Dufour: Older sailors immediately think of the Arpège - one of the first, if not the first large-scale production boat ever. The shipyard near La Rochelle in France built an almost gigantic 1,500 units for those days and even today.
The mastermind was the engineer Michel Dufour, who was convinced early on of the possibilities of the then new material polyester. The Arpège was launched in 1966. 40 years later, the shipyard is celebrating this with a series of special models bearing the name of the ship that once founded the company's success story. Our full-length test ship is called the Dufour 365 Grand'Large Edition Arpège. At the time, Grand'Large meant that the yacht belonged to the shipyard's cruising line. There was also a performance line, which was intended to appeal to more sporty customers.
However, regardless of the series, a sail carrying capacity of 4.4 is at least respectable. The lines that Umberto Felci put on paper were also intended to be typically Italian and elegant. And he succeeded. Although it is five centimetres wider than a Bavaria 36 of the same age, for example, the Dufour looks fresh and light. A discreet deck step, the flat but far forward cabin superstructure and a few skilfully placed lines on the hull: all this lends the ship elegance.
Special features from the series
This also appealed to the owner of the test boat: "We simply liked it. And it wasn't the usual large series, but something special among the series boats." This special status is also evident below deck in two places. Firstly, thanks to its large width, the Dufour has a longitudinal pantry on the port side. This is not everyone's cup of tea, but together with the small bench seat in the centre of the boat, it is great for working at the cooker.
This layout is usually more common from about 40 feet upwards. It works reasonably well on the Dufour. However, the way into the foredeck is obstructed when cooking. This creates space at the back for a really large wet room in the version with only one aft cabin. If there are two, the large, separate shower and the huge cockpit locker are omitted. The advantage of the side galley is the easy accessibility of the heads compartment or the aft compartment. When cooking, there is nobody in the way. It's just that you can't get to the foredeck easily.
The second special feature of the Dufour's layout is the forward berth, which is offset to starboard. Unfortunately, it is only 1.35 metres wide and therefore a little too narrow according to the YACHT definition. In addition, the person lying against the side of the boat has to climb over their co-sleeper if they want to get on or off the bunk, which is not ideal. The advantages of this arrangement are the huge and easily accessible storage space under the berth and the standing area to the side. You can easily get dressed there, and there is even a seat. Will it be used often? Probably not.
Used boat profile
- Type: Dufour 365 Grand'Large
- Design engineer: Umberto Felci
- Built: 2005-2012
- Quantity: Over 400
- New price ready to sail: 116.500 €
- Price today 70,000 to 92,000 €
As of 01/2024, how the prices shown are defined can be found here!
The wood below deck still looks excellent even after 14 years. However, the first and previous owners were an elderly couple who cherished the ship like the apple of their eye. The test boat was equipped with only one aft cabin to suit the needs of the two owners.
This means it has a really spacious wet room. The separable shower really invites you to freshen up on board, and there is plenty of space. This also applies to the aft berth, which is also spacious at 1.95 metres long and 1.60 metres wide. If two compartments are installed aft, the width of the berths shrinks to 1.40 metres.
The ship is packed with storage space everywhere. This applies to the compartments, the wet room and also the galley. The furniture is neatly constructed. Good fittings ensure secure closing and solid opening even after several years of service. Nothing creaks below deck, especially as the bulkheads are also laminated.
In addition, small details are still pleasing today: the doors all have ventilation holes so that there is always a certain amount of circulation; this prevents musty odours below deck. The corners all have solid mouldings that you can usually hold on to securely. The Dufour also has handles in various useful places. All this makes the ship very easy to walk on below deck at sea.
Fine sailing
Keyword at sea: there was virtually no wind during the test; 8 knots in gusts is not exactly a lot. But even then, the Dufour set off even though only the smaller jib was attached - it would certainly have been even better with the larger genoa. It can be sheeted very tightly, as the shrouds are thankfully on the inside of the decks. This necessitates elaborate joists, but ensures free passage to the foredeck and the possibility of narrower sheeting angles.
The fact that the Dufour is quite fast underway was demonstrated by the test of the new ship in 2005, in which she was certified as having "very good speed and decent height". At around 4 Beaufort, the Frenchwoman cruised off La Rochelle at 7 knots with turning angles of around 90 degrees - a very solid performance. The previous owner of the test boat wanted to be able to call up the performance of the Dufour more easily. He therefore moved the traveller from the coachroof to the cockpit in order to have direct access to the mainsheet. This was not possible in the original layout if the mainsail is operated on the cabin superstructure.
He also didn't like the backstay tensioner at the shipyard, which is not designed for quick adjustment. A powerful version for cranking has taken its place. What he does like is the direct steering, which gives a good indication of the sailing behaviour of the boat even in light winds. And this despite the autopilot being engaged and very little wind.
