dufour 37 sailboat review

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Sailboat Review: Dufour 37

• By Herb McCormick
• July 11, 2023

For most of the ­decade starting around 2010, Dufour Yachts approached the business of making and marketing its performance cruising boats in a uniform manner. Nowhere was this more obvious than at gatherings such as the annual sailboat show in Annapolis, Maryland, where the company’s Grand Large line of boats was displayed, all clearly from the same lineage. They had nearly identical hull shapes and profiles, and matching beige canvas dodgers and Bimini tops. The only major thing that set them apart was the length of their waterlines. I quite liked those boats, which sailed well and offered extremely good value; in fact, I often had Dufour at the top of my list of favorite French production boatyards. 

Then, in 2018, Dufour was acquired by another iconic French yard—catamaran builder Fountaine Pajot—which slowly but surely is stamping its own imprint on the brand. The latest example of this evolution is the Dufour 37 that was introduced in Annapolis this past fall, replacing the 360 in the lineup (and measuring closer to 35 feet than 37 feet). 

Fountaine Pajot made no secret about its intention to modernize the Dufour line, which was clearly a priority in the aesthetics of the 37. The freeboard is ample, the angular windows in the hull and coachroof are flashy and accent one another, and the integrated bowsprit forward gives the whole shooting match a sense of purpose and performance. Throw in a forward sun deck with an inflatable lounging pad that can be stashed away when not in use (the catamaran guys in the building surely had a say here), and you have a contemporary package in looks and feel. 

But dive in a little closer, and the recent Dufour DNA is also evident. Which isn’t surprising, considering that the naval architect is perennial Dufour designer Umberto Felci, the creative force behind the previous Grand Large assemblage. This boat has all the hallmarks we’ve come to expect in a Dufour offering in recent years: a traditional full-battened mainsail (not a furling main), a plumb bow, twin wheels and a single rudder, a roomy cockpit, a “plancha” grill aft, and a ­drop-down transom. 

I’m thinking about features like these because nowadays, I’m spending about half the year living aboard a “classic plastic” 36-foot production cruiser from the mid-1970s (see “Off Watch,” page 82), an experience that has convinced me that this size range is pretty ideal for a cruising couple. But the Dufour 37 has also driven home how much more voluminous and comfortable—thanks to major advancements in design and execution—a modern yacht in the 35-foot size range can be. Almost all that extra volume is attributable to the boat’s considerable beam (a generous 12 feet, 6 inches or a 3-to-1 length-beam ratio) that makes for fuller forward sections and that is carried well aft. Compared with my old Pearson, it’s absolutely astounding how much more square footage has been added to the interior of boats of similar lengths.

The 37 is available in two layouts: a three-­stateroom version with a pair of ­double staterooms aft, and a two-stateroom plan that was on our test boat (each has a single head, which is significantly larger in the latter version). Settees and tables in the salon and cockpit convert to bunks, which means the three-stateroom model can sleep eight people. I believe this reflects the communal French approach to cruising, where it’s not uncommon to see a small platoon of friends and family take to sea. For the ways I use a boat—with a significant other and occasional guests—the two-stateroom layout is ideal, and all the better for the massive stowage compartment you get in lieu of one of those aft staterooms.

Construction is straightforward, with an infused hull that incorporates a foam core above the waterline and a deck injected with closed-cell foam. The keel is fitted with a substantial ballast bulb for stiffness and stability. The standard engine is an 18.8 hp Volvo Penta, but our test boat had the optional 30 hp diesel (both are saildrive configurations) that caught the eye of Boat of the Yea r judge Ed Sherman. “There are a lot of nice, small touches here that make a difference,” he said. “For example, while motoring, the boat was among the quietest in our group this year, rivaling some of its competitors costing significantly more money.” 

At the end of the day, ­however, no matter what building methods have been employed or how many beds you’ve got, for me, on any sailboat, what matters most is simply the quality of the sailing experience. Otherwise, why buy a new sailboat? And I have to say, on that count, the Dufour 37 delivers big time. 

There are three performance packages available—Easy (with self-tacking jib), Ocean and Performance—with upgraded winch and hardware features as you ascend the performance scale. Our test boat was tricked out with an overlapping headsail, a whopper of an asymmetric spinnaker, and the related gear necessary for optimal trimming, which felt right; this isn’t a boat where you want to put a governor on the sailing experience. 

Chesapeake Bay was in a cooperative mood, with a solid 12 to 14 knots of southwesterly breeze pumping across the waters. Upwind, the boat was quick and easy to steer, but the highlight was setting the kite and attaining liftoff. Powered up, the boat was fast, reaching at more than 8 knots, and it tracked like a racehorse, but with a helm still under fingertip control. Our Boat of the Year panel enjoyed many a rocking great sail, and the Dufour 37 provided one of the more memorable.

In short, with its new landlords in place, Dufour still has changes coming. Yet, as the company approaches its 60th year of operation, it remains on a straight, smooth course.

Dufour 34 Specifications

Herb McCormick is a yachting correspondent for The New York Times and former editor-in-chief of Cruising World . An author of five ­nautical books, he’s owned several sailboats, including his current Pearson 365 and Pearson Ensign. 

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Dufour 37 review: Cruiser with all the latest trends

• David Harding
• February 21, 2024

The effects of the scow-bow revolution are filtering down from offshore race boats, but what do they mean for a coastal cruiser? David Harding sailed the Dufour 37 to find out

Product Overview

Price as reviewed:.

The latest offering by Dufour, the Dufour 37 offers a hull shape that points to the direction of travel in the cruising market. You don’t have to be a dedicated follower of fashion in the world of offshore racing to have noticed the arrival of the scow-bow. The new generation, scow-bowed IMOCAS, Class 40s and Mini 650s are the ones leading the way. You might also have seen boats like Jeanneau’s Sun Fast 3300 , with its semi-scow bow, going rather fast in races closer to home.

While all this has been happening on the race course, production cruising yachts have been developing fuller bow sections too. Not so very long ago, it was all about the sporty look of the fine entry – almost a case of the finer the bow, the sportier the boat. So what’s going on?

As ever, where racing boats lead, cruising boats follow – at least to some extent. What works on a lightweight racer doesn’t necessarily work on a heavier cruiser, so we might not see scow sections on mainstream cruising yachts just yet.

Nonetheless, some of the same fundamental principles apply. Cruisers had been developing such broad sterns that, when they heeled, the stern went up, the bow went down and the boat no longer wanted to sail in a straight line. Making the stern narrower was no good because it would leave less room for the barbecue in the cockpit and the double aft cabins down below, so the solution was to make the bow fuller.

Offshore racers had already twigged that fuller bow sections did wonders for downwind performance. For them, of course, most of their sailing is downwind in breezy conditions, so they can afford to optimise their designs for that sort of sailing. For coastal racing that’s going to include a range of wind strengths and upwind work too, a compromise is needed and the result is a shape more like that of the Sun Fast.

As for cruising yachts – well, fuller bow sections help balance broad sterns and, helpfully, they create enormous forecabins. This allows the master cabin to move into the bow on a boat of a length that has never had a master cabin in the bow before.

Sitting at the helm, you’re low down, right aft and close to the stern rail. Photo: David Harding

Moving forward on the Dufour 37

Having the master cabin forward makes sense in many ways. It’s quieter if you’re berthed stern-to in a marina (crew walking along the pontoon and through the cockpit, for instance), and you have much more room above the berth. It’s also quieter in an anchorage because it gets you away from the noise of the waves slapping under the stern.

