Dufour 37 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Dufour 37 entered production in 2022 and remains a current offering, a testament to its contemporary design and market relevance. Its creation stems from Dufour Yachts' long-standing collaboration with Umberto Felci, a partnership integral to the brand's identity and its pursuit of innovative and elegant yacht designs. Felci's design philosophy for Dufour yachts emphasizes a blend of aesthetic appeal, ergonomic functionality, and exhilarating sailing dynamics, resulting in boats with a "dynamic boat with a sporty character".

Dufour Yachts, founded by Michel Dufour in 1964, pioneered fiberglass construction in the marine industry, a commitment to robust and consistent quality that continues today. Hulls, particularly on models under 50 feet, are typically constructed of solid fiberglass, with decks also meticulously crafted from fiberglass in their La Rochelle facility. The Dufour 37 benefits from this heritage, incorporating modern hull forms such as distinct hull chines and a "scow-bow revolution" that has filtered down from offshore race boats, aimed at enhancing both performance and interior volume.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Dufour 37 is designed to deliver a rewarding sailing experience, characterized by its responsiveness and speed. With a reported sail area of 645.83 square feet, and a displacement of 14,875 pounds, she exhibits a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 17.02. This ratio suggests a well-balanced cruiser capable of performing capably across a range of wind conditions. Her ballast of 4,101 pounds provides stability, and while her ballast to displacement ratio of about 27.57% might seem modest, the modern hull form with its wide beam (12.47 ft) and hull chines contributes significantly to form stability.

Sailors consistently describe the Dufour 37 as "fast and responsive enough to satisfy people who enjoy sailing for sailing's sake". Reviewers have praised its "good sailing characteristics" and highlighted it as "highly maneuverable". The inclusion of a bulb keel and spade rudder further enhances her agility and control. With a length overall of 35.33 feet and a waterline length of 30.54 feet, she boasts a displacement to length ratio of approximately 233.26, placing her in the medium-displacement cruiser category, indicating a comfortable motion in a seaway without sacrificing performance. Her modern design, including the distinctive hull chines, contributes to her "sparkling performing" capabilities.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite her size, the Dufour 37 offers a remarkably spacious and well-thought-out interior that exceeds expectations for comfort. The design provides generous volume in the fore cabin, contributing to an overall sense of openness. Dufour offers two primary interior layouts: a two-cabin version and a three-cabin version, allowing owners to choose a configuration that best suits their sailing program.

The two-cabin variant notably features a very large bathroom, enhancing liveability. Regardless of the chosen layout, the interior benefits from an abundance of natural light, primarily thanks to large central hull windows that bathe the cabin in brightness. Owners are likely to appreciate the comfort, particularly in the owner's cabin, which has been highlighted for its superior space and amenities. The overall finish quality and use of materials align with Dufour's reputation for crafting comfortable and aesthetically pleasing cruising environments.