Dufour 63 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Dufour Yachts, founded in 1964 by Michel Dufour, has a long-standing reputation for pioneering fiberglass construction and delivering high-quality, ready-to-sail production boats. Since almost a decade after its inception, Dufour has extensively collaborated with Umberto Felci, a partnership that has become instrumental in shaping the distinctive lines and sailing characteristics of their yachts. The Dufour 63, launched in 2017, embodies this enduring collaboration, reflecting Felci's expertise in designing yachts with outstanding sailing capabilities and stunning aesthetics.

Dufour's construction ethos, particularly for larger vessels, involves robust solid fiberglass hulls and meticulously crafted fiberglass decks, built in their La Rochelle facility in France. The Dufour 63 Exclusive, for instance, was built to the highest standards, featuring fully laminated bulkheads, contributing to its exceptional sailing characteristics and an extremely stiff hull. While specific variations like MkI/MkII were not prominent for this model, the Dufour 63 was presented as a semi-custom yacht, offering various interior layouts to suit owner preferences.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Dufour 63 is designed to deliver a harmonious balance of performance and stability, a hallmark of Umberto Felci's designs for Dufour. With a length overall of just under 63 feet and a waterline length of 57.58 feet, she boasts a substantial presence on the water.

To understand her sailing characteristics, we can interpret key ratios:

• Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D): While the exact calculated SA/D is not provided, her reported sail area of 1983 sq ft and displacement of 46,297 lbs suggest a capable rig for her size. Given the general design philosophy of Dufour, she is likely to be responsive in light to moderate winds, yet powerful enough to perform well in stronger conditions.
• Ballast to Displacement Ratio (B/D): With a ballast of 14,330 lbs and a displacement of 46,297 lbs, the Dufour 63 has a ballast to displacement ratio of approximately 0.31. This indicates a solid level of stability and stiffness, allowing her to stand up to significant wind pressures and offer a comfortable motion in a seaway. The bulb keel further enhances her stability and performance.
• Displacement to Length Ratio (D/L): Calculating the D/L ratio for the Dufour 63 (46,297 lbs displacement, 57.58 ft LWL) yields approximately 177. This ratio places her in the lighter, more performance-oriented cruiser category for a yacht of her size. A lower D/L ratio typically signifies a yacht that is easier to drive in light airs and capable of higher speeds, especially downwind.

Anecdotal reports suggest that the Dufour 63 exhibits excellent sailing characteristics, offering a responsive and balanced helm. Her twin spade rudders contribute to precise control, even when heeled, enhancing maneuverability and directional stability. The hull's design, a result of Felci's expertise, ensures a comfortable motion offshore, making her well-suited for extended cruising.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Dufour 63 is designed to offer a luxurious and highly customizable living space, reflecting its semi-custom nature. Owners have various interior layouts, all featuring high-quality materials and a range of color options. The design aims to fuse Italian and French character, creating a modern and functional interior.

Typical interior arrangements include options for both an aft owner's suite or a forward owner's suite, along with multiple guest cabin configurations, often accommodating two or three cabins. The general finish quality is high, with an emphasis on refined materials. The interior often features a "loft style" design, embodying smart use of space. Details like well-appointed galleys, spacious salons, and comfortable berths are standard, with ample storage integrated throughout the yacht to support extended voyages. While specific headroom figures are not consistently published, the design of a yacht of this size typically ensures generous standing room throughout the main living areas. Ventilation is likely well-addressed through numerous opening ports and hatches, ensuring comfort in various climates.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Dufour yachts, including the 63, frequently praise their solid construction and the distinctive design approach by Umberto Felci. The fully laminated bulkheads contribute to an exceptionally stiff hull, a feature appreciated by those seeking a robust and reliable vessel for long-distance cruising. Owners often highlight the Dufour 63's combination of performance and comfort, finding it capable of exhilarating sailing while providing a luxurious living environment. The ability to customize interior layouts is also a significant advantage noted by owners, allowing them to tailor the yacht to their specific cruising needs. While general owner feedback on very large yachts like the 63 is less common than for smaller production models, the brand's reputation for balancing performance and comfort is consistently acknowledged across its range.