Notable examples of new ‘broad at both ends’ designs include the GT325 and the Dufour 37 – not that it is 37ft long. Those of us familiar with the French custom of making their boats sound longer than they really are might think that Dufour is pushing things even by Gallic standards, calling this one a 37 when the hull is less than 33ft long. Their logic is that this 33-footer (hull length 32ft 9in) is roomier than almost any 37 of a generation or two ago.

In broad terms, the new arrival continues the direction of travel that Dufour established some time ago. It has a beamy hull with generous freeboard, a full-length chine just above the waterline, and a single rudder.

Article continues below…

If you were to see the Dufour 37 beam-on, you might not notice anything in particular apart from what appears to be a large window in the middle of the topsides (not all of it actually forms the window area – the rest is for show). It’s set into a stylishly contoured recess in the hull moulding that extends some way aft. Viewing the boat from the bow or the quarter, however, the full forward sections are clear.

The big question is how well they work on a cruising yacht with its greater weight, shallower draught and smaller sail area than its racing counterparts.

To find out, I hopped aboard with Dufour’s UK dealer, Universal Yachting, for a sail from Hamble to Yarmouth. The forecast promised a south-westerly of 12-18 knots. Combined with an ebb tide most of the way, it would give us a decent beat into a wind-over-tide Solent chop, so we would see how well this extremely high-volume boat coped.

The bridle for the mainsheet is simpler and more economical than a traveller but more efficient than strong-points on deck. Photo: David Harding

Before we passed Calshot and hardened up to head west, we had to reach down Southampton Water. That’s when it became clear that the boat was both quick and well balanced when pressed reasonably hard with the wind on the beam. A lot of boats become seriously hard-nosed and challenging to keep on track on a breezy reach.

The Dufour 37 made nothing of it, developing negligible weather helm in 15-18 knots of wind and surfing readily at over 8 knots down the wash kicked up by a passing powerboat.

Taking the rough

Out in the Solent we typically had between 16 and 20 knots of wind across the deck, so full canvas was the order of the day until an increase later to around 24 knots apparent (approaching 20 knots true) made life more comfortable with a slab in the main.

The Dufour was quick to show her performance credentials, making between 5.8 and 6.3 knots at 35° to the apparent wind, proving nicely responsive and remaining light on the helm. Significantly, she was unfazed by the occasional steeper wave, answering my question about whether the full entry and beamy, flat-sectioned hull would make her prone to slamming in a seaway – or at least in 15 knots of wind against tide in the Solent. She punched her way through decisively and threw very little spray back to the cockpit.

A FlatDeck furler keeps the jib’s tack close to the deck. Photo: David Harding

A beamy, chined hull like this provides a lot of form stability, allowing the boat to sail comfortably upright while carrying enough canvas to power through a chop in the conditions we experienced. Boats of this nature like to be sailed pretty flat, so don’t expect them to be as tolerant as more traditional designs if you let them heel beyond a critical angle.

Easy sailing on the Dufour 37

On the day of our test, the Dufour 37 proved that she’s fast and responsive enough to satisfy people who enjoy sailing for sailing’s sake – in moderate conditions, at least – yet sufficiently docile and undemanding not to frighten anyone of a more nervous disposition. Sail controls, as you would expect, are fairly basic.

Nonetheless, given that you’re almost invariably going to have the mainsheet forward of the cockpit on a boat like this, it’s good to see the purchase taken to a bridle rather than directly to strong points on deck. That’s an idea that the cruising world has, rather belatedly, borrowed from dinghies.

Another good compromise between cost and efficiency can be seen in the sheeting arrangement for the 108% headsail, which is an upgrade from the standard self-tacker. Instead of using cars and tracks, the Dufour has borrowed the race-boat idea of low-friction rings on barber-haulers.

Headsail sheets are led through low-friction rings adjusted by barber-haulers, but the positioning needs refining. Photo: David Harding

In this case there’s no inhauler-outhauler adjustment and the positioning of the various elements needs tweaking to give control over the sheeting angle when the sail is reefed. A useful addition would be a strong-point on the gunwale to move the sheet lead outboard and help control twist on a reach. Fundamentally it’s a good system in need of a little refining.

As well as the overlapping headsail, upgrades on our test boat included laminate sails as opposed to the standard suit in Dacron. If you want to make the most of what appears to be quite a slippery hull, you could go further and add the Performance package, which gives you a deeper fin (standard draught is 1.9m/6ft 3in), adjustable backstays (always a good idea) and various other upgrades including a ‘performance cockpit table’. A folding prop (we had the fixed two-blader) is listed separately.

Back at deck level, things are much as you would expect on a modern family cruiser. Hardware is kept to a minimum (just two Lewmar 40 winches on the coachroof as standard) and lines from the mast are led aft under deck mouldings. A moulded upstand forms part of the hull-to-deck joint, creating flat-topped bulwarks.

In marina mode with the stern platform down, showing the sink and gas barbecue. Photo: David Harding

A wheel in each corner

Upgrades on our test Dufour 37 included the German mainsheet system, with the tails taken to coaming winches forward of the wheels (which were composite as opposed to the standard stainless). For my liking, the wheels are a little too far outboard. They’re also about as far aft as they could be and, because of the shallow cockpit, you feel quite low in relation to them when sitting outboard. You’re also rather hemmed in by the stern rail, so I found it more comfortable to stand. Such matters are subjective and no doubt one would adapt.

Helmsman’s seats (for anyone who really wants to sit behind rather than outboard of the wheel) hinge up for boarding over the stern. Between them on our test boat were the sink and barbecue, among the extras together with the hinge-down transom platform, synthetic teak in the cockpit, cockpit table, lifeline gates, various extra ports, an anchor windlass and the 30hp Volvo saildrive instead of the 19hp. The centre section of the stern seat, over the barbecue, hinges at the forward end, so the idea is that you do your al fresco cooking from the platform.

For a production boat the Dufour is nicely finished. The high-volume hull creates a lot of space for a 33-footer. Photo: David Harding

Having the wheels right in the corners does create more space elsewhere in the cockpit, and space – in the cockpit, on deck and down below – is what the Dufour 37 is all about. When the boat’s heeled, you can sit on the cockpit seats and brace your legs against the table – a good reason for having it – or outboard of the coamings and lean back against the guardwires. The Dufour’s sidedecks are wide enough to make that comfortable.

All told it’s quite a user-friendly cockpit. Inevitably it feels more open than cockpits on deeper or narrower boats. That’s a function of wide sterns, high cockpit soles and low coachroofs. In port, at anchor and under sail in anything other than heavy weather, it’s just what you would want.

Stowing away

Cockpit stowage is in a locker to starboard. It’s half-depth if you have the second double cabin in the stern, as we did, or full-depth with just one cabin. More stowage is beneath the cockpit sole abaft the starboard wheel. A matching hatch to port leads to the gas locker.

Full bow sections lead to a forecabin of a size rarely, if ever, seen before on a sailing yacht of this length. Photo: David Harding

Leaving the cockpit and going down the companionway takes you into the saloon of what feels like a much bigger boat.

In the modern style it’s bright and airy, with pale-coloured joinery and an abundance of natural light flooding in through the large and plentiful ports and hatches.

