This is a thoroughly modern cruiser, with a 12'9" beam, a displacement of 15,564 lbs, pronounced hard chines aft, and an almost vertical stem. Its 27.6% ballast-to-displacement ratio points to a hull that relies more on form stability than ballast for its distinctly stable character.
Design and Construction
The hull is hand-laminated GRP with vacuum-infused structural mesh, bonded to an internal structural grid for stiffness. The deck panels use sandwich construction over an injected foam core, while an ISO/NPG outer layer provides solid resistance to blistering.
The pronounced hard chines toward the stern work with the wide beam to deliver what testers describe as solid stability under sail. Two keel options were available: a standard 6'3" fin and a deeper performance keel. Both use an L-shaped bulb for ballast efficiency.
Steering is through a semi-elliptical, high-aspect rudder on a stainless steel stock filled with closed-cell foam. Twin helm stations were standard on the Grand Large.
Rig, Handling, and Performance
The 380 GL carries a 9/10ths fractional rig, with a deck-stepped Z-Spar mast and twin aft-swept spreaders. The sail plan favors a larger mainsail and a smaller self-tacking jib on its own track. A 108% overlapping genoa was available for light air, while an optional bowsprit allowed the use of a gennaker or code zero on reaches.
Running rigging leads aft to the cockpit. Rope clutches and self-tailing winches are arranged for two-handed operation, and an inclined boom borrowed from ocean-racing concepts helps keep the sail plan manageable.
Testers consistently describe the boat’s handling as well balanced and predictable. Upwind in 10–12 knots true, she reaches about 5 knots; at 60 degrees apparent in 15 knots, she makes 6.4 knots. Compared with the Jeanneau 389, sailors note greater hull-form stability and less heel.
The performance version added a deeper keel, taller mast, and more sail area. Owners reported that it sailed about a knot faster than standard class competitors on all points of sail.
Accommodations
Dufour offered no fewer than six interior configurations. In the standard three-cabin layout, the boat sleeps eight. The forward owner’s cabin has a V-berth and an ensuite head, while two aft cabins share a second head. A U-shaped saloon dinette converts into another berth.
The bow cabin includes a double berth, lockers, shelves, and its own head with shower. The aft cabins provide similar storage and share a port-side head.
The galley is to starboard of the companionway and includes a two-burner stove, oven, top-loading refrigerator, and double sink. Buyers could choose either an L-shaped or in-line galley. Moabi mahogany joinery runs throughout the interior.
Other details include a wine cellar beneath the companionway floorboards and a navigation station with a chart table and hinged desktop. Battery storage is tucked into an 18-inch locker between the aft cabins.
Cockpit and Deck Equipment
The aft cockpit is spacious and well organized, with teak seating and a drop-down transom that becomes a swim platform. A sprayhood and bimini provide protection, and an integrated arch can carry solar panels or other gear.
The large foredeck has an anchor locker and electric windlass. Six mooring cleats, long side decks with handrails, and double lifelines make up the deck’s safety provisions; the boat also has coachroof grab rails. Four winches, genoa and mainsheet tracks, and a single traveler complete the standard deck plan.
Engine and Tankage
The standard auxiliary engine is a 30 hp Volvo Penta, with a 40 hp option. With the 40 hp engine, the boat makes 7.8 knots at wide-open throttle and 3,100 rpm, or a comfortable 7.2 knots at 2,600 rpm.
Some owners have gone further and replaced the diesel entirely with an Oceanvolt electric sail drive. Fuel capacity is 53 gallons, and water capacity is 100 gallons.
Known Issues
The Dufour 380 Grand Large lacks rub rails as standard, leaving the gelcoat exposed alongside a dock. Owners also frequently complained that the 12-gallon holding tank was too small for extended offshore use.
A few owners reported minor blemishes in the cabin joinery. Tank and battery readouts on early hulls were also described as outdated.
The Verdict
The Dufour 380 Grand Large is a well-engineered modern cruiser with a stable, beamy hull and a forgiving fractional rig suited to short-handed sailing. Its six available interior configurations and thoughtful details—including the wine cellar, central battery stowage, and drop-down transom—show a design focused on liveaboard comfort.
The small holding tank and absence of standard rub rails are the main ownership caveats.
Pros
- Wide-beam hull form and hard chines provide solid stability and less heel than comparable boats
- Twin helms, a self-tacking jib, and aft-led running rigging simplify handling
- Six interior layouts, plus useful details such as the wine cellar and central battery stowage
- Performance version adds meaningful speed without abandoning the cruising brief
Cons
- 12-gallon holding tank is small for extended offshore passages
- No standard rub rails, leaving the hull sides vulnerable alongside a dock
- Early boats have dated tank and battery monitoring