The fact that the Dufour is already underway in such conditions is also due to the sophisticated construction method. The deck was injected, whereby the resin is pressed and sucked into the glass fibres. This is strong and light and ensures attractive surfaces on both sides without the need for an inner shell. The fuselage is created using the infusion process, whereby resin is sucked into the dry fibres placed in the mould using negative pressure. Foam is used as the sandwich material. This is also light, strong, insulates and reacts less sensitively to penetrating moisture than a core made of balsa wood, for example.
Also solid when used
Under engine, the Dufour raises no questions. The 29 hp are completely sufficient, the sound insulation is good, the engine is clearly audible in the cockpit but does not really disturb. As always with used boats, the saildrive collar should be considered. The owner of the test boat had it replaced at the time of purchase - a sensible investment after 15 years. It is also advisable to replace the oil seals on the saildrive. This costs little and saves expensive repairs due to water in the saildrive oil. Otherwise, the 365 is undemanding. The teak in the cockpit is in good condition, although it doesn't have any floorboards, and there is no wood on deck apart from a teak skirting board, which requires little maintenance.
However, the keel bolts should be inspected, even if they are difficult to reach; the small bench in front of the galley has to be removed for this. Nevertheless, it is worth a look. The chocks are rather carelessly manufactured and the corners are not rounded. This results in an enormous notch effect on contact with the floor, which can manifest itself in the form of cracks in the topcoat. Further examination is then absolutely necessary. Ideally, the shims should be replaced with larger ones with rounded edges and then placed in thickened epoxy resin rather than sealing compound.
It is advisable to choose a model with heating. This is not always available on boats from the Mediterranean, but is essential for use in northern Europe. Retrofitting is possible, but it is better if the large warm air hoses have already been installed at the shipyard.
Strange: The ship could not be ordered with a rubbing strake, not even as extra equipment. If there is one, a dealer or the owner has put it on. Particular attention must be paid to tightness here. Otherwise, the Dufour was pleasingly well finished throughout. Clean GRP surfaces, topcoat everywhere and the feeling of a stiff, solid ship characterise the picture.
Ideal for families and couples
A used Dufour 365 costs between 70,000 and 92,000 euros, depending on its condition, equipment and berth. You can also get a Bavaria from the newer line, the one with the square windows, in the same size for the same price. It will be a few years younger, but may also have been in use as a charter boat for a longer period of time. This will rarely be the case with the Dufour. And certainly not if it is the version with two cabins. This has many advantages for a private user - keyword large cockpit, shower and wider berth.
Alternatives to the Dufour 365 GL from the large series
Also newer is a Sun Odyssey 36i. It also stands out visually from the large series. Those who prefer a sportier look should take a look at the First 36.7. However, it may have a career on the regatta course on the log, with corresponding consequences for the interior, for example. An Oceanis 37 is also available for this budget. However, it could also have a previous life as a charter yacht.
The segment of young large-scale production boats is currently in high demand among brokers; boats are often only available for a few weeks before a buyer comes knocking. The test boat was no different. The Dufour offers a nice alternative for people who are looking for something slightly special without wanting to be extravagant. Well-built, pretty to look at and easy to sail, it offers an ideal package for young families or older couples who want to travel in style.
The Dufour 365 GL in detail
Technical data of the Dufour 365 GL
- CE design category: A
- Torso length: 10,53 m
- Width: 3,65 m
- Depth: 1,70 m
- Weight: 5,7 t
- Ballast/proportion: 1,5 t/26 %
- Mainsail: 29,5 m2
- Furling genoa (135 %): 33,0 m2
- machine (Volvo Penta): 21 kW/29 hp
Hull and deck construction
Hull and deck manufactured using the injection and infusion method, iso-resins. Deck and hull glued and screwed, bulkheads laminated on
YACHT review of the Dufour 365 GL
A special large series ship. Strikingly good quality, with an unusual room concept and perfectly adequate sailing characteristics. Ideal for owners with a desire for something special
Design and concept
- + Very pleasing lines
- - Side access to the forward berth
Sailing performance and trim
- + Good feedback from the rudder
- + Internal shrouds
Living and finishing quality
- + Unusual room concept
- + Plenty of storage space
Equipment and technology
- + Elaborate design
- - Missing fast backstay tensioner
Model history
There were no variants, the Dufour always had a draught of 1.70 metres. The two-cabin version is usually more suitable for owners. The Arpège edition had many advantages for the buyer, it is worth looking for it
Information for buyers of a Dufour 365 GL
To avoid unpleasant surprises, particular attention should be paid to the condition of the gelcoat, the keel bolts, the rubbing strake and the sea valves.
This article first appeared in YACHT 23/2020 and has been updated for this online version.
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