Dufour’s double doors to the forecabin create a semi open-plan feel, and of course the forecabin is enormous. It features an island bed (it’s too grand to be called a ‘berth’) and a good amount of stowage, plus a window in the forward end of the coachroof that gives a view forward when you’re standing up.

What you don’t get (apart from your own heads compartment – there are limits) is hullside ports. You have them in the saloon instead. You look out through them from long, straight settee berths, between which is a substantial table hiding a box seat that slides out from underneath for use anywhere you choose.

Appealing features in the stylish galley include the all-Corian worktop and trim. Photo: David Harding

On our test boat with the three-cabin layout, the heads was in its forward position, opposite the galley. If you’re happy with one aft cabin, you have a bigger heads further aft with an access door to the stern locker. This creates a more open saloon, the space opposite the galley being occupied by a worktop with a large locker beneath and stowage outboard.

Structurally, a tray moulding covering the keel matrix is bonded to the floorpan and extends up to the bottom of the bunks. Both the hull and deck are formed by vacuum infusion. Among details worthy of note in the Dufour is that solid trim is still used around door frames, table edges and in other areas where the joinery might take a knock, whereas some builders have moved to veneered trim throughout.

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Like many of the current generation of family cruisers, the Dufour 37 is a clever piece of design. Boats like this will never be for the purist, but they’re a vast improvement over their equivalents from a couple of generations ago, which often had tubby, unbalanced hulls, shallow fins without bulbs, under-sized rudders and stumpy rigs. They were under-powered, under-ballasted and, all too often, singularly uninteresting to sail. Developments in design result in boats like the Dufour. I still have reservations about how boats of this shape will handle heavier conditions, given their considerable windage, modest ballast and reliance on form stability. Comfort in a seaway is another question, as anyone familiar with Ted Brewer’s Comfort Ratio will understand. For the conditions in which most people want to sail, however – away from the light or seriously heavy – the Dufour promises a satisfying performance and she’s an easy and comfortable boat to spend time aboard.

Practical Boat Owner

• Digital edition

Dufour 37: ‘a fast, comfortable cruiser’

• Peter Poland
• April 9, 2024

Peter Poland sails the sparkling performing and spacious Dufour 37

In light airs, the chine remains above the water. Once the boat heels, it immerses and adds to stability. Credit: Peter Poland Credit: Peter Poland

Product Overview

Price as reviewed:.

The Dufour 37, introduced to the market at the end of 2022, is an excellent example of how modern yacht design has progressed.

This Dufour has a long waterline length of 9.31m/30ft 7on on a hull length of 9.99m/32ft 9in (excluding bowsprit).

Yet thanks to her modern hull shape and distinct hull chines, she offers all the space and comfort of a much larger yacht without sacrificing any of the performance or handling qualities.

When Michel Dufour set up his business in the 1960s, I recall seeing his first production yacht – the 22ft Sylphe that he designed in 1964 – lurking in the Pembroke Hall extension at the back of the Earls Court Boat Show.

Its wide beam, bulbed fin keel , skeg-hung rudder and spacious accommodation for a boat of its humble size were way ahead of its time.

The Dufour 37 comes as standard with a self-tacking jib. The 108% Genoa and German system for mainsail sheeting are part of the Ocean Version package. Credit: Jean-Marie Liot/Dufour Yachts

In 1966 Dufour went on to design and build one of the most important and influential GRP boats of all time.

The 30ft Arpège came with spacious accommodation – thanks to its beam of 3m – and was such a successful cruiser-racer that around 1,500 were sold.

Amazingly, it also won the inaugural Half Ton Cup held in La Rochelle in 1967.

The Arpège put Michel Dufour well and truly on the map as a designer and builder of fast cruisers.

After several decades with various owners such as Baron Bich and the successful entrepreneur Olivier Poncin, the Dufour company has continued to go from strength to strength since being acquired in 2018 by leading catamaran builder Fountaine-Pajot.

The Dufour model range now includes the Dufour 32 , 37, 41 (new 2023), 44 (new 2024), 470, 530, 56 and 61.

The extended chine adds to the Dufour 37’s directional and lateral stability. Credit: Peter Poland

Since 2002, Dufour has collaborated with the highly regarded design team from Felci Yachts who together have produced over 40 new models, several winning major awards.

The Dufour 37 was runner-up in the 2023 European Yacht of the Year Award for the best family yacht, while other models have won awards in the USA – the Dufour range is as highly regarded in the USA as it is in Europe.

Always at the forefront of innovation, Dufour has long held the approach that whenever they launch a new model it will come with a completely new design.

This commitment, along with the stability of a long-standing relationship with Felci Yachts, has allowed their design ideas to evolve naturally into the modern hull shapes and many other innovations that we see today.

Chris Warwick of UK Dufour agents Universal Yachting said the first Dufour to feature hull chines was back in 2011 with the Dufour 36 Performance.

Soon after, chined hulls were incorporated into their cruising range where their introduction into modern yacht design has had a pronounced effect on both the sailing experience as well as performance.

The drop down swim platform on the Dufour 37. Credit: Jean-Marie Liot/Dufour Yachts

He added that “working with the keel, the chines help keep a yacht upright by creating resistance as it begins to heel. Sailing a yacht upright opens up more sail area to the wind which improves performance. It also makes a yacht more comfortable and easier to sail.

“Faster and more comfortable to sail modern hull shapes have also led to a massive increase in the usable space both above and below decks offering living spaces that are unrecognisable compared to previous generations of yachts.”

In the ‘old days’ chines were primarily used to make the construction of plywood hulls simple and strong. Little regard was given to their performance-enhancing attributes and once GRP construction took over, chines were cast aside.

Chines and the extra performance and stability they produced later reappeared in racing yachts.

Hunter designer David Thomas was then among the first to reintroduce chines on the aft quarters of quick cruising boats including the 1996 Ranger 265 and pilothouse Pilot 27.

He also incorporated chines on the 1995 Hunter 707; a leading planing sports-boat of its time.

The extra comfort and space in the cruisers’ aft-cabins and the enhanced performance of the 707 were immediately obvious.

Thomas obtusely said: “Water likes chines. They tell it which way to go.”

On the new Dufour 37, chines extend from the stem to the stern.

Three-cabin version with twin stern cabins; the heads/shower compartment is ahead of the starboard aft cabin access. Forecabin stowage lockers are behind the opened double doors. Credit: Jean-Marie Liot/Dufour Yachts

They help to reduce the heeling angle and add to the crew’s comfort in the cockpit and below deck. The wide side decks also make moving around the boat much easier.

Another important feature of the Dufour 37 is its underwater hull form.

It has a deeper forefoot and a rounded hull shape designed by Felci to reduce noise and slamming in a seaway.

The bow of the Dufour 37 and – to a larger degree – the bow on the new 41 and 44 have a hint of the modern ‘scow bow’ shape that increases performance and enhances the space in the forecabin.

In addition to reducing heel, the full-length hull chines also enable the beam to be pulled well aft.

This gives ample space in the cockpit and produces extra volume below.

Removable work surfaces above the cooker and sinks maximise preparation areas. Credit: Jean-Marie Liot/Dufour Yachts

The forward extension to the chines also adds balance under sail and increases space in the bow.

Until recently there was a distinct divide between cruising yachts and performance yachts, but recent evolutions in design mean there has been a noticeable increase in the performance of the perceived ‘cruising yacht‘.

