Dufour 31 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Dufour 31 emerged during a pivotal era for Dufour Yachts, a company founded by Michel Dufour in 1964 with the goal of creating high-quality, production boats from fiberglass. Following the success of earlier models like the Arpège 30, the Dufour 31 continued this ethos, offering a vessel that prioritized both comfort and reliable performance. Production of the Dufour 31 commenced in 1973 and continued for several years, becoming another highly successful model for the builder.

Michel Dufour's design philosophy for the 31 aimed to fulfill "the three most-important objectives of a modern design," which emphasized robustness, sailing qualities, and onboard comfort. While the standard model featured a fin keel and skeg-hung rudder, variations existed, including a "Tall Rig" option offering increased sail area and a "Shallow draft" version measuring 4.75 feet, catering to different sailing preferences and cruising grounds. The construction method, typical of Dufour during this period, featured a solid fiberglass hull, ensuring a strong and durable structure.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Dufour 31 is characterized by a design focused on stability and ease of handling, making it a suitable choice for a broad range of sailors. With a length overall of 30.83 feet and a waterline length of 23.0 feet, the boat carries a substantial displacement of 9,600 pounds. This heavy displacement, evidenced by a high Displacement to Length ratio of approximately 352, indicates a robust and traditional cruising yacht designed to provide a comfortable motion in a seaway rather than outright speed.

The Sail Area to Displacement ratio of around 14 suggests that while the Dufour 31 might require moderate winds to truly come alive, it is a stable and capable performer once powered up. This is further supported by a respectable Ballast to Displacement ratio of 38.5%, contributing significantly to its stiffness and ability to stand up to a breeze. The masthead sloop rig provides a straightforward and efficient sail plan. Owners have reported the Dufour 31's ability to sail thousands of miles, highlighting its reliability for extended voyages. The deck layout is designed to be spacious, facilitating secure sail handling.

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed specifications on interior headroom are not consistently available, the Dufour 31 is recognized for its harmonious interior proportions, which create an atmosphere of warmth and solidity below deck. Typical layouts for a vessel of this size from the era often include a V-berth forward, a main salon with opposing settees that can convert into berths, a galley area, and a navigation station. A dedicated head compartment would also be standard.

The interior finish generally features ample use of wood trim, complementing the fiberglass construction to create a classic and inviting marine environment. Storage is typically generous for a boat of its length, designed to accommodate the provisions and gear required for cruising. Ventilation would traditionally be provided by deck hatches and opening ports, contributing to comfort at anchor. Owners have often appreciated the robust quality of the deck fittings, such as Goiot and Lewmar hardware.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Dufour 31 consistently praise its solid construction, dependable sailing qualities, and overall comfort, often noting its suitability for both coastal adventures and more ambitious offshore passages. The boat's reputation for robustness has led to many examples enduring decades of use, with some reported to have sailed extensive distances on large bodies of water like the Great Lakes.

While generally well-regarded, some common points of discussion among owners include the original deck-to-hull fittings, with some reports suggesting issues with softness in the sandwich deck construction leading to potential leaks over time. Like many boats of its age, routine maintenance and re-bedding of deck hardware are common tasks for ensuring the long-term integrity of the vessel. Despite these potential areas for attention, the Dufour 31 maintains a loyal following, appreciated for its enduring design and capabilities as a comfortable and seaworthy cruiser.