Dufour 32 Sailboat Review, Specs, and Listings

Design and Construction

Felci's hull for the Dufour 32 keeps beam carried well aft but draws its forward sections a little narrower than the very latest designs, which trades some form stability and forecabin volume for a lower wetted surface and quicker motion in light airs anchor. The chines themselves reduce waterline beam in light weather and add directional stability once the wind builds. Because the single rudder blade is set well under the hull to work clear of disturbed transom water, its position is constrained by the aft cabin berth above — a real packaging compromise born of the 310-derived layout. The GRP work throughout reads as tidy and well finished, and the deck layout is easy to move around on, with amply wide side decks, teak toerails for security, and sturdy aluminium handrails along the coachroof edge. The deck is injection moulded.

Rig and Handling

Rather than twin wheels, the Dufour 32 uses a hinging tiller on a single deep rudder, which lets the helm sit further forward where sheets, halyards and reefing lines fall within reach anchor. Twin Lewmar 40 winches sit at the aft end of the coachroof, with two further mounting positions aft for Code 0 and spinnaker sheets, and the mainsheet runs off an adjustable rope lead on the coachroof, optionally to a cockpit sole block. Two rigs are offered; both carry two sets of swept spreaders and no backstay, and testers were told the mast is the same section as the speedy Jeanneau Sun Fast 3300. Under the Performance Pack — a DCX square-headed fully battened mainsail, 108% DCX genoa, asymmetric spinnaker gear, cockpit main block, two-bladed folding prop and rigid vang — the test boat tacked through 76° at 4.2 knots in 7 knots apparent and reached 4.7 knots under main and genoa in 7.4 knots. Yachting Monthly found her fun and easy with just two aboard even flying the Code Zero, easily driven with no undue vices.

Accommodations

Below, the Dufour 32 is commendably spacious for her length. The cockpit is extremely generous, with excellent coaming cushions, inflatable seat cushions, and a table that raises for dining, drops to seat level for a sunbathing area, or removes entirely for sailing space. A unique option is a removable inflatable aft door that deflates into the cockpit locker and folds to sea level as a bathing platform. Down the companionway, the port aft cabin holds a berth around 194cm long and 183cm wide, with the water tank beneath and battery isolators on the berth side; the heads to starboard is very spacious for a 32-footer, with basin, mixer tap, movable shower, electric sump pump, mirrored lockers and a wet-gear rack draining to the floor. The L-shaped galley to port uses Corian surfaces including sink and fridge lids. The saloon has two settee berths — the starboard notably long — stowage lockers each side, and a table with a central glass locker that infills to a large berth. The forecabin, narrowed by the forward sections, still gives a berth around 184cm by 167cm. Extensive deckhead windows keep the interior light.

Equipment and Power

The standard Volvo DI20F 19hp pushes the boat quietly at 5 knots at 2,100rpm and 6.3 knots at 3,100rpm, accessed by hinging up the companionway steps. The single rudder allows a proper below-decks autopilot fixed to the rudder stock, and a robust adjustable tiller extension lets the helmsman steer from seat or coaming. The removable stemhead anchor mount clears the bow for racing, and the bowsprit for Code 0 or asymmetric is strongly built. The Comfort Pack and Performance Pack are priced options; the latter alone lists at a five-figure sum.

The Verdict

The Dufour 32 is a thoughtfully modern small cruiser that strips weight and complexity from the 310 to gain speed and simplicity without losing liveaboard comfort. Its Felci hull, tiller-driven single rudder, and clever cockpit options make her a genuine two-person boat that still entertains.

Pros