On some designs this means that the need to have two distinct ranges has largely disappeared; unless the customer is in the market for an extreme flat-out racer.

The designers maintain that modern Dufours aim to offer the comforts of a cruising yacht without sacrificing performance.

On the latest Dufours, the customer can choose between three different versions depending on the type of sailing they enjoy: Easy, Ocean or Performance.

Added to this Dufour clients also have a choice of interior layouts and décor options and a variety of equipment choices.

The two-cabin accommodation layout. Credit: Dufour Yachts

Interestingly Chris Warwick said the Ocean option is proving the most popular.

The 37’s construction features an infusion-moulded solid hull with a deck that is injection-moulded.

There are some distinct advantages of the infusion and injection moulding process, not least that it allows for precise control of the resin-to-fibre ratio and an even distribution of resin throughout the structure.

This enables manufacturers to consistently deliver a quality hull and deck structure that is strong and lighter than traditional methods.

The cockpit is big enough to have space for a large table (with integral grab handles), twin wheels with pedestals and mounting panels for instruments, an easy passage to the bathing platform, and the popular optional integrated Plancha BBQ with a sink that is accessed from the platform.

When the platform is raised, it encloses the aft end of the cockpit. The liferaft stowage locker is revealed when the platform is lowered.

The Dufour 37 comes with a mainsail area of 32m2/344.45ft2. Credit: Jean-Marie Liot/Dufour Yachts

Hinging helmsman’s seats on each side also give easy access to and from the platform.

The stern platform made an immediate impression. Instead of having to board the Dufour 37 by opening an optional gate in the guardrails and clambering up over the topsides, I could step straight onto the platform and into the cockpit via the two hinging seats on the transom.

This route is also ideal for boarding from a tender .

Once Chris had fired up the Volvo D1-30 (an extremely quiet optional upgrade of the standard D1-20), the benefits of designer Felci’s single semi-elliptical rudder became obvious.

Some call him ‘the master of the single rudder’… and with good reason.

Being on the centreline, the balanced rudder’s grip on the water when motoring astern was immediately obvious.

To emphasise his point before leaving the marina, Chris executed a sequence of low-speed manoeuvres astern without ever resorting to the bow thruster.

The Jefa rudder system also adds to the easy control of the 37.

Under way outside the Hamble, the D1-30 pushed the 37 up to its hull speed of around 7.4 knots.

I suspect the smaller standard D1-20 engine will achieve similar speeds in flat water while the D1-30’s extra power will maintain speed in rougher seas.

When motoring at speed the semi-elliptical rudder remained light and easy to control.

When the sails were raised, the wind was a light 8-10 knots.

The test boat was the Ocean version with upgraded laminate sails including a 108% overlapping genoa and fully battened mainsail.

A very nice feature of this option is that the tracks and cars on the side deck have been replaced with genoa sheet friction rings with tackles on the coachroof, leaving the side decks completely clear.

The boat as standard comes with a Dacron mainsail and self-tacking jib with in-mast mainsail furling as an option.

Hard on the wind at 32° apparent, the 37 made 5.6 knots under full mainsail in the light breeze. At 125° apparent, this increased to over 6 knots.

At all times there was very little pressure on the wheel and the boat was a delight to handle.

When I jumped into a RIB to photograph the Dufour 37 under sail, the wind perversely increased.

I watched the Dufour 37 pick up her skirts and accelerate without having the pleasure of helming her at this extra speed.

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Once I clambered back on board I enjoyed steering her again.

Tacking is as simple as it gets with both the main and jib sheets coming back to two aft winches, allowing the helm to control everything without leaving the twin wheels.

Before we turned back and headed towards Hamble, we had an interesting moment sailing upwind of a First 40.7.

This Bruce Farr-designed race-boat dates from the late 1990s and had elderly-looking sails, but it appeared to be racing with a full crew.

It was considerably longer overall than the Dufour 37… which soon overhauled it.

Down below, the Dufour 37 has many attractions, not least the amount of natural light that floods in through the deck and hull windows which just adds to the overall feeling of space which is quite remarkable for what is essentially a 32ft 9in hull.

An attractive teak finish is standard while optional light oak adds a touch of bright modernity.

There’s also an extensive choice of fabrics and upholstery. There are two internal layouts, two-cabin and three-cabin.

The forecabin has a 2m-long berth with ample width to make a comfortable double, allowing you to sleep with your head towards the bow.

The three-cabin option offers twin stern cabins with 2m x 1.55m-wide berths.

The standard two-cabin layout has a single stern cabin to port with a large 2m x 2m athwartships berth.

On the two-cabin layout, the aft heads and shower compartment to starboard is larger and has access aft to a cavernous cockpit locker.

On both layouts, Dufour offers an inflatable cushion to convert an area adjacent to the saloon table into an extra and wider berth.

Access to the chain locker is via a watertight hatch in the bulkhead ahead of the large double berth rather than via a deck locker.

The cabin is accessed via double doors set in the saloon bulkhead which, when open, adds a great sense of space to the saloon and interior.

The saloon is equally welcoming, light and airy.

The finely crafted saloon table has large hinging leaves and contains a dedicated cutlery drawer at its aft end.

There’s also a clever optional ‘box stool’ that stows under the table, making an extra seat at the end of the table.

On the two-cabin version, there’s a worktop to starboard with extra stowage in the lockers above and below.

This useful extra space results from enlarging and moving the heads compartment further aft.

The L-shaped galley is to port and forward of the port stern cabin.

The optional light oak trim provides a modern and airy ambience. There’s stowage in overhead lockers, behind the backrests, under the saloon settees and in the table. Credit: Jean-Marie Liot/Dufour Yachts

The test boat had the full Comfort Pack that includes a two-burner cooker with oven, hot water boiler and numerous sundry items such as the cockpit table, aft bathing platform and extra battery .

The worktop area can be extended with a removable cover over the cooker and two covers over the double sink as well as by making use of the lid over the large refrigerator.

Overall, the Dufour 37 is a fast and comfortable cruiser.

Its hull form also provides an exceptional amount of well-designed space below for its hull length of 9.99m/32ft 9in and overall length of 10.77m/35ft 4in.

As one American magazine concluded: ‘The Dufour 37 won over the jury for both her performance and her remarkable living space, which is comparable to that of a bigger boat … With her performance under sail and her ease of handling, the Dufour 37 offers undeniable pleasure at the helm.’

I can only agree.

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Dufour 37 Review

Boat of the Year 2022 award - this alone is enough to characterize the new sailing yacht Dufour 37 . Especially considering that it was first presented in July of the same year. A dynamic boat with a sporty character - this is how the boat dealers defined its features when it was just presented. At the same time, the model was compared with its younger sister - Dufour 32 . Continuity of the best plus innovation - this is the formula for the success of the Dufour Yachts shipyard.

The shipyard remained true to its ambitious aspirations to provide all lovers of sailing cruises with relatively inexpensive maneuverable yachts of various sizes and with the most comfortable layout in different variations.

Dufour 37 continues the best traditions of its predecessors in this size range (from 9 to 11 meters), which are the sailboats of the shipyard 350 and 360 . According to the architects and designers of Felci Yacht Design, they carefully preserve Dufour's DNA, on the basis of which they introduce innovations dictated by the requirements of yachtsmen and time. Time usually dictates the need to change technologies. The commitment of the design team to the new resulted in significant upgrade of the hull, the replacement of obsolete materials with innovative ones, and a more comfortable distribution of space.

