Dufour 445 Grand Large Information, Review, Specs

The Dufour 445 Grand Large emerged from Dufour Yachts' long-standing commitment to innovative design and robust construction. The company, founded by Michel Dufour in 1964, pioneered fiberglass boatbuilding in France, a material embraced for its efficiency and consistent quality. During the production years of the 445 Grand Large, Dufour maintained its ethos of utilizing solid fiberglass for hulls and decks, ensuring a durable and reliable platform.

The design philosophy behind the 445 Grand Large, heavily influenced by Umberto Felci, centered on creating an "evenhanded blend of design attributes rather than extreme features," aiming for a versatile yacht. Felci's expertise is pivotal in shaping Dufour's hulls, providing distinctive lines and renowned sailing characteristics that balance speed with comfort. The yacht was available with variations, including an optional shallow keel with a draft of 5.83 feet (1.95m), offering flexibility for different cruising grounds, alongside its standard deeper keel of 7.22 feet.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Dufour 445 Grand Large is engineered to deliver a balanced and engaging sailing experience. Its Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 16.82 categorizes it as a moderate performance cruiser, suggesting it is well-powered for a variety of wind conditions. This allows for good speed in light to moderate breezes while avoiding being overly sensitive or overpowered in stronger winds.

With a Ballast to Displacement ratio of around 28.1% and featuring a bulb keel, the 445 Grand Large is designed for a combination of stability and performance. While a lower overall ballast ratio might suggest a more tender initial feel, the concentrated weight of the bulb keel enhances its righting moment, contributing to its ability to stand up to a blow and maintain a comfortable motion through the water. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 166.9 places the 445 Grand Large in the light-to-moderate displacement category for cruising yachts. This indicates a hull designed to be easily driven and capable of achieving respectable speeds, aligning with its description as a "cruiser-racer" that combines performance with ease of use.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Dufour 445 Grand Large is characterized by generous spaces, largely attributed to the boat's ample beam of 14.24 feet. These spacious interiors are designed with Euro styling and focus on creature comforts, creating a welcoming environment below deck.

While configurations can vary, a common layout for the 445 Grand Large is a three-cabin arrangement. This typically features a notably spacious owner's cabin forward, often with a centerline queen berth and an en-suite head, complete with separate toilet and shower compartments. Aft, the yacht commonly offers two double guest cabins, providing comfortable accommodation for additional crew or family. The interior finish generally reflects a high-quality standard, often incorporating wood trim that contributes to a classic marine aesthetic, complemented by ample storage and effective ventilation for extended cruising.