented on smaller boats, where a backstay is not required in order to use a wide mainsail and for reasons of space in the cockpit. As is now the case on the new Dufour 32 or the Sun Odyssey 380 from Jeanneau.
Dufour is reducing its range in one respect with the new edition of its entry-level model. A variable draught will unfortunately no longer be possible for the new 32 with the changeover to the single rudder. For the Dufour 310, this variance was still possible with the keel centreboard design and two rudder blades, which also made the boat suitable for falling dry in tidal waters. The fixed keels available for the new boat are made of cast iron and come in an L-shape with a ballast bomb. At 1.90 metres, the standard keel has a comparatively large draught; alternatively, a short keel with a draught of only 1.60 metres and more ballast is available.
The inflatable bathing platform
Back to the floating, inflatable bathing platform: an interesting idea in principle, because it is very innovative and unique to date, which also fits in well with Dufour's intention to gear the new boat and its concept towards the needs of a young, active and sporty clientele. The flexible raft is technically constructed using the dropstitch method like a SUP board, is inflated with a foot pump or with an additionally available on-board compressor and locked in place at the stern with pre-installed lines. Recovering is just as easy because the platform only weighs a few kilograms. When lashed to the top, the platform does not interfere with sailing and also offers a secure stern closure, which is what family sailors with children want.
The floating platform at the stern is an absolute hit for swimming and playing. It can also be deflated and stored in a small space in the cockpit. However, the air raft is completely unsuitable as a stern platform and, above all, as access from the jetty onto the boat; it does not provide a secure footing and it is not possible to attach a bathing ladder to it. Unfortunately, Dufour no longer offers a fixed stern hatch as a second option for the new boat, as was the case with the previous model.
The colourful array of inventive details as additional extras continues in the cockpit. Dufour offers a beautiful large wooden table top, which stands wobbly on aluminium tube legs, but fits between the two thwarts as an inlay board and can thus convert the cockpit into a large sunbed. This is a real novelty in this length class. The cushions for the dents and sunbathing areas are also inflatable and can be stored in the cockpit box when required, saving just as much space - a great solution with plenty of potential for imitation.
What happens to the table top?
Nevertheless, the question arises as to where the large table top will go when not in use or while sailing. It doesn't fit into the forecastle locker and is simply too bulky to stow below deck. The shipyard's somewhat peculiar answer: the table top is simply stored upside down on the cockpit floor, without a non-slip surface of course and with the sharp-edged sockets for the table legs facing upwards. This is not a good solution and also harbours a high risk of injury.
The test drive with the Dufour 32
Construction number 1 is available for the test drive with the YACHT. For test purposes, the boat is equipped with all additional equipment and also with the optional performance package. This means: sail upgrade with high-quality laminate fabric from Elvstrøm, mainsail with squarehead, overlapping genoa instead of standard self-tacking jib, centreboard points with fine adjustment and all fittings for sailing with additional room windsheets. The test boat is also equipped with a rollable Code Zero.
The Dufour 32 with the power booster shows a very sporty side in a breeze of between 10 and 12 knots, which is only light at first and then freshens up a little. The boat quickly gets going well, sets off hard upwind at a speed of 5.8 knots and tacks over an angle of 90 degrees, which is quite good for the conditions. From 90 degrees true wind angle, the A3 can be rolled out, which the Frenchwoman acknowledges with remarkable dynamism and occasionally pushes the log towards 8 knots of speed.
We try sailing the little Dufour single-handed. This works very well with the simple tiller steering and coupled autopilot. With the single rudder, which is very slim and unusually deep for a cruising boat, the boat can be steered sensitively via the tiller arm without having to exert a lot of force on the wind edge and reacts immediately to steering impulses. The helmsman can also let go of the tiller briefly to trim the sails without having to use the autopilot. The boat sails in a very balanced manner and provides a lot of sporty sailing fun - no comparison with the rather sluggish behaviour of the previous model with two rudders and two steering wheels.
And the handling is just right too. The genoa is trimmed using the two 40 mm roof winches, and the flying centreboards are easy to operate from the cockpit using bulkheads. The mainsheet can be operated either via the roof winch or, if required, directly from the cockpit using an additional reeved bulkhead jib, which is also a very well-functioning and well thought-out arrangement.
The "Sail in Boom" system
The test boat also features a new type of installation for stowing the mainsail, similar to lazybags, but with fixed and also inflatable side panels, which can also be covered with solar panels if desired. The "Sail in Boom" system was developed exclusively by Dufour and is to be transferred to the brand's larger models as an option following the test phase on the small boat.
For the interior of the new 32, the shipyard has refrained from any major reorganisation. The layout is essentially the same as on the previous Dufour 310 model, with minor, hardly relevant changes. The small chart table has fallen by the wayside. Instead, the saloon berth on the starboard side has now been extended through to the wet room and is ideal as an additional berth for tall sailors.