However, enough with boring enumerations, since there are eyewitness accounts who were able to see, touch and steer the new Dufour 37 sailing yacht. After all, topRik team experts never offer something that they themselves have not experienced in practice.

Features of Dufour 37

• Brand: Dufour Yachts
• Hull type: Sailing yacht
• Overall length, m: 10.77
• Width, m: 3.8
• Draft, m: 1.9
• Displacement, T: 6.747
• Keel weight, T: 1.86
• Water tanks, l: 180
• Exterior design (Architect): Felci Yacht Design
• Interior design: Felci Yacht Design
• CE Certification: A
• Mainsail type: Fully battened
• Jib type: Furling genoa
• Mainsail area, m²: 33
• Jib area, m²: 25.9
• Engine, HP: 18.8
• Fuel tanks, l: 160

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Dufour 37 review by toprik team.

Let's start right away with the fact that there is no error in the technical specifications above. The length of the boat is actually 35 feet, that is, a little more than 10.5 meters. We did not try to get into this yacht with the whole team in order to check the shipyard's application for a capacity of 8 people. It so happened that Dufour 37 was examined by two members of the topRik team, and the giants from our crew were not with us this time.

Innovation from the Get-Go

We noticed some changes from far away. The transom platform has been lowered and is much smaller than its predecessor models. On the one hand, this size is more in harmony with the size of the yacht, and on the other hand, it eliminates the excessive load on the hinges and the transom, and, consequently, damage done to them.

Entrance to the Dufour 37 is possible from two sides of the platform, and not just one, as in the 360 model, thanks to the fact that both folding seats in front of the helms open the entrance to the cockpit. Between the seats there is a locker for a rolled-up raft or inflatable dinghy, which is covered by a raised platform. And since the platform is shortened, it is exactly flush with the seats in height, that is, they do not have a back. But under each one there is a dry locker.

We sat down in a corner, each opposite his own helm - it’s convenient - there is something to rest against with your back, there is place to rest your legs also, and besides, you have an excellent view of the whole boat. Yet in the model 360 sitting with such amenities at the helm on the port side was not possible. And this is already the third excellent solution that we come across from the get-go.

We will not be distracted by keeping score further on, but will simply mention that under the folding panels there are necks for refueling water (on the port side) and fuel (on the starboard side).

The deck shower remained in its place - perhaps this is part of the Dufour's DNA code. As well as the folding table in the cockpit and the sink with grill or plancha next to it. But even here you can find an update - under the reclining seats of the sofas, located on both sides of the table, there are lockers now.

One of them holds a huge amount of cargo and has access not only from the cockpit, but also from the bathroom.

The helmsman areas have changed significantly. They've got panels that house a variety of instruments - a tachometer, a thruster control panel and an autopilot, which brings the Dufour 37 closer to the shipyard's 430 and 470 models, which are over 12 meters long.

By analogy with the same models, the chartplotter is placed on the end part of the table, turned towards the helms. It is thanks to a smaller size of the boat and, accordingly, the cockpit that such placement is justified. The image on the screen is perfectly visible from behind the helm, which cannot be said about boats that are 13-14 meters long. There, you really want the chartplotter to be on the panel even if you have eagle vision. So, we weren’t sure whether one should attribute these panels to Dufour's DNA code or to innovation. Probably, these are the innovations that grow into the code more and more confidently.

The control panel for the anchor winch and the control of the anchor chain is also placed directly behind the helm. Here, at arm's length, there are 4 winches for controlling sailing rigging. Very comfortable.

We warmly welcomed the replacement of the built-in fender with a bulwark. It due to the fact that the amount of work to care for the yacht has decreased. And of course, we appreciated the additional rigidity that the bulwark gave to the structure due to the innovative method of gluing the hull to the deck.

There are also two winches on the deckhouse roof to control the boom sheet. They can be operated manually or, if desired, you can install models with an electric drive.

Small Boat on a Big Voyage

You do not risk losing comfort when going on a sea cruise on Dufour 37. The cockpit makes it clear that it is convenient to manage the boat and comfortably relax, sunbathe or dine outdoors, using a grill (or planch) for cooking.

There is enough space on the deck not only for the skipper's movements, but also for those who like to sunbathe in the bow, enjoying the beauty of the surroundings when you are anchored off the coast, or in the endless expanse of the sea. The bowsprit gives dynamism to the hull, and together with the roller serves to set sails for downwind. This is basic equipment - the boat is sold with a bowsprit and roller already installed.

The skipper in the photo below is almost above the chain box - access to the box from the deck is not possible. But on the deck behind the skipper you can see the buttons for foot control of the anchor. And let's not forget about the anchor chain control panel located in the cockpit.

Pay attention to these numerous hatches, as well as to the large side windows of the cabin. This provides the interior of the yacht with sufficient natural light. This not only saves power, but also protects your eyes from the harmful effects of artificial light sources.

The standard sailing equipment includes an automatic jib - in the photo above you can see its travel trail. Genoa a possible option. Discuss all the features of sailing rig with topRik experts - they will advise you in detail and help you choose sails and rigging according to your requirements.

We look around in the cabin and make sure that there are not so many changes here - the designers armed themselves with the “if it ain't broke, don't fix it”. Only a large floor cabinet appeared, and the scale shrank a little - basically, due to the toilet room (entrance on the left in the photo below).

For us, people of slightly above average height not on the heavy side, it did not seem cramped. In the toilet room there is a washbasin, a toilet bowl, mirrors and shelves behind them, also a hand shower. And behind the door there is a very spacious vertical niche where you can place a washing machine, diving or fishing equipment, an inflatable boat or a raft, and even all this combined.

In the cabin, we see another tradition of the shipyard - no matter how small the boat is, you can take on it everything that will provide you with a comfortable life on a cruise. And for this, the salon and cabins (as well as the cockpit, as we have already seen) are equipped with a large number of all kinds of cabinets, lockers and other places to store this everything that you cannot do without. Except for your car, unfortunately.

And you can see how much light enters the cabin from the side windows and deck hatches. And what a wonderful view of the sea, sky and sails opens up over your head when you are sitting or lying in a cozy lounge!

Comfortable sofas with soft cushions are perfect for relaxing with family or friends. And for a pleasant meal there is a table that unfolds and becomes three times wider. Its dimensions do not even suffer from the fact that a carrier rack passes through one of its sides. Like all furniture, the table also provides pull-out compartments and niches for storing cutlery, water and wine.

All this splendor is complemented by a well-equipped L-shaped galley, which seems to have been transferred here from the Dufour 360. A spacious top-loading refrigerator, a large and deep sink with an additional small compartment, a stove with a 2-burner hob and an oven, a trash can compartment, lockers above the galley - this is an incomplete list of galley items and equipment in the saloon.

The electrical panel in the saloon is influenced by the new owners of the shipyard - Fountaine Pajot. There are very convenient large keys instead of the touchpads that were previously installed on the Dufours. We clicked them with pleasure and were convinced that this is a wonderful and justified replacement.

For interior trim and cabins, the designers offer natural oak and mahogany veneer - at the choice of the buyer. We looked at the boat, that was finished in bleached oak, but we have experience living on yachts and catamarans with mahogany veneer. We think that for this size, a light finish is preferable. But for lovers of yachting classics, of course, we will deliver an option with an interior according to your taste and choice.

