The 310 is an addition to Dufour's Grand'Large tour series. In-house designer Umberto Felci has captured the new ship concept on plans. Striking: the crack hardly converges towards the stern, the 310 is almost as wide at the back as in the centre of the ship. This is why two rudder blades have to be used - a first for Dufour, by the way. Surprisingly, the French also announce the option of a lifting keel for the first time ever. This should even allow the 310 to fall dry.
The double steering wheels are also special - at least in terms of the size of the boat. With the 335 Grand'Large (test in YACHT 24/2011), Dufour launched a series tourer under ten metres with two wheels two years ago, but is now topping its own exclusivity with an even smaller boat. Visually, the new model takes on the character of its larger sisters 410 GL (test in YACHT 14/2013) and 500 GL (YACHT 3/2013). This means: striking freeboard heights for more volume below deck, pronounced chines and a wide, folding bathing platform.
Like the 335, the smaller 310 also has a backstayless rig with wide stays and strongly swept spreaders. A new feature is the self-tacking jib as a shipyard standard. This makes the boat extremely easy to handle and uncompromisingly suitable for single-handed sailing.
In line with Dufour's current interior standard, the 310 is also finished in a light oak look. The layout provides for a fully touring-capable living concept with two double cabins and two additional berths on the sofas in the saloon. Compared to the 335, Dufour has reduced the navigation to a minimum in the small boat, but has allocated the extra volume to the wet room. Judging by the plans, the 310's bathroom should set new standards in the length class.
The premiere of the new model is planned for the Salon Nautique in Paris in December 2013. The first price announcement from the French for the entry-level model is eagerly awaited. The shipyard has not yet finalised its calculations, but will provide information on this soon.
Video of the test of the Dufour 335 Grand'Large
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Michael Good
Editor Test & Technology
