Design and Construction
Felci’s hull carries its beam well aft, but its forward sections are a little narrower than those of the very latest designs. This sacrifices some form stability and forecabin volume in exchange for less wetted surface and quicker motion in light airs. The chines reduce waterline beam in light weather and add directional stability as the wind builds. The hull’s narrower forward sections trade some form stability and forecabin volume for a lower wetted surface and quicker motion in light airs.
The single rudder is positioned well under the hull, where it can work clear of disturbed water from the transom. Its location is constrained by the aft-cabin berth above, however—a real packaging compromise inherited from the 310-derived layout.
The GRP work throughout appears tidy and well finished, and the injection-moulded deck is easy to move around. Side decks are amply wide, teak toerails add security, and sturdy aluminium handrails run along the coachroof edge.
Rig, Handling and Performance
Instead of the 310’s twin wheels, the Dufour 32 uses a hinging tiller connected to a single deep rudder. This lets the helm sit farther forward, within reach of the sheets, halyards and reefing lines. The hinging tiller lets the helm sit farther forward, within reach of the sheets, halyards and reefing lines.
Twin Lewmar 40 winches sit at the aft end of the coachroof, with two more mounting positions aft for Code 0 and spinnaker sheets. The mainsheet runs from an adjustable rope lead on the coachroof, with an optional lead to a block on the cockpit sole.
Two rigs are offered. Both have two sets of swept spreaders and no backstay, and testers were told that the mast uses the same section as the speedy Jeanneau Sun Fast 3300.
The test boat carried the Performance Pack, comprising:
- a DCX square-headed, fully battened mainsail
- a 108% DCX genoa
- asymmetric-spinnaker gear
- a cockpit mainsheet block
- a two-bladed folding propeller
- a rigid vang
In 7 knots apparent, the boat tacked through 76° at 4.2 knots. Under main and genoa in 7.4 knots, it reached 4.7 knots. Yachting Monthly found the boat fun and easy to handle with only two aboard, even when flying the Code Zero, and described it as easily driven with no undue vices.
Cockpit and Accommodation
The Dufour 32 is commendably spacious for its length. The cockpit is extremely generous, with excellent coaming cushions, inflatable seat cushions and a versatile table. The table can be raised for dining, lowered to seat height to create a sunbathing area, or removed entirely to open up the cockpit for sailing.
A unique option is a removable inflatable aft door. It deflates into the cockpit locker and folds down to sea level to serve as a bathing platform.
Below, the port aft cabin contains a berth around 194cm long and 183cm wide. The water tank sits beneath it, while the battery isolators are mounted at the side of the berth.
The heads compartment to starboard is very spacious for a 32-footer. It includes a basin, mixer tap, movable shower, electric sump pump, mirrored lockers and a wet-gear rack that drains onto the floor.
Opposite, the L-shaped galley uses Corian surfaces, including the sink and fridge lids. The saloon has two settee berths, with the starboard berth notably long, plus stowage lockers on both sides. Its table incorporates a central glass locker and can be infilled to form a large berth.
The narrower forward sections limit space in the forecabin, though it still provides a berth around 184cm by 167cm. Extensive deckhead windows bring plenty of light into the interior. There is no chart table beneath the hinging instrument panel.
Equipment and Power
The standard Volvo DI20F 19hp engine is reached by hinging up the companionway steps. It pushes the boat quietly at 5 knots at 2,100rpm and 6.3 knots at 3,100rpm.
The single-rudder arrangement allows a proper below-decks autopilot to be connected directly to the rudder stock. A robust, adjustable tiller extension lets the helmsman steer from either the cockpit seat or the coaming.
At the bow, the removable stemhead anchor mount can be taken off to clear the bow for racing. The bowsprit for a Code 0 or asymmetric spinnaker is strongly built.
Both the Comfort Pack and Performance Pack are priced options. The Performance Pack alone carries a five-figure price.
The Verdict
The Dufour 32 is a thoughtfully modern small cruiser. It removes weight and complexity from the 310 to gain speed and simplicity without giving up liveaboard comfort. Its Felci hull, tiller-operated single rudder and clever cockpit options make it a genuine two-person boat that can still entertain guests.
Pros
- Lighter and faster than the 310, particularly in light airs
- Spacious, adaptable cockpit with a removable inflatable bathing platform
- Tiller steering allows a below-decks autopilot
- Easily driven, with no undue vices under the performance rig
Cons
- The single rudder’s position is compromised by the aft-berth layout
- Narrower forward sections reduce forecabin volume
- No chart table beneath the hinging instrument panel