By the way, about the cabins. They should be given a special section, although on the Dufour 37 they exceeded all expectations for comfort in a boat of this size. Especially the owner's cabin…

My Cabin Is My Castle

Once again, we are reviewing the 2-cabin version of the Dufour 37, where the owner of the yacht automatically becomes the sole owner of the bow cabin. The huge (really huge!) bed is amazing here. Unlike the bed of the predecessor yacht, the Dufour 37's bow cabin bed is not divided into three narrow sections.

There is also enough natural light, which penetrates both through the portholes and through the hatches. As you can see even in the photo, there is a large margin of height. A great place for solitude and relaxation after a night watch or at an anchorage.

The second cabin in this version is designed for two berths. If we take into account the possibility of organizing sleeping places in the cabin, with this configuration, 6 people can be accommodated on the yacht. The second cabin is located aft of the yacht. It is also increased in size, which made it possible to increase the 2-seater bed. The area of the bed can be slightly increased due to special poufs. Under the mattress there is a large place for storing the bedding and there is also a wardrobe.

In the three-cabin version of the Dufour 37, the master cabin remains unchanged, two cabins are added in the bow, each with 2 berths. It's just that the forward cabin is divided by a partition and two double beds are installed in each section. In this case, the yacht can accommodate up to 8 people, if you arrange sleeping places in the saloon.

Advantages of Dufour 37

By tradition, before listing the advantages, let's talk about what the disadvantages seemed to be. We immediately warn you: what we considered shortcomings does not affect the seaworthiness, as well as the management of the yacht. Rather, it concerns comfortable driving conditions and stay on board.

For example, we appreciated the plastic helms, which are lighter than carbon, which is important for a boat of this size, or rather, for its autopilot. But the black color in hot weather will surely absorb the sun's rays with pleasure, and the steering wheel will become hot. Gray, beige colors would be more optimal here.

And again, about the throttle handle - it seems out of place, and you constantly trip over it as it catches you either by the calf or the knee. For people who have it on knee level, it is especially inconvenient to bend to use it. The appearance of an additional panel on the helm gives hope that the throttle stick in subsequent models will move closer to it and be located at a higher distance from the deck.

It is always easy and pleasant to talk about the merits, especially when it comes to a sea sailing ship with traditions. We highlighted the following features of the cruising sailing yacht Dufour 37:

• the use of innovative technologies, high-quality materials and equipment, which ensures the reliability of the yacht, the comfort and safety of being on board and managing the boat;
• double comfort – in the management of the boat and in life on board;
• excellent seaworthiness due to the new hull shape, similar to the hulls of offshore racing yachts;
• improved steering feel due to the new body shape;
• increased yacht power by lengthening the mast to increase the sail area;
• single rudder and twin steering wheels improve the responsiveness of the steering;
• replacement of the built-in fender with a bulwark and a new method of gluing the deck and hull, which increased the rigidity of the structure and had a positive effect on the maneuverability of the yacht;
• purpose versatility - family, racing or charter yacht;
• excellent solution for the distribution of space on deck and below it;
• comfortable outdoor life with natural light;
• well thought-out interior providing convenience for life and work on board.

Reviews of Dufour 37 from Professionals

An event such as the appearance of a new model from Dufour Yachts could not go unnoticed among sailing and business professionals. Here are just two of the many reviews that the industry media has unleashed onto sailing and travel aficionados.

In a review dedicated to the Dufour 37, the author of Sailing Magazine Robert H. Perry has traditionally subtitled the summary: "This midsize cruiser has options to suit all types of sailors." And he immediately admitted that he had a soft spot for Dufour boats.

An experienced yachtsman and well-known journalist noticed that in the new model, designers and architects continued the race for useful internal volume. The author confirms that the team won this race. Robert remembered his Esprit 37, which seemed very comfortable and spacious. But he assures that all of it would fit freely in the Dufour 37, and there would still be free space.

At her review named «Dufour 37, a design focused on outdoor living for family cruising» Chloé Torterat included in the title the basic concept of the shipyard for developing this model. It was noted that the new yacht has replaced the 360 model and contains the design features of the Dufour 470. Various layouts are provided, offering up to 3 cabins for 8 passengers.

The new 10-meter sailboat, as the reviewer notes, is evidence that the shipyard intends to develop its lineup from the bottom line of sizes, releasing a new cruising yacht with an overall length of only 10.77 meters. The Italian studio Felci Yacht Design was invited to develop the 37, who worked on all the previous models that became the basis for this boat - Dufour 360 and 470.

The hull is made using the infusion method. The design of the nose section of the Dufour 37 ensured its maximum volume. The rounded lower part of the hull improves seaworthiness and reduces noise in the interior of the yacht. To increase productivity, the mast was lengthened, which made it possible to increase the sail area to 60 m².

Like many yachtsmen and reviewers, Chloé also noticed the details that have already become common to the Dufour range. They are noticeable at first sight: the lines of the hull, the deck windows, the single rudder.

But the two steering wheels at the rear of the cockpit will soon also become a common part of Dufour sailboats. The keen eye of the author did not miss two folding benches that make it easier to get out of the cockpit (in the previous version, as we remember, only one bench leaned back).

Like most shipyard fans, the reviewer gave credit to the cockpit, which is huge for a boat of this size. She noted that it is designed not only for sailing, but also for a comfortable stay.

The unfolding transom platform opens the box for the raft and is equipped with a ladder for launching into the water. Behind the steering wheels there is a seat for multiple people. If you pick it up, you will find a plancha and a shell.

The central folding table and two benches near it can be used as a resting place or an outdoor dining area.

Inflatable cockpit upholstery provides additional comfort. The front deck completes the exterior.

The author of the review dwelled in detail on the layout of the internal living space. She noted the presence of a large master cabin in both versions. And especially focused on the very large bathroom, desk and external wardrobe offered by the first version of the Dufour 37 with 2 cabins. Six beds in this case are possible if the table in the salon is converted into a double bed.

The second option provides for accommodation on board of 8 people (by dividing the aft cabin into two doubles).

The kitchen is located the same in both versions. Lighting in the salon and cabins is provided by large portholes in the hull, as well as hatches. The author noted that the headroom has been increased in the cabin.

Video Reviews of Dufour 37

Now we provide you with some good videos about the yacht so you can fully understand what you are going to experience if you buy the model 37.

Beautiful trailer by the creators of the yacht themselves:

Here’s a great review by Yachting World – a lot of details both about seaworthiness and comfort on board:

Short review of the model 37 from Seaside Yachts, silent yet useful:

Full tour, also by Dufour Yachts, with explanation and demonstration of various features:

Condensed info about the boat if you don’t want extra details:

Based on all the facts above, we can safely say that the sailing yacht Dufour 37 is waiting for triumphal popularity among many lovers of sailing romance and business.

• Maneuverability, ease of handling, easy management of sailing equipment makes the yacht attractive among fans of the regatta and speed yachting in general. Of course, it is not designed for professional races, where you need to squeeze 30 knots at least, but for amateurs it is very good.
• If you add to the listed qualities comfortable living conditions in spacious cabins, safety of movement on deck, large saloon, cockpit and bow areas, you must admit that the Dufour 37 is an ideal boat for family trips and cruises in the company of close friends or a corporate party in the sea.
• If you want to retire and be alone with the sea, sky and wind, such a safe and easy to manage boat will become your safe haven.
• It is precisely because of this versatility that the Dufour 37 has attracted the special attention of entrepreneurs who are engaged in renting boats or organizing various types of charters.

