Dufour Classic 43 Information, Review, Specs

The Dufour Classic 43 emerged as part of Dufour Yachts' "Classic" range, which was introduced in 1994 to revise the company's image and focus on "ready-to-sail yachts". From its origins in 1964, Dufour Yachts has been a pioneer in fiberglass boatbuilding, with a commitment to robust construction evident in their methods, typically building hulls of solid fiberglass and meticulously crafting decks from fiberglass in their La Rochelle facility. The Classic 43, therefore, inherited this strong manufacturing ethos, designed to offer reliability and consistent quality.

The collaboration with Mortain & Mavrikios aimed to create a yacht with an elegant design and a low profile, offering wide side decks for ease of movement. The underlying design philosophy for the Dufour 43 Classic was to achieve a successful balance between comfortable cruising amenities and engaging sailing performance, a hallmark of the Dufour brand's reputation for innovative and high-performance sailing yachts.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a sail area of 990 square feet and a displacement of 18,739 pounds, the Dufour Classic 43 boasts a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 22.49. This relatively high ratio suggests that the Classic 43 is a lively performer, capable of excelling in light to moderate winds and offering an engaging sailing experience. Its moderate displacement to length ratio of 251.53 confirms its position as a dedicated cruiser that prioritizes comfort without sacrificing too much performance, distinguishing it from excessively heavy or ultra-light designs.

The yacht's ballast to displacement ratio stands at approximately 0.28, indicating that while not exceptionally stiff solely through ballast, its stability is significantly enhanced by its hull form and wide beam of 14.08 feet. Equipped with a fin keel and a spade rudder, allowing for a maximum draft of 6.23 feet (with a shallow draft option of 5.15 feet also available), the Dufour Classic 43 is generally noted for good maneuverability and responsive handling. Its masthead sloop rig provides a straightforward and powerful sail plan, contributing to its all-around sailing capabilities.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Dufour Classic 43 is designed for comfortable cruising, offering ample space and, notably, generous headroom throughout the cabins. While specific maximum headroom figures are not provided, reviews often highlight the bright and airy feel of the interior. A common layout features a galley running fore and aft to port, with a convertible dinette situated to starboard in the saloon.

Accommodation configurations can vary, with charter versions often featuring up to four cabins, two bathrooms, and berths for up to ten people. Owner versions, however, typically emphasize a more luxurious and spacious forward owner's cabin, often a V-berth, alongside other double cabins aft. The general finish and equipment of the Classic 43 are described as fitting well within its segment as an inexpensive all-round yacht, emphasizing traditional, high-quality construction that appeals to cruising sailors. The use of solid fiberglass for the hull and deck further reinforces the impression of a robust and well-built vessel.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Dufour Classic 43 frequently praise its solid construction and thoughtful design, reflecting Dufour's reputation for creating seaworthy and comfortable vessels that strike a balance between performance and livability. The yacht is often seen as a reliable and enjoyable cruiser, capable of handling various conditions while offering ample space for extended stays aboard. General discussions within Dufour owner forums sometimes touch upon the structural integrity of the hull, keel, and deck across various Dufour models, suggesting these are areas owners typically inspect. However, specific recurring issues unique to the Classic 43 are not widely reported, indicating a generally well-regarded model within the Dufour lineup.