In collaboration with their design partners at Felci Yachts, the yacht builders in Périgny, near La Rochelle in France, have brought no fewer than five completely new models to fruition over the past three years, with hull lengths ranging from under ten metres to just under 17 metres. On top of that – almost as an afterthought – the entire production process has been overhauled, rebuilt and reorganised. A truly Herculean task for the shipyard and its workforce.
Exciting new products
The culmination of this intensive development work now comes in the form of the new flagship, the Dufour 54. It largely follows the design of the smaller Dufour 48 (reviewed in YACHT 17/2025). Nevertheless, the new model introduces a number of exciting and practical innovations. For instance, the cockpit now also features a layout with two tables. This arrangement allows for unobstructed passage through the cockpit, and thanks to the lowerable table tops, combined with the cockpit benches on either side, spacious sun loungers can be set up.
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As with the smaller Dufour 48 and 44 models, the shipyard has also provided more space between the helm stations and the seating areas on the 54, as well as an additional step. This makes it easier to move from the cockpit to the main deck – without having to climb. As an option, the Dufour 54 can be fitted with a sturdy targa bar above the cockpit, complemented by a large, well-supported hardtop. Alternatively, flexible solutions featuring foldable bimini tops in combination with a sprayhood are also available.
A three-sail aluminium rig is standard. Variants with a furling mainsail, as on the test boat, or a furling boom are also available. Dufour also offers flexibility when it comes to choosing the headsails: the options include an overlapping genoa with line-adjustable halyard points on the cabin superstructure, or a self-tacking jib on a long track at the bow.
A wide variety of options below deck
Below deck, the French designers have focused on plenty of space, light, light-coloured surfaces and good ventilation. Configurations featuring three or four spacious double cabins, each with its own en-suite bathroom, are planned, as is a special charter version with five cabins. The galley can either be positioned to one side of the saloon or extend across the full width of the vessel at the front, against the main bulkhead. A distinctive feature can be found in the spacious foredeck: In the ‘Master Suite’ variant, the cabin features a freestanding bed positioned athwartships, whilst the bathroom with a separate shower is located in the bow. The standard configuration offers a centrally positioned freestanding bed, with the shower and toilet in separate rooms.
The Dufour 54 is delivered ex-factory fitted with an 80 PS Yanmar inboard diesel engine and Saildrive. A more powerful 110 PS engine is available as an option. In addition, Dufour offers a hybrid version featuring an electric motor, a large battery bank and a generator for power generation. Solar panels on the roof and the option of hydrogen generation complement the sustainability concept, which is marketed under the name ODSea.
The price of the Dufour 54 in its standard configuration is 553,350 euros, including the sails and 19 per cent VAT.
The in-depth report on the test in La Rochelle will appear in mid-August in *YACHT*, issue 18/2025, and, of course, in full online at www.yacht.de
Technical Specifications: Dufour 54
- Designer: Felci Yachts
- Overall length: 16.84 m
- Hull length: 15.90 m
- Length at the waterline: 14.85 m
- Width: 5.25 m
- Draught: 2.40 m
- Draught with short keel: 2.00 m
- Weight: 16.95 t
- Ballast/percentage: 4.9 t / 29%
- Mainsail: 77.0 m²
- Self-tacking jib (standard): 56.0 m²
- Genoa (106%, optional): 67.0 m²
- Engine: Yanmar diesel 80 PS / 110 PS
- Fuel capacity: 450 l
- Fresh water capacity: from 450 l
Michael Good
Editor Test & Technology
