The Dufour 39 (Frers) is a distinguished monohull sailboat that emerged from the collaboration between the esteemed French builder Dufour Yachts and the renowned Argentine naval architect German Frers. Launched in 1982, this cruiser-racer was designed to offer an elegant blend of performance and comfort, appealing to sailors seeking a capable yacht for both spirited sailing and comfortable cruising. With an overall length of 39.3 feet and a waterline length of 30.51 feet, the Dufour 39 quickly established a reputation for its striking lines and admirable sailing characteristics.
The Dufour 39 was a product of a significant era for the French shipyard, being built between 1982 and 1994. During this period, Dufour Yachts, under the pioneering spirit of its founder Michel Dufour, was a proponent of fiberglass construction, committed to creating high-quality, ready-to-sail vessels. German Frers, a naval architect celebrated for his sleek, high-performance designs, brought a distinct aesthetic and hydrodynamics to the model, with hull lines reminiscent of his later Swan designs, hinting at a clear racing yacht heritage. The collaboration aimed to produce an "atypical Dufour" that stood out for its elegance and sailing prowess. Notably, the Dufour 39 was offered with variations, including a standard fin keel (6.75 ft draft) and an optional wing keel, which reduced the draft to 5.58 feet, catering to different cruising preferences. Boats destined for the US market were often fitted with premium options such as teak decks.
The Dufour 39 (Frers) is recognized for its very good sailing performance across various points of sail. With a Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 17.62, she demonstrates a reasonably good performance profile, capable of moving nicely even in lighter winds. Her high Ballast to Displacement ratio of about 46.6% contributes significantly to her stiffness and stability, allowing her to stand up well to wind and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. The Displacement to Length ratio of around 236.46 places her in the medium-displacement category, striking a balance between light, nimble performance and a more substantial, sea-kindly motion. Equipped with a fin keel and a spade rudder, the Dufour 39 is praised by owners for handling admirably, even in challenging conditions.
While the detailed interior specifications were not extensively provided, the Dufour 39's accommodations were designed with practicality and comfort in mind. Reports indicate that while some early models might have featured a more "downmarket interior," later or optional configurations showcased warm teak finishes, with some featuring a honey shade of teak joinery. The interior is generally described as light and airy. The layout typically includes a V-berth forward, a main salon, a galley, and a head. A notable feature is the option for two distinct aft cabin layouts, with some configurations offering a desirable centerline double berth in the owner's stateroom. Dufour's general design philosophy allows for modular interior designs and flexibility in equipment, suggesting that specific layouts might vary between individual boats.
Owners frequently laud the Dufour 39 for its solid construction, which aligns with Dufour Yachts' commitment to robust fiberglass hulls and decks during its production era. The yacht's excellent sailing characteristics, including its stability and ability to handle well in various sea states, are consistently highlighted as key strengths. Many owners appreciate the yacht's timeless design by German Frers, noting its elegant lines and overall aesthetic appeal. While general maintenance concerns common to older fiberglass boats, such as potential deck fitting leaks, might arise over time, specific recurring issues unique to the Dufour 39 are not widely reported in owner forums.