Design and Construction
The hull is built by vacuum-infused polyester and foam-core sandwich construction, transitioning to solid glass below the waterline — a process that gives the yard precise control over fiber and resin placement while producing lighter finished parts and a cleaner overall layup. An integral grid distributes rig loads throughout the structure, while the L-shaped cast-iron keel with bulb is offered in two drafts: a shoal 5 feet 1 inch or a deeper 6 feet 3 inch option that should reward upwind work. The hull itself carries sleek lines and a nearly plumb bow, presenting a profile that reads fast and purposeful, with a slightly reversed transom that folds down into a proper swim platform. A single elliptical rudder provides responsive steering with a firm grip even at significant heel angles — a detail that matters when the breeze fills in unexpectedly.
Rig and Sail Plan
The 9/10ths fractional rig sets double sweptback spreaders and 592 square feet of working sail, built by Elvstrom in standard Dacron with full battens available as an option. The deck-stepped, tapered aluminum mast and boom are supplied by Seldén, and the outboard chainplate position keeps the side decks reasonably clear for fore-and-aft movement. Notably, there is no backstay, which simplifies the rig and eliminates one variable from upwind sail trim. The standard headsail is a 95-percent self-tacking jib on a Facnor furler, sheeting to a straight track just forward of the mast — a practical choice for shorthanded passages where tacking without touching a sheet is a genuine convenience. An optional composite bowsprit, the so-called delphinière, keeps ground tackle from damaging the stem when anchoring and doubles as a gennaker attachment point, extending the boat's light-air range meaningfully.
Cockpit and Deck Layout
Twin wheels open the cockpit and allow freer movement between companionway and transom than a single-helm arrangement would permit. A large drop-leaf table dominates the cockpit center, flanked by aft seats that hinge up to clear the transom for racing or easy boarding. Both helms carry compasses and easy reach of the Lewmar primary winches, with a Raymarine chartplotter and engine controls positioned to starboard and an instrument display to port. Two hatches outboard of the cabin-top winches offer ventilation and are sheltered enough under the dodger to remain open in foul weather. The side and cabin decks are fiberglass with non-skid, keeping weight and maintenance low; optional teak accents on seats, sole, and toerail add visual warmth without the upkeep burden of fully teak-planked decks.
Accommodations
Two interior layouts are offered: a two-cabin plan that frees up space for a proper shower stall in the head and a genuine nav desk on the starboard side — the desk slides down on tracks and can be cushioned to extend the settee or serve as a sea berth — and a three-cabin version that fills the aft end with guest quarters. The V-berth forward serves as the master suite, with double doors that borrow from Dufour's larger models to create a sense of separation and spaciousness when open. The saloon's drop-leaf table is the same unit fitted to the larger GL 382, complete with a padded, radiused aft edge to protect crew during rough-water passages. The L-shaped galley to port features twin sinks on centerline, a top-loading Isotherm refrigerator, Corian countertops with integrated fiddles, and a two-burner Eno stove with a sliding Corian cover that doubles as a serving tray. A signature Dufour wine rack below the companionway floorboards completes the picture of a galley designed with genuine liveability in mind. Standard interior finish is Maobi wood, brought to life by opening hatches and fixed acrylic ports in the headliner — though those overhead ports can be treacherously slippery underfoot on deck when wet.
Under Sail and Power
On the water, the 350 GL responds with more purpose than its size implies. At 45 degrees apparent in 15 knots of apparent breeze, boat speed reached 6.5 knots, and tacks were brisk and uncomplicated thanks to the self-tacking jib. Bearing away to 120 degrees dropped speed to 5.9 knots with the rain coming on — still a creditable downwind pace for a 33-footer in modest pressure. Under power, the 29-horsepower Volvo diesel pushed the hull to 7.2 knots at 3,000 rpm, with a comfortable cruising speed of 6 knots achievable at reduced throttle. Standard tankage runs to 42 gallons of fuel and 58 gallons of water, with an optional second water tank available for passages where access to shore-side fill-ups is limited.
The Verdict
The Dufour 350 Grand Large makes a convincing case that a 33-foot production cruiser can deliver big-boat amenities without sacrificing the sail performance that makes coastal and offshore passages enjoyable. The self-tacking rig, outboard chainplates, twin-wheel cockpit, and flexible interior layouts are thoughtful choices that reward shorthanded crews and cruising couples alike. The build quality — vacuum-infused hull, Seldén spars, Elvstrom sails, Lewmar deck gear — reflects a manufacturer spending its component budget where it matters. The optional delphinière bowsprit is worth specifying for anyone who anchors regularly or wants a gennaker aboard.
Pros
- Vacuum-infused hull construction with foam core produces a light, stiff structure
- Self-tacking jib simplifies shorthanded sailing substantially
- Twin-wheel cockpit opens up working space and allows clean transom access
- Two-cabin layout accommodates a full shower stall and proper nav station
- Optional bowsprit adds versatility for anchoring and light-air downwind sailing
- Seldén rig, Elvstrom sails, and Lewmar winches throughout
Cons
- Cockpit-top acrylic ports are slippery underfoot when wet
- Water tankage in the standard configuration is modest for extended passages
- No backstay simplifies tuning but limits mainsail shape adjustment under some conditions
- Three-cabin layout sacrifices the shower stall and nav desk that make the two-cabin version genuinely liveable
