Its full-bodied, high-volume hull and square-looking coachroof are typical of Dufour designs from the middle of the period. The boat measures 7.62 meters overall, with a 6.69-meter waterline, a 2.75-meter beam, and a displacement of 1,832 kg.
Design and Construction
The Dufour 1800 is a recreational keelboat built predominantly of fiberglass with wood trim. It has a raked stem, a reverse transom, and an internally mounted spade-type rudder controlled by a tiller with an extension.
The keel was offered in an unusual range of options: fixed fins in shallow-, standard-, or deep-draft versions, plus an optional lifting keel. The standard fin draws a modest 4 feet 3 inches. Combined with the hull’s volume, that makes the 1800 a practical trailerable proposition without sacrificing interior room.
A centerline outboard well sits in the cockpit, just forward of the rudder, and provides good steering control under power. An inboard engine was also available from the factory.
Rig, Performance, and Handling
The 1800 carries a well-proportioned fractional sloop rig with aluminum spars. Its Bermuda-profile sail plan gives the boat sporty performance, and with a crisp, well-cut suit of sails, it makes a good entry-level club racer. Its average PHRF racing handicap is 219, placing it fairly among small club racers.
A boom vang and adjustable backstay came as standard, along with a mainsheet traveller and tracks for the jib blocks. One halyard winch is mounted on the cabin roof, while two jib winches sit on the cockpit coamings. The tiller extension allows a single sailor to work the cockpit without leaving the helm.
Accommodations
The Dufour 1800 sleeps four. A separate forecabin contains a forward V-berth, with an opening hatch for ventilation. Just aft is a midships heads compartment arranged on both sides of the boat. A chemical toilet and sink were standard, while a marine toilet was available as a factory option.
Two cabin berths complete the sleeping arrangements, with the foot of the starboard berth tucked beneath the navigation table. The saloon feels a little cramped, but the galley is adequate for extended cruising and includes a two-burner stove. To port, a compact, half-size chart table is braced by the aft bulkhead.
The dinette table is particularly versatile. It stows beneath the starboard berth and has three mounting positions: fore and aft on the main bulkhead, athwartships on the seat backs, or in the cockpit on the washboard. This is a clever arrangement for daysailing and short cruises, although the overall layout is less suited to long-term living aboard.
Refits and Ownership
Most used Dufour 1800s retain their original fractional rigs, and buyers will generally be choosing among boats whose keel variant is already fixed. The lifting, shallow-, standard-, and deep-draft options suit a range of home waters.
The outboard well will appeal to trailer sailors who want to minimize inboard-engine upkeep, while the factory inboard option remains available on some boats. Inside, the adaptable table and compact but complete accommodation plan make practical use of the boat’s 25-foot length.
The Verdict
The Dufour 1800 is a thoughtfully packaged small cruiser-racer whose high-volume hull and four-berth layout make the most of its 25 feet. It’s quick enough for club racing yet roomy enough for cruising, with a keel choice to suit almost any home waters.
The saloon is tight, but the adequate galley, compact chart table, and adaptable dinette table help compensate. Overall, the boat is well aimed at entry-level sailors, trailerable use, daysailing, and short cruises.
Pros
- Four berths, a separate forecabin, and midships heads in a 25-foot hull
- Sporty fractional rig with a standard vang and adjustable backstay
- A good entry-level club racer
- Choice of lifting, shallow-, standard-, or deep-draft keel for trailering or fixed mooring
- Clever three-position dinette table and half-size chart table
Cons
- Saloon feels a little cramped
- Standard head uses a chemical toilet; a marine toilet was only a factory option
