Dufour 27 Information, Review, Specs

With 320 units built during its production run, the Dufour 27 established itself as a reliable and accessible option for sailors seeking a versatile boat for day cruising, overnight trips, and general sailing. It represents a significant chapter in Dufour's early commitment to fiberglass construction and thoughtful design.

History and Design

The creation of the Dufour 27 in the early 1970s marked a vibrant phase for Dufour Yachts, a company that had rapidly industrialized its production since its founding in 1964. Michel Dufour, a pioneer in the use of polyester (fiberglass) as a boatbuilding material, spearheaded a manufacturing ethos focused on robust construction. Hulls and decks were typically hand-laminated solid fiberglass, a method employed in their modern facility near La Rochelle, France, 9]. The Dufour 27, alongside other successful models like the Dufour 35, was a product of this era, benefiting from the company's expanding capabilities and focus on performance.

Designed with classically elegant lines, the Dufour 27 featured a solid fiberglass hull and deck, ensuring durability. It was equipped with a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, a configuration chosen for its balance of performance and control. While generally produced to a consistent design, an optional deeper keel was available, extending the maximum draft from 5.16 feet to 5.83 feet, catering to those seeking enhanced upwind performance.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Though a compact cruiser, the Dufour 27 was designed to offer a satisfying sailing experience. Its displacement of 5,842 pounds, coupled with a waterline length of 20.34 feet, classifies it as a moderately heavy sailboat for its size, contributing to a stable and comfortable motion. While some consider it slightly underpowered for exceptional light-air performance, its total sail area of approximately 308 square feet provides adequate drive. The ballast-to-displacement ratio, where 1,984 pounds of ballast contribute to its overall weight, indicates a reasonably stable and stiff boat.

Owners have frequently noted the Dufour 27's commendable handling characteristics, particularly its ability to perform well in heavier weather. The fin keel and skeg-hung rudder configuration offers good directional stability and responsiveness, making it a predictable vessel for coastal and overnight cruising. With a theoretical hull speed of 6.04 knots, the boat offers respectable passage-making capabilities for its class. The auxiliary power typically came from a Volvo Penta MD6A diesel engine, providing reliable propulsion when sails are not in use.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Dufour 27, while compact, was designed with a focus on maximizing space and comfort for a boat of its era and size. Typical layouts feature a V-berth forward, which serves as a private sleeping area. A marine head is generally located to port or starboard, often enclosed. The main salon usually consists of opposing settees that can double as berths, surrounding a central table. A small galley area, often positioned near the companionway, provides basic cooking facilities. One notable feature for a boat of this size is the reported headroom of approximately 5.9 feet, which enhances interior livability.

Despite the "smart design" ethos, some owners have pointed out limitations typical for a smaller cruiser from this period, particularly regarding ventilation, storage capacity, and water tankage, which a standard fitment might be around 60 liters. The finish quality generally reflected Dufour's commitment to sturdy, functional construction, often featuring practical fiberglass surfaces complemented by wood trim.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Dufour 27 often praise its solid construction and seaworthy characteristics. The hand-laminated fiberglass hull and deck are frequently cited as contributing to the boat's durability. Its ability to handle well in heavier weather is a commonly reported strength, offering a sense of security to those venturing offshore or in challenging conditions.

However, like many boats of its vintage, the Dufour 27 is not without its common considerations. A recurring theme in owner discussions revolves around the potential for deck soft spots, suggesting that thorough inspection of the deck's structural integrity is advisable for prospective buyers. Furthermore, some owners mention that the original ventilation and storage provisions, while adequate for day trips, can be limited for extended cruising, and original tankage may be insufficient for longer passages. Mechanical issues, particularly with older engines, are also sometimes reported, highlighting the importance of regular maintenance and potential upgrades on a boat of this age.