The berth in the foredeck now ends in front of the two side-hinged lockers and is only 1.83 metres long. The flexible extension of the berth with shelves up to the main bulkhead as on the previous model is no longer offered by the shipyard. The forward berth offers more space across the width. It measures 1.54 metres at the height of the shoulders, which is generous by comparison. In the aft cabin, Dufour has to build the berth area virtually around the engine compartment, which is due to the compact format. The sleeping area is therefore stepped and only just 1.40 metres long on the inside. This leaves too little space aft for two adults, but one person can sleep comfortably.
The small Dufour scores points with the size of its wet room, even in comparison with the competition. There is plenty of space in the bathroom for the daily toilet, the toilet is of a decent size and there is even a hanging facility for wet oilskins and easy-to-use mirror cabinets. A relatively large deck hatch also provides ventilation.
Storage space on board the Dufour 32
There is a lack of usable storage space in the saloon. With the new edition of its entry-level model, Dufour has dispensed with the side-hanging cupboards and justifies this with more perceived space. Unfortunately, the side cabinet rows are also no longer available as an extra. Instead, larger storage spaces are available underneath the sofa berths, where some of the on-board technology (heating, boiler) is also installed. And for accessibility, the seat and back cushions have to be completely removed. Unfortunately, the large forecastle locker on the starboard side can only be accessed from the cockpit. What is missing here is a second access from the inside, for example through a hatch in the rear wall of the head compartment.
For the interior fittings, the customer can choose between the three familiar Dufour styles (Boston, Europa, Millennium) with dark or light-coloured wood types. In addition, upholstery and floorboards can be freely combined in different colours and materials. The fit-out standard is evidence of mass production on the assembly line; not all furniture components fit together perfectly and the gaps are still quite inconsistent in places. And the floorboards creak under load, which is annoying.
The complete package
The little one from Dufour was offered for 127,000 euros in the 2022 season, which is somewhat more expensive compared to the competitors from the large product series, but still competitive. However, the customer can benefit from a whole range of functionally combined equipment packages with attractive advantages over the individual options.
The bottom line is that Dufour's new entry-level model offers an honest, straightforward and functional overall package. The many additional gadgets are exciting, fun and attractive to a young clientele. And on top of that, the little one can sail quite well.
This article appeared in YACHT issue 03/2022 and has been revised for the online version.
Technical data
- CE design category: A
- Torso length: 9,36 m
- Total length: 10,31 m
- Waterline length:8,70 m
- Width:3,31 m
- Draught/alternative: 1,90/1,60 m
- Mast height above waterline:14,30 m
- Theoretical torso speed:7.2 kn
- Weight:4,9 t
- Ballast/proportion:1,3 t/26 %
- Mainsail: 34,0 m²
- Self-tacking jib:18,0 m²
- machine (Volvo P.): 14 kW/19 hp
- Fuel tank (plastic): 90 l
- Fresh water tank (plastic): 160 l
- Holding tank (plastic): 50 l
- batteries (AGM): 2 x 12 V
- Designer: Felci Yacht Design
- Shipyard: Dufour Yachts, 11 rue Blaise Pascal, 17180 Perigny (France); www.dufour-yachts.com
- Distribution: International dealer network
Price
Base price ex shipyard 153,802 euros
Hull and deck construction
Hull: GRP full laminate, manufactured by hand lay-up. Vinyl ester resin exterior, polyester resin interior. Deck: GRP sandwich with foam core, constructed using vacuum injection (RTM). Structural floor assembly laminated to the hull
Deck equipment
Two winches (Lewmar 40) on cabin superstructure, halyard stopper (Spinlock XAS), Lewmar self-tacking rail, boom vang with sheet cascade
Rig and sail
Aluminium mast with two spreaders from manufacturer Sparcraft. Aluminium main boom. Mast foot on deck. Profiled forestay with headsail furling system from Furlex
Motor and gearbox
3-cylinder Volvo Penta D1-20 built-in engine with saildrive. 2-blade fixed pitch propeller as standard. No option to upgrade performance
Measurement results
YACHT rating
Successful complete overhaul of Dufour's smallest model for beginners. With a variety of new, innovative features, the range is aimed at a young, active clientele. The sporty sailing characteristics match this
Design and concept
- + Numerous exciting gadgets
- + Competitive price
- + Robust construction
- - No variable draughts
Sailing performance and trim
- + Good sailing performance downwind
- + High dimensional stability
- + Sensitive steering with tiller
- + Suitable for one-handed handling
Living and finishing quality
- + Simple, no-frills design
- + Beautiful, large wet room
- - Berth in foredeck relatively short
- - Hardly any storage space in the saloon
Equipment and technology
- + Rig without backstay
- + Decent deck equipment
- - No storage compartment for life raft
- - Wobbly cockpit table
