Dufour 44: Voluminous touring boat with a good dose of sportiness in the test
Michael Good
· 17.05.2024
When asked how far the topic of volume maximisation can still be taken in modern generation cruising yachts, Nicolas Bérenger grimaces with uncertainty. "I think that with this design and this concept, we have come pretty close to the limits of reason and feasibility," says the busy yacht developer of the Dufour brand. With its opulent hull forms, the new 44 has already caused a stir at its world premiere at the boot trade fair in Düsseldorf and sparked discussions about meaningfulness and aesthetics.
Dufour's ambition to maximise the development of volume and living space even further with the latest generation models is no coincidence. Last autumn, the yacht builders in Périgny near La Rochelle signed an exclusive supply contract with the charter giants Sunsail and Moorings. Until then, the market leaders Beneteau and Jeanneau had supplied the new monohulls for the world's largest charter company. In future, between 30 and 40 per cent of all new boats from Dufour's mid-range model range will first go into charter, where volume is one of the primary virtues for many cabins and berths.
However, with a hull length of 13.10 metres, the new Dufour 44 occupies a format that is surprisingly neglected by the competition. Bavaria, Hanse and Beneteau downgrade their range to hull lengths of around twelve metres (40 feet) and 14 metres (46 feet), leaving a gap in between. Jeanneau's Sun Odyssey 440 is around half a metre shorter than the new Dufour, as is Elan's Impression 43, so a direct comparison within the competition based on specific technical data is more difficult than in other length classes.
The Dufour occupies a rare format. The competing boats are usually larger
Daniel Kohl, market expert at Dufour, explains why Dufour has opted for the unusual dimensions and does not want to follow the length dictates of the competition: "Thanks to the lavish design language and a well thought-out space concept, we can create the same living space below deck as the competition with the larger boats. At the same time, the shorter hull length allows us to save costs and time in production." Owners also benefit, as they may pay less mooring fees and taxes without having to compromise on space on board.
Also interesting:
After the Dufour shipyard has subjected the Düsseldorf exhibition boat to an intensive test programme in western France for several weeks, we are provided with construction number one for the exclusive YACHT test in Port-la-Forêt in Brittany. We are lucky: between two active storm fronts, the conditions are ideal for an extended test run lasting a few hours. There are between twelve and 15 knots of wind (4 Beaufort) and a fairly high swell of at least one and a half metres.
The Dufour 44 delivers a strong performance under sail and surprises with a lot of dynamics
Anyone who thinks they are sitting on a cumbersome, sluggish and perhaps even boring sailing boat due to the bulky hull shape will be proven wrong. Instead, the design from Umberto Felci's office is easy and lively to steer downwind, responds well and quickly and has no problems with the waves. Despite the full front, the yacht starts gently and hardly pitches even against the wind. Hard upwind, the boat manages a speed of 6.8 knots and also runs at a good height. The turning angle is around 85 degrees, which is very good for a large cruising boat without any particular sporting ambitions. Of course, the upgrade with the better sail quality and the optional overlapping genoa from Elvstrøm Sails on the test boat also contributes to the good upwind performance.
As standard, the Dufour 44 is only equipped with two winches on the companionway. This is sufficient for undemanding handling of the self-tacking jib and simple mainsheet management, for example for charter use. For owners who like more active and sporty sailing, the shipyard offers the Ocean Version equipment package, with adjustable hoisting points for a genoa, a traveller on the cockpit floor for the mainsheet guided on both sides (German Cupper), deck fittings for the use of Code Zero and gennaker and a total of four additional 50 mm winches for the sheets on the coaming.
Sportiness for more performance is available in packages
The bundle for more sportiness on board is available for a comparatively manageable surcharge of 9,500 euros gross (without the additional sails). This seems to be Dufour Yachts' response to the increasingly popular topic of regatta charters. The Ocean Version package is also installed on the test boat, but without the traveller for the mainsheet, which is of course also possible. The handling is good and easy because there are separate winches for the sheets on both sides.