Dufour 37 sea sailing cruiser suits everyone who is in love with the sea and sails, as well as those who also know how to make money on their hobby. We sincerely wish everyone success and offer ideal conditions to those who decide to buy yacht.

Where to Buy Dufour 37 at a Bargain Price

TopRik marketplace is designed to shorten the distance between the manufacturer of the Dufour 37 and those willing to purchase it. You just need to contact our experts through the website, call or message us - everything else will be done by the marketplace employees:

• we’ll provide a specific proposition for a complete yacht in strict accordance with your requirements;
• offer the most convenient payment system and the cost of Dufour 37 that suits you;
• inspect the yacht proposed by the manufacturer, providing all the necessary equipment;
• deliver the sailboat to the specified location;
• provide all related accessories and equipment that are not included in the main and additional list of equipment: transom boat, raft, watermaker, fenders, cables, bedding, dishes, etc.;
• if needed, will provide an IYT Yacht Training Course "International Bareboat Skipper" at SimpleSail yachting school.

All topRik employees have extensive practical experience in yachting and are practicing yachtsmen. We know a lot about sailing and motor yachts and other types of boats, as well as the necessary marine accessories and boat equipment. Feel free to contact us with any questions - we will be happy to provide comprehensive professional advice.

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Dufour 37: Dufour Delivers Again

Written by Zuzana Prochazka for Yacht Style Magazine. Photos by Dufour Yachts. 

Sometimes big things come in small packages as shown by the voluminous Dufour 37, with the French builder’s popular new model securing multiple sales in Asia.

Historically, cruising sailboats have been evaluated on two basic aspects – comfort and performance. If the builder dials in just one of these, the new model will likely sell well, but when they nail both, the sales orders really fly. That seems to be the case with Dufour and its new 37, a small boat with a big attitude that serves up fast sailing as well as easy onboard living.

When counting the Dufour 41 that premieres at this year’s Cannes Yachting Festival, the La Rochelle shipyard now has nine models in a series spanning 32-61ft, with the Dufour 37 sliding in above the brand’s 32ft entry model.

ALL-NEW DESIGN

Weighing in at close to seven tonnes, the 37 replaces the previous 360 with a completely new hull that’s just 33ft long, although including the bow sprit gives an overall length of 35ft 4in. Rounding up LOA numbers isn’t a new strategy for Dufour, but there are features that make this compact design seem much larger than her specs suggest.

Offered with two or three cabins, the Dufour 37 is beamier than the previous 360 and carries that width nearly all the way to the transom, which drops down manually to form a small swim platform.

Fuller sections forward increase her buoyancy as well as her interior volume. For improved performance, the forefoot has been made deeper to reduce pounding into head seas. The fractional Z-Spar rig was moved aft a foot to increase the size of the fore triangle and the headsail, also to reduce hobby-horsing.

  The rig is also taller than her predecessor’s, with a higher aspect ratio and an additional 20sqft of sail area. A self-tacking jib is standard, but you can opt for a 108% overlapping headsail and tracks. When the jib is combined with the optional downwind screecher on a furler, you have just about the perfect sail plan for any wind direction and sea state.

Twin wheels on angled pedestals open the cockpit and command a single spade rudder, as is standard for Umberto Felci designs. Below the waterline is a 6ft 3in L-shaped fin keel with a bulb. That’s relatively deep for a boat of this size and it helps her point well.

PERFORMANCE

In our sea trial, hull two performed well on flat water in 9-12 knots of true breeze. In nine knots of wind, we sailed 6.5 knots on a beam reach, then inched up to 35 degrees apparent wind angle (AWA) where we still held on to 6.2 knots of speed.

The self-tacking jib makes it almost too easy, even when sailing short-handed, while the top/down gennaker gave us a boost in speed that we carried up to 70 degrees AWA.

In light gusts we stayed fairly upright, as the boat leaned on her hard chine to a maximum of only 18 degrees of heel. The helm was light and responsive, and we had to take care not to over-tack and leave S-turns in our wake.

We came away from the sea trial pleasantly surprised by this little speedster. She tracked well, made good progress even in a light breeze, and although quick and agile, she never felt out-of-control or tender and that helps build confidence in all who take her helm.

ONBOARD COMFORT

As mentioned, this is a yacht that nails both performance and comfort. The cockpit is massive for a boat in this class, with a generous folding table and good handholds. Dufour’s trademark Eno plancha grill and sink have been incorporated into the transom to mimic her bigger siblings. There’s even space in the bow for a fitted double sunpad.

Below deck, the boat looks deceptively long and wide, and that makes a great first impression from the foot of the companionway. A compact L-shaped galley is to port and has a double sink, two-burner stove, microwave and top loading refrigerator. Integrated wine bottle storage, a Dufour signature, is below the cabin sole as usual.

There’s one bathroom, to starboard, although its size and configuration depend on whether two or three cabins are chosen.

Four people can gather for a meal around the enormous drop-leaf dining table and an inflatable cushion may be tucked in at the settee to form an additional double berth. Light wood finishes and fabrics make the interior seem bright and inviting rather than buried in the hull and cramped.

You can really see the increased volume in the forward master stateroom, where two can now sleep with their heads forward instead of having to U-turn in the bed before tucking in for the night. The three-cabin layout has two aft guest cabins with aft-facing double beds.

With the two-cabin layout, the aft guest cabin to port has a large inward-facing bed, while there’s space for provisions, tools and luggage in the aft starboard corner, a room also accessible via the opening cockpit bench above. Another benefit of the two-cabin layout is that the head becomes larger and a small navigation desk is added to the aft end of the saloon’s starboard sofa.

OPTIONS & IMPRESSIONS

The Dufour 37 is available in three versions or ‘packs’. The basics in the Easy Pack are a good starting point, but you may want to step up to the Ocean version for a more traditional layout or Performance for racing, where you get extra equipment like additional winches for easier line handling and an adjustable backstay.

Standard propulsion is provided by an 18hp engine, although on our test boat we enjoyed the extra power of the upgraded 30hp Volvo Penta diesel that pushed us along easily at 6.5 knots at 2,100 rpm.

We topped out at 7.8 knots and 3,100 rpm, but that last knot is hard-won and guzzles diesel without great payback. An optional Side-Power bow thruster is available and can help new boaters really stick the landing.

The Dufour 37 delivers greater comfort, more usable space and better sailing performance than her predecessor. As far as ‘improvement over time’ is concerned, Dufour got it right.

www.dufour-yachts.com

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Boat Test: Dufour 37

Dufour yachts has become one of the masters of producing surprisingly large ‘small’ yachts- and their 37 is no exception..

About Dufour

French boatbuilder Dufour has always sat slightly apart from rivals Beneteau and Jeranneau. Sure, they produce a similar flavour of cruising yacht but it has generally been the case that Dufour aims to be that bit different from their French neighbours. With their latest line of boats, this has meant pumping up the internal volume. This, you could argue, follows the trend adopted by all the other big manufacturers, be that Beneteau, Jeanneau, Hanse or Bavaria. That may be true but I would argue that Dufour, under the guidance of Italian designer Umberto Felci, have gone for it in the biggest way.

What do I mean by all this? Well, since about 2016 there has been something of a design revolution going on when it comes to penning the lines for production cruisers which started with the Beneteau Oceanis 51.1. Prior to this, designers wishing to win a bit more internal space would often run an angular chine aft to the transom and also carry the beam of the boat right aft. This boosted space aft without only modest trade offs in light wind performance. However, the bow remained relatively fine.

