Dufour T6 Information, Review, Specs

The Dufour T6 emerged during a period in the early 1980s when Dufour Yachts, under Michel Dufour's continuing influence, was working to solidify its brand image by focusing on innovative, ready-to-sail yachts. Founded in 1964, Dufour Yachts had established itself as a leader in fiberglass construction, leveraging the material for efficient production and consistent quality, a commitment that extended to the T6. The company's method of building hulls, particularly for boats under 50 feet, typically involved solid fiberglass, with decks also meticulously crafted from fiberglass at their facility in La Rochelle, France. While specific design philosophies for the T6 are not extensively documented, Laurent Cordelle is credited as its designer. The T6 features a monohull form with a distinctive wing keel, which for a boat of its size, would have offered a balance of reduced draft for accessing shallower waters and maintaining stability.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Given its compact size, the Dufour T6 is designed for ease of handling and nimble performance, making it well-suited for coastal cruising, lake sailing, and day trips. Its fractional sloop rig provides a versatile sail plan that is straightforward to manage for single-handed sailing or a small crew. The boat's relatively light displacement of 1,764 pounds, combined with its short overall length, suggests responsive handling characteristics. The inclusion of a wing keel, with a maximum draft of 4.27 feet and a minimum draft of 0.98 feet, allows for both good stability and the ability to navigate shallower areas or be easily trailered and launched. While detailed anecdotal performance reviews for the T6 are scarce, Dufour's broader reputation for producing yachts with "exhilarating sailing dynamics" suggests the T6 would have offered a spirited and enjoyable sailing experience for its class.

Accommodations and Layout

Due to its modest length, the Dufour T6 provides basic accommodations typical of a small cruiser or weekender from its era, prioritizing functionality within a compact footprint. Information regarding specific interior layouts or maximum headroom for the T6 is limited in publicly available resources. However, it can be inferred that the interior would offer fundamental amenities for short overnight stays or comfortable day use. Such designs typically include a V-berth forward, a small cabin area for seating, and potentially a very basic galley provision or space for a portable head. The emphasis would be on maximizing usable space, with a simple finish quality and practical materials, consistent with Dufour's production ethos of creating functional and durable vessels.