For the new 44, Dufour has planned more space between the steering and the seat thwarts as well as a step to make it easier to get from the cockpit to the running deck without having to climb. As a result, the coaming has become shorter and the gap to the helm position larger. The helmsman can therefore not reach the rear of the two winches from his position at the wheel. This makes the boat less suitable for single-handed sailing. In addition, the helmsman sits unusually low on the side of the wheel, which is tiring in the long run. The difference in level between the cockpit floor and the rear running deck is only 33 centimetres. This is not enough for a relaxed seating position.
In contrast, the designers at Dufour have done a very good job on the stern with the large bathing platform. The 2.90 metre wide hatch is 80 centimetres deep and is about half a metre above the water surface when open. However, the height to the water can be easily overcome with the very stable and deep bathing ladder that can be hooked in. The bathing platform is part of the basic equipment and can be lowered using a simple bulkhead buoy. Electric drives would be possible, but unnecessary because the platform is quite light and also mounted with some pre-balance. Recovering requires little force. A fully enclosed storage compartment for the life raft is integrated into the transom. In an emergency, however, this can only be accessed via the open bathing hatch. This can be problematic in high waves.
Even more volume over the entire length as the new maxim
Upgrading the engine from 50 to 60 hp seems to make sense. The test boat equipped with the more powerful engine thus achieves a speed of just under nine knots at full load and 7.5 knots at cruising speed (80 per cent of maximum power). In the harbour, the boat responds well to the forward thrust with its single rudder. However, the Dufour needs more time and speed to steer backwards. A bow thruster provides welcome assistance in this case.
Until recently, the option of a split foredeck with two double cabins, each with its own wet room, was conceivable for boats from 50 feet in length. In the meantime, and with the trend towards ever wider designs with even more volume at the front, the feasibility has also adapted. Hanse and Bavaria have already introduced charter versions with two compartments at the front with their current 46-footers. Now Dufour is setting a new lower limit with the 44-footer. What's more, with a width of 1.45 metres at the shoulders, the two double berths are still relatively comfortable. The longitudinal bulkhead between the cabins can also be easily removed, for example if the boat is sold to a private owner after being used for yacht charter.
However, the owner's version with the largely free-standing island bed and good access via the side is planned as the standard layout at the front. This is pleasant in the harbour and in the anchorage, but not very seaworthy for the long hauls. Leech sails are not available as an option and would have to be retrofitted. Sleeping aft is also comfortable and quiet, as the two cabins are separated by a fairly wide channel with storage spaces and room for on-board equipment. Nevertheless, the berths are still 1.55 metres wide at the shoulders, which is still a lot compared to the competition.
In the past, this much space below deck was only available on much larger ships
The galley is available in two versions. The split arrangement at the front of the main bulkhead leaves space for a second sofa on the starboard side, but is functionally reduced. The storage areas are small and there are only a few really usable storage spaces. If you often cook on the boat, you can opt for a galley as a long row at the side of the saloon. In this case, the work surfaces are larger, the storage space is more plentiful and the functionality is better. Otherwise, the storage space has become quite generous and, above all, the accessibility is exemplary. Where possible, Dufour has invested more effort in the production of drawers instead of storage compartments, which are more difficult to access.
However, no navigation is provided in either version. This measure emphasises the trend towards navigation with laptops and tablets. However, a chart table is still missing, even if only as a storage and office space. There is also a lack of handholds in the saloon for safe forward movement.
With a base price of 353,400 euros, the Dufour 44 is slightly cheaper than the competing boats from Bavaria, Beneteau and Hanse, which are also at least half a metre larger (see below). Seen in this light, the price classification also corresponds well with the difference in length.
Ultimately, customers looking at this class will not want to spend every euro. Rather, a successful package of comfort and good sailing characteristics as well as the individual options are decisive. And Dufour has a lot to offer in this respect with the new 44.
