Dufour 525 Grand Large Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Dufour 525 Grand Large began production in 2006, emerging as the flagship of the builder's Grand Large range. Dufour Yachts, founded in 1964 by Michel Dufour, has a long-standing reputation for pioneering fiberglass construction and building high-quality, ready-to-sail production boats. During the era of the 525 Grand Large's creation, Dufour maintained its commitment to robust construction, typically utilizing solid fiberglass for hulls and meticulously crafting decks from fiberglass in their La Rochelle, France, facility. The collaboration with Umberto Felci, a leading naval architect, has been instrumental in shaping Dufour's contemporary designs, ensuring a unique blend of aesthetic appeal, ergonomic functionality, and exhilarating sailing dynamics. The design philosophy behind the 525 Grand Large was to create a powerful, stable, and stiff yacht, emphasizing contemporary styling matched with genuine seagoing ability. While specific variations like "MkI" or "MkII" are not commonly noted, the boat was offered with an optional deeper cast-iron/lead keel, increasing the draft to 7.71 feet (2.35m) from the standard 6.56 feet, catering to different performance preferences.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Dufour 525 Grand Large is designed for supreme sailing performance while maintaining excellent comfort. With a Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 18.0, she falls into a category that suggests good performance across a range of wind conditions, likely excelling in lighter airs while still being capable in heavier breezes. Her Ballast to Displacement ratio of approximately 0.29 indicates a moderate level of stiffness and stability, allowing her to stand up to a good amount of wind. The Displacement to Length ratio of around 202 suggests she is a moderately heavy displacement cruiser for her length, prioritizing comfort and stability over outright racing speed, yet still offering competitive performance.

The yacht is noted for its powerful and stable nature, with a deck layout configured for ease of handling, even with a minimum crew. Reviewers have described her as easily manageable despite her size, with good handling characteristics. Her spade rudder contributes to responsive steering and maneuverability.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Dufour 525 Grand Large is designed for comfort and luxury, befitting a flagship cruising yacht. The design typically features a desirable three-stateroom layout, often complemented by a separate crew cabin forward. The interior finish commonly utilizes first-grade Moabi and Wenge wood, contributing to an elegant ambiance. The layout generally includes a spacious linear galley, equipped for extended cruising. All staterooms are well-appointed, and the boat is designed with ample ceiling lights and reading lamps throughout. Owners' versions often emphasize comfortable living spaces, which were noted during sea trials. The generous beam of 16.08 feet contributes to substantial interior volume, allowing for comfortable living arrangements and ample storage.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Dufour 525 Grand Large consistently praise its robust construction and its ability to deliver a comfortable motion in a seaway, making it a capable blue-water cruiser. Many appreciate the balance between exhilarating sailing performance and the luxurious onboard comfort it provides. The yacht's ease of handling, even for its size, is frequently highlighted by owners, contributing to a positive sailing experience. The 525 Grand Large was recognized as the premier model of its era for Dufour, winning multiple international awards including Cruising World's "Boat of the Year," which speaks to its favorable reception among both critics and owners.