Dufour 41 Information, Review, Specs

The Dufour 41 commenced production in 1971, emerging during a period of significant growth and innovation for Dufour Yachts. Founded by the visionary naval architect and engineer Michel Dufour in 1964, the company was a pioneer in using polyester (fiberglass) as a primary boatbuilding material. By 1970, Dufour had established a dedicated design office, moving towards industrial-scale production. While specific individual designers for every early model are not always explicitly documented, the Dufour 41 from this era likely reflects the in-house design philosophy spearheaded by Michel Dufour himself, emphasizing efficiency and quality through fiberglass construction. The builder's commitment to robust construction meant hulls, especially those under 50 feet, were typically built of solid fiberglass, a practice that would have applied to the Dufour 41, ensuring durability. The model was also noted to be similar to the "Sortilège 41" and was offered in both sloop and ketch configurations, though the presented data specifies a masthead sloop rig.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 41 feet and a waterline length of 32 feet, the Dufour 41 was designed for a balance of performance and comfortable cruising. Her displacement of 19,400 lbs, combined with a ballast of 7,800 lbs, results in a ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 0.40. This figure indicates a well-ballasted and stiff boat, capable of standing up to a good breeze and offering a stable motion in a seaway. The sail area of 685 sq ft, when considered against her displacement, yields a sail area-to-displacement ratio of around 15.17. While not indicative of a high-performance light-air racer, this ratio suggests a moderate performer that should handle well across a range of wind conditions, leaning towards solid cruising characteristics rather than outright speed. Her displacement-to-length ratio, around 264, further classifies her as a moderate displacement cruiser, a common and well-regarded design philosophy for offshore comfort and steady progress in the conditions typical of the 1970s. The vessel's fin keel and skeg-hung rudder configuration point to a design aimed at both directional stability and reasonable maneuverability.

Accommodations and Layout

Information regarding the specific interior layout of the original Dufour 41 (1971) is not readily available through general searches, as newer models bearing the same name tend to dominate contemporary search results. However, typical for boats of its size and era, one could expect a functional interior designed for extended cruising comfort. These layouts commonly featured a traditional V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that could convert into berths, a galley, and a navigation station. A dedicated head compartment would also be standard. Given Dufour's reputation for quality construction, the interior finish would likely have utilized a blend of fiberglass liners and wood trim, offering a durable yet classic aesthetic. Storage was generally ample for cruising provisions and gear, and ventilation would rely on deck hatches and portlights, typical of the design practices of the early 1970s. While maximum headroom for this specific model is not documented, Dufour typically aimed for comfortable standing room in the main cabin areas for boats of this size.