Dufour 512 Grand Large Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Dufour 512 Grand Large commenced production in 2016, following the considerable success of the Dufour 500 Grand Large, of which over 140 units were built. Designed by Umberto Felci of Felci Yacht Design, the 512 Grand Large embodies the builder's philosophy of combining elegant, luxurious styling with outstanding marine performance. This model received a "gentle update" from its predecessor, primarily involving renaming and subtle refinements rather than a radical overhaul.

Dufour Yachts, from its inception, has been known for its commitment to robust fiberglass construction, with hulls typically built of solid fiberglass in their state-of-the-art facility in La Rochelle, France. This manufacturing ethos is evident in the 512 Grand Large, ensuring consistent quality and durability. The design collaboration with Umberto Felci, a cornerstone of Dufour's contemporary lineup, emphasizes innovative and high-performance sailing yachts characterized by an assertive design that balances speed with luxurious cruising amenities. The yacht features a fractional rig, a design choice that contributes to easier tacking and handling for cruisers. For those desiring even greater performance, an optional "Performance" version or "Grand Prix pack" was available, featuring a taller mast and enhanced offshore sails.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Dufour 512 Grand Large is engineered as an easy-to-handle performance cruiser, a characteristic reinforced by its design ratios. With a displacement of 33,609 lbs and a waterline length of 44.85 feet, the yacht has a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 166. This figure places it firmly in the lighter, more performance-oriented category for a vessel of its size, suggesting a boat that is relatively agile and responsive. The Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio stands at approximately 15.01, indicating that the 512 Grand Large is a moderately powered cruiser. While not an extreme light-air racer, this ratio suggests solid performance in a range of wind conditions, balancing power with manageable sail area.

The ballast-to-displacement ratio, at roughly 26.5% (8,911 lbs ballast out of 33,609 lbs displacement), is complemented by the vessel's wide beam of 15.75 feet and bulb keel. This combination provides form stability and a low center of gravity, allowing the yacht to stand up to a good breeze despite a moderate ballast percentage. Owners and reviewers often describe the 512 Grand Large as a pleasure to sail, highlighting its solo-sailing technology and race-boat pedigree, which contribute to its confident handling in varying sea states. The fractional rig also aids in making tacking maneuvers simpler, enhancing its appeal as a cruiser.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Dufour 512 Grand Large is celebrated for its elegant, light, and airy ambiance, positioning it firmly within the luxury-class of cruising yachts. The design prioritizes spaciousness and comfort, making it suitable for both active sailing and extended periods living aboard.

The generous interior can be configured in various layouts, with charter versions often featuring four or five cabins to accommodate between 10 to 12 people. Throughout the yacht, emphasis is placed on quality finishes and materials, contributing to its luxurious feel. The salon is a focal point, often featuring luxury refinements such as a 32-inch slide-away television. The vessel boasts decent-sized bathrooms with showers, with one often designed with dual doors to serve as both a private and a general guest washroom. Ample water capacity, with tanks holding 190 US gallons (720 liters), supports extended cruising. On deck, the layout is equally spacious, providing numerous areas for sunbathing and comfortable movement for guests. A notable feature is the electric opening transom, which conveniently transforms into a swim platform or facilitates stern docking in Mediterranean fashion.