Dufour 34 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The creation of the Dufour 34 in 1974 marked another significant step for Dufour Yachts, a company that had rapidly gained prominence since its founding by Michel Dufour in 1964. Michel Dufour, a mechanical engineer and passionate sailor, was a pioneer in recognizing and utilizing fiberglass as a revolutionary boatbuilding material. During this period, Dufour Yachts was committed to robust construction, typically building hulls from solid fiberglass and decks with meticulous fiberglass craftsmanship in their La Rochelle, France, facility. The original Dufour 34, distinct from later models sharing the same numerical designation, features a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, indicative of design trends focused on balanced performance and good tracking for offshore capabilities. The production run for this specific model began in 1974.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a displacement of 11,023 lbs and a length overall of 33.63 feet, the Dufour 34 presents as a moderately heavy cruiser. Its displacement-to-length ratio, calculated at approximately 300, suggests a heavier, more traditional cruising yacht, favoring comfortable motion over outright speed. The sail area-to-displacement ratio of around 16.74 indicates a moderate sail plan, suggesting respectable performance in a range of wind conditions, though it may not be a sparkling performer in very light airs. With a ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 0.40, the Dufour 34 demonstrates a good degree of initial stability, allowing her to stand up to a breeze and providing a comfortable, steady ride in a seaway. Owners generally describe the original Dufour 34 as a "simple boat which is easy to learn and easy to sail," making it accessible to a wide range of sailors.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its modest length, the Dufour 34 is renowned for its thoughtful and practical interior, boasting a maximum headroom of 6.4 feet, which is generous for a boat of its vintage and size. The interior is often described as "completely traditional" and highly functional, providing "all the necessary space" for comfortable cruising. Typical layouts feature a forward cabin, a main salon with settees that can convert into berths, a galley, and a head. Some configurations may offer a total of six to eight berths across three cabins including the salon. The interior fit-out, common for its era, might feature classic European styling, including robust wood trim and joinery. The design prioritizes habitability, ensuring comfortable and welcoming living spaces ideal for extended periods aboard.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Dufour 34 generally praise its robust construction and solid build quality, which aligns with Dufour's ethos of using solid fiberglass for hulls and decks during its early production years. Many owners appreciate the boat's handling characteristics, finding it to be an easy and confidence-inspiring vessel to sail. While specific common issues for the 1974 model are not widely documented in general reviews, older vessels of this age may commonly experience maintenance items such as re-bedding deck fittings or addressing aging engine components, as is typical for well-used boats. Some owners have successfully utilized the Dufour 34 as a liveaboard vessel, undertaking extensive European tours, underscoring its capabilities as a reliable cruising platform.