Dufour 29 Information, Review, Specs

In the lineage of Dufour’s 1970s fleet, the 29 is often compared to its slightly smaller sibling, the Dufour 2800, which was launched shortly after. While the 2800 focused on production efficiency and modern lines, the Dufour 29 retained a more traditional profile with a slightly higher displacement-to-length ratio, making it the preferred choice for sailors prioritizing a "big boat" feel in a sub-30-foot package.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Dufour 29 is characterized by its predictable, stiff behavior, largely due to a high ballast ratio and a deep fin keel. With a displacement of approximately 7,000 pounds, it handles chop with significantly more grace than modern light-displacement cruisers of the same length. It features a masthead sloop rig and a skeg-hung rudder, a configuration that provides excellent tracking and protection against debris.

According to historical performance notes from the Dufour Association, the boat is particularly well-balanced on a beat, though it requires early reefing once the breeze sustains over 18 knots to minimize weather helm. The sail area-to-displacement ratio suggests a boat that is capable in light winds if the genoa is sized appropriately, though it truly excels in a moderate breeze where its hull speed of approximately 6.5 knots is easily achieved. Owners often report that the boat feels "indestructible" in heavy weather, a sentiment echoed in archival reviews by European yachting journals which praised its sea-kindliness during cross-channel passages.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a yacht designed in the mid-1970s, the Dufour 29 was remarkably ahead of its time regarding interior volume. Michel Dufour utilized the boat’s nearly 10-foot beam to create an open, ergonomic layout that avoids the "tunnel" feeling common in many of its contemporaries. The standard configuration includes a V-berth forward, a full-width head compartment, and a main saloon with a folding table that can accommodate five adults.

The galley is typically situated to port, featuring a gimbaled stove and a surprisingly deep sink for a 29-footer. To starboard, a dedicated navigation station—a luxury for this size class—is positioned ahead of a generous quarter berth. Timber work throughout the cabin is predominantly teak or mahogany veneer, which, when well-maintained, gives the interior a warm, classic nautical aesthetic. While there were few major factory variations, some later models featured minor changes to the cabinetry and the inclusion of a more modern electrical panel as the builder transitioned toward the styling of the 1980s.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach a Dufour 29 with a checklist focused on the longevity of 1970s materials. While the hulls are generally overbuilt, the following areas require specific scrutiny:

• Osmotic Blistering: Like many yachts of this era, the Dufour 29 can be susceptible to osmosis. A professional hull survey is essential to check for moisture levels in the laminate.
• Deck Delamination: The balsa-cored deck is prone to "soft spots," particularly around the chainplates, stanchion bases, and the mast step. Any flexing underfoot usually indicates water ingress and core rot.
• Original Engine Reliability: Many units were originally fitted with the Volvo Penta MD7A. While these are "iron lungs," parts are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. Buyers should check for excessive smoke or signs of manifold corrosion.
• Rudder Bushings: The skeg-hung rudder is robust, but the bushings can wear over decades, leading to vibration or "play" in the tiller.
• Window Leaks: The original aluminum-framed ports are known to leak if the sealant has perished, which can lead to damage of the interior wood veneers.

Community & Resources

The Dufour 29 benefits from an active and technically proficient owner community. The most prominent resource is the Dufour Association, based in the United Kingdom, which maintains a technical library and a registry of owners. For French-speaking owners, the "Cercle Dufour" provides deep historical context and original factory drawings for the 29 and its sister ships.

The Verdict

The Dufour 29 is an exceptional entry-level cruiser for those who value structural integrity and classic lines over modern "condo-maran" volume. It remains a "proper" yacht that can handle coastal hops and moderate offshore passages with confidence.

Pros:

• Exceptional build quality and "heavy boat" feel in a seaway.
• Intelligent interior layout with a dedicated nav station.
• Stable and forgiving handling for solo or short-handed sailing.
• High-quality skeg protection for the rudder.

Cons:

• Older models may require expensive engine repowering.
• Susceptibility to deck core issues if hardware was not re-bedded.
• Performance in very light air can be sluggish without a specialized headsail.