Dufour 24 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Production of the Dufour 24 commenced in 1975 and continued until 1979, establishing her as a popular choice during an era of significant growth in fiberglass boatbuilding. Michel Dufour, a passionate racing sailor and mechanical engineer, founded Dufour Yachts in 1964 with a pioneering vision to utilize polyester (fiberglass) as a revolutionary boatbuilding material. During the Dufour 24's production period, Dufour Yachts was known for its commitment to robust construction, typically building hulls, especially those under 50 feet, from solid fiberglass, with decks also meticulously crafted from the same material in their La Rochelle facility. While specific design goals for the 24 are not widely detailed, it aligned with Dufour's broader philosophy of creating innovative, high-performance sailing yachts characterized by assertive design and a clear identity, even in smaller packages.

Sailing Performance and Handling

While traditional performance ratios are not typically applied to sailboats of this size (under 30 feet overall length), anecdotal evidence and owner feedback provide valuable insight into the Dufour 24's sailing characteristics. Owners and reviewers often describe the Dufour 24 as a responsive and nicely balanced boat, which contributes to a comfortable sailing experience. She is also noted for being "comfortably stiff" and "quick enough to satisfy most people with realistic expectations," capable of achieving her hull speed of approximately 5.93 knots. This suggests a sailboat that is both enjoyable to helm and capable of respectable passage times for a vessel of her dimensions.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite her compact size, the Dufour 24 features an interior designed for functional cruising. While detailed diagrams are scarce, owners often remark on the surprisingly generous headroom within the cabin. The interior typically includes a cabin space that makes clever use of its limited dimensions, with one notable feature being a "magical sliding sink" that maximizes utility in the compact galley area. The layout generally provides for basic living amenities suitable for overnight stays and weekend trips, including a V-berth forward, and a saloon with convertible berths, along with a dedicated space for a marine head. The quality of finish is generally in line with production boats of its era, often featuring practical fiberglass surfaces complemented by wood trim.

Owner's Perspectives

The Dufour 24 has garnered a loyal following, particularly in Europe, though it is less common in North America. Owners frequently praise her solid construction and general seaworthiness for a boat of her size, often deeming her an excellent choice as a "first boat." Common points of satisfaction include her robust build, which, for many older examples, has held up well over time with reports of dry interiors and minimal soft spots around rigging, provided regular maintenance has been performed. While minor cosmetic issues like gelcoat cracks on seating surfaces may be present on older models, owners generally express positive sentiments about the Dufour 24's overall value and sailing enjoyment.