All that changed when designers started to look at modern racing yachts – perhaps most obviously mini transats – which featured incredibly full bow sections. This offered a great way for a cruising yacht to win big space forward. Obviously a blunt bow is less hydrodynamically efficient than a sharp one, but if you flare out the bow lines above the waterline keeping things narrow and sharp below, you win that extra space without losing light air efficiency. Meanwhile in heavy weather, with the boat hard pushed and the full bow sections immersed, you gain power and buoyancy. 

Dufour naturally adopted this principle in its latest generation of yachts and it feels like Umberto Felci took the idea to its natural conclusion, with a really heavily defined ‘step’ outwards in the hull toward the bow. The result has been truly voluminous new boats.

The 37 was launched in 2022 and replaced their 360. As with all yachts in this new generation of Dufours, the 37 marries full lines with a generous rig and a single spade rudder. The looks are strikingly modern, with a long portlight set into a recessed moulding in the topsides which covers almost ¾ of the hull. The hull chine runs from the transom almost to the stem of the boat and there is a second chine just below the toe rail that somewhat metes and distracts the eye from the relatively high freeboard. There is a short fixed sprit for the Code 0 with the anchor roller integrated into it. Stem and transom are both almost completely vertical. It all adds up to a boat that looks strikingly modern.

The rig is substantially larger than on her predecessor, the 360 and the deck stepped 9/10ths fractional rig offers 20m2 more area than the old boat. The 37 is set up for easy handling and comes with a self tacking jib as standard with the option of an overlapping one if you wish. Below the waterline, you have a 1.9m L shaped bulbed keel and, as mentioned a single fin spade rudder that is particularly deep. 

It’s worth noting that Dufour offers most of their boats in three distinct packages; easy (more basic), Ocean (more spec) and Performance (speaks for itself). 

Dufour 37 On deck

Although prepared for a spacious boat, I was still somewhat blown away by the sheer volume available in the cockpit which felt like it belonged in an altogether bigger boat. There is comfortably space for six around a big cockpit table and the bench seats in. The cockpit bench seats splay out as you move aft making for good access and a feeling of even greater space. Aft of this, the wheels sit on stylish angled pedestals that further open up the cockpit.

And set behind is Dufour’s trademark Eno barbecue grill with a small sink unit all set into the coaming aft of the helm. The idea is that you can drop down the bathing platform and grill your freshly caught fish while stood on the platform. It’s an optional extra but a clever idea that works well.

The running rigging set up is split between two winches on the coamings and two more on the coachroof. With a self tacker this is more than enough, but if you wanted an overlapping headsail, you might want to go for a third pair. 

The side decks are a decent width, although there is limited sunbathing area up at the bow as the coachroof is carried well forward. Intriguingly, the anchor locker is not accessible from the deck. There is a hatch at the front of the fore cabin inside from which you could free up any snarl ups but it is unusual and notable. Dufour pointed out that the anchor well, although relatively narrow, is deep and voluminous meaning that the chain drops down into it in the most efficient manner, thereby minimising the risk of snarl ups so this slightly circuitous access route is not a problem. The pay off is yet more volume in the fore cabin.

Dufour 37 Down Below

For a 33’ boat, you’d have to say that the interior feels positively palatial, particularly as you head forward. There’s nothing radical about the layout but there is a lovely feeling of light down below, while the owner’s suite in the bow is extraordinary in terms of size. You can walk around the sides of the double berth to get in and it contrasted sharply with old school forward berths where you had to sort of launch yourself in and then jam your feet into the forward end. This berth is aft facing and an entirely different experience. 

Layout choices include two or three cabins and a single head. In this arrangement the aft berth is a large double set to port and running athwartships. The heads compartment is a decent size and set aft to starboard with the L -Shaped galley to port. This arrangement provides stowage space to starboard that’s accessible via the head as well as from the cockpit. In this set up the head is larger, and there’s room for a small nav desk aft of the starboard settee. It seems like the most sensible arrangement but you can go for a second aft cabin, which makes for a slightly smaller heads area.

The galley is fairly compact but well thought out and has a reasonable working space with the benefit of a double sink set up which is always useful. Storage is good throughout and the dining space was also pleasingly spacious. 

Dufour 37 Under sail 

I tested the boat on a breezy day in Southampton Water and I was intrigued to see how the boat would perform. It’s worth noting that, compared to the old Dufour 360, the 37 is over 1,000kg heavier in displacement depite having exactly the same hull length. Whether this would affect light air performance was very much a moot point , as the breeze remained stubbornly in the 12-15kn bracket. In such conditions, I must admit the boat was a polished performer. The single spade rudder gave great feel and also masses of grip thanks to its remarkable depth, while the boat handled the conditions with genuine aplomb and felt much sportier than you would expect. The self tacking headsail meant handling really was very easy and the boat was genuinely zesty and playful.

On the wind we inched up to about 35 degrees AWA and were generally trucking along at about 6-7kn in the flat waters of Southampton Water. I would have been more surprised but, having already tested the Dufour 41, I was aware that Umberto Felci seemed to have hit upon a magic formula with this new range and was more prepared with the 37. I would be very interested to test these full sectioned boats in a big head sea to see what slamming is like but, alas, this was not going to happen in the environs of Southampton Water. 

Under power the boat comes with a 18hp Volvo Penta as standard and this can be upgraded to a 30hp motor for those who are genuinely in a hurry. Manoeuvring with the single spade rudder was a breeze despite the relatively high freeboard, and for the truly nervous there is also the option of a bow thruster which seemed like overkill on a 33’ boat. 

Dufour boat test: Sam’s verdict

I eyed the new generation of full lined yachts with a certain scepticism when they first came in but I must admit that there seems to be little loss of performance for big gains in internal volume compared to their predecessors. The look of these boats is distinctive and is harder to pull off on smaller yachts such as the 37 where a big freeboard and full lines can make the boat look a bit stumpy. That is my one reservation however, as the performance is genuinely surprising and the level of comfort both on deck and below superlative.

Comfort: 5/5 Looks: 3/5 Performance: 4/5

Specifications

LOA: 10.77m (35’4”) LWL: 9.31m (30’7”) Hull length: 9.99m (32’9”) Beam: 3.8m (12’6”) Draught: 1.90m (6’3” Displacement: 6,747kg (14,874lbs) Ballast: 1,860 kg (4,100lbs) Sail area: 60 m² (646sq ft) Price: From £156,000 ex VAT Contact: universalyachting.com

Alternative Boats

Beneteau Oceanis 34.1

Beneteau’s ‘starter’ yacht is also from the drawing board of Marc Lombard and was launched relatively recently. The boat is offered both with a fixed keel or the option of a swing keel – particularly handy in the tidal waters of the UK.

beneteau.com

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 350

Freshly launched at the Dusseldorf Boat Show, this new Jeanneau supercedes the popular 349 as the ‘starter’ boat in their range. This Marc Lombard design has a hull length of 9.99m, precisely the same as the 37. 

Jeanneau.com

Bavaria C38

Bavaria’s C38 is slightly larger than the Dufour but adopts a similar approach in terms of maximising interior volume without sacrificing performance. She shares an Italian designer too in Bernardo Ceccarelli.

Bavaria.com

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