I wonder if it can work? This question is written on the faces of those visitors queuing up at the Dufour Yachts stand in Hall 16 to finally get their hands on the brand new 310 Grand'Large. A cruising boat with a hull length of just 9.35 metres and two steering wheels - something that has never been seen before, at least not in large-scale production.
The 310 is the smallest boat in the Dufour Grand'Large touring programme. In-house designer Umberto Felci is responsible for the design. Already noticeable in the hall: the hull barely comes together at the stern. The Dufour 310 is widest at the stern. This is the only way to make the cockpit large enough for two wheels.
And: Dufour's smallest boat also has double rudder blades underneath. This is a first for the shipyard, as is the option of a flat keel with integral centreboard, which reduces the draught to just 95 centimetres. In this version, the Dufour ship will also be able to fall dry. The standard keel is L-shaped with a ballast bomb and extends to a depth of 1.90 metres. Another new feature for Dufour is the self-tacking jib fitted as standard. However, the short genoa with 105 per cent overlap is also available as an option.
The Dufour 310 offers a real surprise below deck - the feeling of space does not correspond to that of an average cruising boat of this length. Two separate cabins with double berths and two further sleeping options in the saloon offer overnight accommodation for up to six people. And the bathroom with shower option will set new standards in terms of spaciousness within the length class.
The pricing is interesting. The basic version of the Dufour 310 Grand'Large costs 88,200 euros ex shipyard (including sails and VAT).
The Dufour is at the trade fair boat in Düsseldorf can be seen and discovered until Sunday, 26 January in Hall 16, Stand A 38.
Dufour 310 in video
Michael Good
Editor Test & Technology
