Dufour 48 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Dufour 48 heralds a new era for the French builder, commencing production in 2024 as a flagship offering in their contemporary range. Dufour Yachts, founded in 1964 by the visionary Michel Dufour, has consistently been at the forefront of fiberglass boatbuilding, a commitment to robust construction evident in their modern yachts, including solid fiberglass hulls and meticulously crafted decks. The company's enduring partnership with Umberto Felci, dating back almost a decade after its inception, is central to the Dufour 48's design, ensuring that the yacht embodies a unique fusion of aesthetic appeal, ergonomic functionality, and stimulating sailing characteristics. Felci's design for the Dufour 48 emphasizes fluid lines, incorporating a long chine for increased interior volume forward while maintaining a narrower hull beneath the waterline to optimize sailing performance. This modern cruising yacht is also available with different keel options, including a shallow draft of 1.75 meters (5.9 feet) in addition to a deeper performance keel.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Dufour 48 is engineered to deliver a balanced and engaging sailing experience. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 20.35, the yacht exhibits a strong aptitude for light-air performance, suggesting it will be responsive and capable of moving well even in lighter breezes. Her displacement-to-length ratio of around 212 indicates a medium-light cruising boat, leaning towards a more performance-oriented profile rather than a heavy, traditional cruiser, contributing to her agility on the water. The ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 0.277 suggests a design that prioritizes a comfortable motion at sea, offering a stable yet not overly stiff platform, well-suited for extended cruising. The hull's sleek lines and modern shape further contribute to its stability and maneuverability, ensuring a pleasant experience across various sea states.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Dufour 48 is a testament to the modern design philosophy of Ardizio Design, known for their spacious and optimized layouts. The yacht offers flexible and customizable arrangements, with options for three, four, or even five cabins, catering to diverse owner preferences and charter configurations. While specific headroom figures are not detailed in the provided data, Dufour's commitment to optimizing interior volume, as evidenced by the hull's long chine, implies a focus on maximizing liveable space and comfort below deck. The design emphasizes modern aesthetics and a well-appointed layout, aiming to provide ample living space for its occupants.