Dufour 325 Grand Large Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The 325 Grand Large is defined by its Umberto Felci hull, which prioritizes a balanced helm and responsive tracking. With a displacement-to-length ratio that places it firmly in the moderate cruiser category, the boat feels stable and predictable in a breeze. According to editorial testing by Cruising World, the vessel proves eager under power, with its 19-hp Volvo Penta diesel pushing the hull comfortably to over 6 knots. Under sail, the 9/10 fractional rig is easily managed by a small crew, though several testers have noted that the boat can feel underpowered in light airs (under 5 knots) due to its conservative standard headsail.

Handling is characterized by a semi-elliptical spade rudder that provides high levels of maneuverability in tight marinas. The use of a bulb keel (offered in both 1.85m standard and 1.55m shallow drafts) helps maintain a respectable righting moment, though the boat’s relatively high freeboard can make it susceptible to windage when docking. On the race course or in spirited cruising, it is described by Yachting Monthly as having a "sportier feel" than its predecessor, rewarding active trimming while remaining forgiving for novice skippers.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Patrick Roséo’s interior design maximizes the 325’s 3.40-meter beam to create a living space that feels significantly larger than its footprint suggests. The layout is typically a two-cabin, one-head configuration, which was the standard for this model throughout its production run. The joinery is finished in Moabi mahogany, a trademark of this era of Dufour production, providing a warm and traditional feel that contrasts with the modern exterior.

In the saloon, the 1.87-meter headroom is a standout feature for a 32-footer. The longitudinal galley to port is functional for coastal hops, though some owners have noted that storage for long-term provisions is modest. The sibling models within the Grand Large range—specifically the 365 and 385—offered expanded three-cabin layouts, but the 325 remained dedicated to the two-cabin "owner" format to ensure the aft cabin and head compartment did not feel cramped. A notable variation in the 325’s history is its eventual successor, the 335 Grand Large, which carried even more beam aft and introduced twin steering wheels, a feature the 325 lacked in favor of a simpler, more communicative single-wheel helm.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus on several specific technical areas common to the Dufour models of the mid-2000s:

• Saildrive Seal: The Volvo Penta D1-20 engine utilizes a saildrive transmission. Buyers should verify the age of the rubber diaphragm seal; Volvo recommends replacement every seven years, though many owners extend this with careful monitoring.
• Keel-to-Hull Joint: Like many production boats with cast-iron keels, the 325 may show "smile" cracks at the leading edge of the keel-to-hull joint if not maintained. Surface rust on the iron keel is common but requires proper epoxy treatment.
• Interior Liners: Dufour uses a structural grid (liner) bonded to the hull. Inspectors should look for any signs of debonding or "crazing" in the gelcoat near the grid junctions, which could indicate high-stress events.
• Deck Hardware Bedding: While the deck uses a PVC foam core (rather than balsa), which resists rot, leaks from stanchion bases or the mainsheet traveler can still migrate into the interior Moabi woodwork, causing discoloration.
• Lazarette Finish: Earlier production units were sometimes criticized for a lack of finish in the lazarette lockers, where raw fiberglass edges could snag gear; look for units where owners have added protective coatings or mats.

Community & Resources

Owners of the 325 Grand Large are supported by a robust network of brand enthusiasts. The most prominent technical resource is the Dufour Association, which hosts an extensive archive of manuals and technical forums specifically covering the Grand Large series. Local chapters in the UK and North America provide specific advice on parts sourcing for the Felci-designed models.

The Verdict

The Dufour 325 Grand Large is a quintessential coastal cruiser that successfully brought modern volume and design to the entry-level market. It remains a popular choice for families transitioning from dayboats to overnight cruising.

Pros

• Exceptional interior volume and headroom for its length.
• Balanced and responsive helm thanks to the Felci hull design.
• High-quality Moabi mahogany joinery provides a premium feel.
• PVC foam-cored deck is more durable than traditional balsa cores.

Cons

• Standard sail plan can feel sluggish in light wind conditions.
• Single-wheel cockpit can feel crowded compared to newer twin-wheel designs.
• Limited galley storage for extended offshore voyages.