The measured values for the test of the Dufour 44
The Dufour 44 in detail
Technical data of the Dufour 44
- Designer: Felci Yacht Design
- CE design category: A
- Torso length: 13,10 m
- Overall length with bowsprit: 13,91 m
- Waterline length: 12,23 m
- Width: 4,45 m
- Draught/alternative: 2,20/1,75 m
- Mast height above WL: 19,20 m
- Theor. torso speed: 8.5 kn
- Weight: 10,2 t
- Ballast/proportion: 2,85 t/28 %
- Mainsail: 54,0 m²
- Self-tacking jib: 34,0 m²
- Furling genoa (optional): 46,0 m²
- Machine (Volvo): 36.7 kW/50 hp
- Fuel tank (PVC): 250 l
- Fresh water tank (PVC): 250 l
- Waste-holding tank (per wet room): 50 l
Hull and deck construction
Hull: GRP sandwich (vacuum infusion) with foam core. Deck: Sandwich with resin injection RTM
Equipment, price and shipyard
- Base price ex shipyard: 353.430 €
- Standard equipment included: engine, sails, sheets, railing, navigation lights, battery, compass, sails, cushions, galley/cooker, bilge pump, toilet, fire extinguisher, electric coolbox, waste-holding tank with suction system
- For an extra charge: Anchor with chain, fenders, mooring lines (in a package) €2,260, antifouling paint €3,330, clear sailing handover €3,500
- Price ready to sail: 362.520 €
- Guarantee/against osmosis: 2/5 years
Surcharge for comfort equipment
- Hole points verst..: Ocean Vers.
- Traveller: Ocean Vers.
- Electric windlass: Comfort Pack
- Tube kicker: Comfort Pack
- Backstay tensioner: 1.310 €
- Jumping cleats: incl.
- Sprayhood: 5.000 €
- Teak in the cockpit: 9.280 €
- VHF radio: Electronics pack
- Log and echo sounder: Electronics pack
- Wind measuring system: Electronics pack
- Autopilot: Electronics pack
- Charger: Comfort Pack
- Land connection: Comfort Pack
- 230 volt socket: Comfort Pack
- 12-volt socket in the sat nav: incl.
- Heating: 14.875 €
- Pressurised water system: incl.
- Hot water boiler: Comfort Pack
- Shower WC room: incl.
- Cockpit shower: Comfort Pack
- Ocean version (package): 9.520 €
- Comfort Pack: 21.420 €
- Electronics package: 10.700 €
- Comfort price: 434.625 €
Included in the basic price: Self-tacking device for jib, bathing platform with ladder
Also included in the equipment packages:
- Ocean: Four winches on coaming, German-Cupper mainsheet system
- Comfort: Lazy bags, cockpit table, blinds with mosquito net, electric seawater pump, wooden wine storage in the bilge
Motorisation
Standard four-cylinder diesel engine D2-50 (51 hp) from Volvo Penta with saildrive and two-blade fixed pitch propeller. Optional upgrade to D2-60 (58 hp). Alternative: "Smart Electric" electric hybrid drive, surcharge 77,350 euros
As of 04/2024, how the prices shown are defined can be found here!
Rig and sail
Basic equipment ex shipyard with self-tacking jib and single mainsail made of Dacron. A genoa with a 106 % overlap and hole points on deck is included as an alternative in the Ocean equipment package. Better cloth is also available as an option
Shipyard
Dufour Yachts, 17180 Périgny (FRA), www.dufour-yachts.com
Distribution
Dealer network
YACHT review of the Dufour 44
Extremely voluminous cruising boat from the new cruising range from Dufour Yachts. The full-bodied Felci design is visually polarising, but surprises with strong sailing characteristics and a good dose of sportiness. And the prices are right too
Design and concept
- + Uncompromising alignment
- + Robust construction
- - No navigation
- - Very low seating position on the bike
Sailing performance and trim
- + Good performance potential
- + Sails stiff and high on the wind
- - Sheet guidance not optimal
- - Not suitable for one-handed use
Living and finishing quality
- + Flexible expansion concept
- + Pantry in two versions
- + Good usable storage space
- - Few holding options
Equipment and technology
- + Several equipment bundles
- + Electric drive as an option
- + Control system very easily accessible
- + Functional bathing platform
