Dufour 12000 CT Information, Review, Specs

The Dufour 12000 CT began its production run in 1979. While the exact end year of its production is not precisely documented, listings and references suggest it continued to be built for several years into the early 1980s. As with all Dufour yachts of that era, the 12000 CT benefits from the builder's commitment to robust fiberglass construction, with hulls typically crafted from solid fiberglass and decks meticulously molded from fiberglass in their La Rochelle facility. The design philosophy behind the 12000 CT was to create a cruising sailboat that offered both comfort and reliable performance. A notable aspect of its design flexibility was the availability of both sloop and ketch rig configurations, though the ketch was a common choice, offering easier sail handling due to smaller individual sail sizes. Furthermore, a shallow draft version was offered, although very few of these were reportedly built.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Dufour 12000 CT is characterized by its substantial displacement, designed for stability and comfort rather than raw speed. With a calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 10.37, the vessel is considered underpowered in light air, meaning it requires a decent breeze to get moving efficiently. However, this characteristic often translates to a more comfortable motion in a seaway. Its Ballast to Displacement ratio of around 0.309 indicates that the 12000 CT possesses reasonable stability and stiffness, coupled with excellent righting capability.

The Displacement to Length ratio, at approximately 670.6, confirms its identity as a heavy, traditional cruiser, built for robust offshore capability rather than light-displacement performance. While classified as a "moderate weight sailboat" in some contexts, its high D/L suggests a focus on seakindliness and load-carrying capacity. The ketch rig, as often seen on the 12000 CT, contributes to easier handling with smaller, more manageable sails. Equipped with a fin keel, the boat offers splendid maneuverability, though it may exhibit less directional stability compared to designs with a long keel. Despite its heavy displacement, some interpretations suggest the designer opted for a slightly more "speedy" hull form relative to other designs of its class.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Dufour 12000 CT is designed to maximize comfort and livability for extended cruising. While specific headroom dimensions are not consistently available, the pilothouse configuration often found on this model provides an interior steering station, offering protection from the elements during passage. Typical layouts for the 12000 CT include two double cabins, providing ample sleeping accommodations. Owners' manuals and reviews indicate a robust construction throughout the interior, with attention paid to a durable finish. Given Dufour's general ethos during this period, the interior likely features a blend of quality fiberglass moldings and traditional wood trim, offering a classic yachting ambiance. Details like storage capacity for provisions and gear, as well as ventilation through hatches and ports, would have been key considerations for a vessel of this cruising pedigree.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners frequently praise the Dufour 12000 CT for its solid construction, often described as "very solid built boats". This robust build quality contributes to a feeling of security and durability, highly valued by those undertaking extended cruises or living aboard. Many owners appreciate the liveaboard potential of the vessel, with some even utilizing it for unique purposes like an Airbnb. However, as with any boat of its vintage, the Dufour 12000 CT can sometimes be a "working project," requiring ongoing maintenance. Recurring issues that have been noted by some owners include potential deck problems, which might necessitate attention to re-bedding fittings or addressing core issues over time. The Dufour ownership community, generally, is quite active and supportive, providing a valuable resource for owners seeking advice or sharing experiences.