Dufour 335 Grand Large Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

On the water, the Dufour 335 Grand Large is characterized by its stiffness and directional stability, largely attributed to the hard chines that run from the midships to the transom. These chines serve a dual purpose: they increase interior volume and provide a "shoulder" for the boat to lean on when heeled, reducing the tendency to round up in gusts. As noted in editorial testing by Yachting Monthly, the twin-wheel configuration offers the helmsman excellent sightlines forward, though the small diameter of the wheels means the steering can feel somewhat high-geared compared to a single, large-diameter wheel.

The rig is a modern, high-aspect setup without a backstay. This allows for a mainsail with a significant roach, providing ample power even in light air. Because the shrouds are led to the hull’s outer edges, the 335 typically carries a non-overlapping or slightly overlapping headsail, making it exceptionally easy to tack single-handed. However, the lack of a backstay means rig tension is primarily managed through the swept-back spreaders and shroud tension, a setup that prioritizes simplicity over the fine-tuning capabilities desired by racing sailors. The boat’s displacement-to-length ratio suggests a hull optimized for coastal hops and comfortable passage-making rather than light-air performance, yet it maintains a respectable pace on a reach thanks to its wide, powerful stern.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the 335 Grand Large maximizes its 3.49-meter beam to create a living space that feels closer to a 36-foot vessel. Dufour offered the model primarily in a two-cabin, single-head configuration, which is widely considered the most successful layout for this hull. By opting for only two cabins, the designers were able to include a genuine navigation station and a head compartment that features a dedicated wet locker and a separate shower area—a rare luxury in this size bracket.

The salon is bathed in natural light thanks to the signature long deckhouse windows and multiple opening portlights. Storage is a high priority, with deep cabinets and under-settee lockers. In terms of aesthetics, the 335 moved toward the "loft-style" interior found in its larger siblings, the 375 and 405 Grand Large, utilizing light-colored woods like Moabi or oak and contemporary joinery. While there are no major structural siblings built on the exact 335 hull, it shares significant design DNA with the Dufour 310 and the later Dufour 350, both of which refined the chined-hull and twin-wheel concept introduced by the 335.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Dufour 335 Grand Large achieved significant industry recognition upon its release, being nominated for several "Boat of the Year" awards in Europe and the United States. It was frequently highlighted in nautical media for its "Evolutionary" design, particularly the removal of the backstay to create an open-access transom. Technical walk-throughs and sea trials conducted by major publications like Sail Magazine and Yachting World at the time of its launch helped cement its reputation as a benchmark for modern, wide-body cruisers.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus their inspections on the specific technical choices made by Felci and Dufour for this era of production:

• Rig Tension & Chainplates: Because the rig relies on the spreaders and hull-mounted chainplates rather than a backstay for mast stability, the chainplate attachments and shroud tension should be professionally inspected. Look for any signs of crazing in the gelcoat around the shroud terminals.
• Saildrive Diaphragm: The 335 is equipped with a Volvo Penta saildrive. Standard maintenance requires the rubber diaphragm to be replaced every seven years; buyers should verify the service history of this critical seal.
• Rudder Bearings: Like many wide-stern yachts with twin wheels, the steering linkage can experience wear if not properly lubricated. Check for excessive "play" or "clunking" at the wheels, which may indicate the need for new rudder bearings or cable adjustments.
• Gelcoat Consistency: Some owners of the early 2011–2013 "Grand Large" models have reported minor cosmetic gelcoat issues on the coachroof. Inspect the non-skid areas for any signs of spider-cracking or thinning.

Community & Resources

Owners of the 335 Grand Large are supported by a robust network of brand-specific organizations. The Dufour Association is the primary hub for technical advice, offering a repository of manuals and owner-contributed solutions for system upgrades. Additionally, the Felci Yacht Design archives provide historical context on the hull's performance characteristics and design evolution.

The Verdict

The Dufour 335 Grand Large is a forward-thinking coastal cruiser that punches well above its weight class in terms of cockpit space and interior volume.

Pros:

• Expansive, uncluttered cockpit due to the lack of a backstay and twin wheels.
• Exceptional interior volume and a large head with a separate shower.
• Stiff and stable sailing performance thanks to the chined hull.
• Easy to sail short-handed with a self-tacking jib or small genoa.

Cons:

• Rig lacks the fine-tuning capabilities of a traditional backstay setup.
• Wide beam can cause the boat to lose speed if allowed to heel excessively in heavy air.
• Twin steering systems add mechanical complexity to a relatively small boat.