Design and Construction
The hull is hand-laminated GRP with vacuum-infused structural mesh and an inner grid structure for stiffness, while deck panels use sandwich construction over an injected foam core hand-laminated GRP hull bonded to an internal structural grid. An ISO/NPG outer layer provides solid blister resistance, and the hull carries pronounced hard chines toward the stern that, together with the wide beam, are what testers credit for the boat's solid stability under sail. Two keel options were offered — a standard fin at 6'3" and a deeper performance version — and both carry an L-shaped bulb for ballast efficiency. Steering is by a semi-elliptical high-aspect rudder on a stainless steel stock filled with closed-cell foam, with twin helm stations standard on the Grand Large.
Rig and Handling
The 380 GL uses a 9/10ths fractional rig with a deck-stepped Z-Spar mast and twin aft-swept spreaders, favoring a larger mainsail and a smaller self-tacking jib on a dedicated track. A 108% overlapping genoa is available for light wind, and an optional bowsprit opens the door to a gennaker or code zero on reaches. Running rigging is led aft to the cockpit with rope clutches and self-tailing winches set up for two-handed operation, and an inclined boom borrowed from ocean-racing concepts keeps the sail plan manageable. Under sail, testers consistently describe well-balanced, predictable handling: upwind in 10–12 knots true she reaches about 5 knots, and at 60 degrees apparent in 15 knots she clips along at 6.4 knots well-balanced, predictable handling. Against the Jeanneau 389, sailors note more hull-form stability and less heel. The performance version — deeper keel, taller mast, larger sail area — was reported by owners to run about a knot faster than standard class competitors across all points.
Accommodations
Dufour offered no fewer than six interior configurations, but the standard three-cabin layout sleeps eight with a forward owner's cabin featuring a V-berth and ensuite head, two aft cabins sharing a second head, and a U-shaped saloon dinette convertible to a berth. The bow cabin has a double berth, lockers, shelves, and its own head with shower, while the aft cabins mirror that storage with a shared port-side head. The galley sits to starboard of the companionway with a two-burner stove, oven, top-loading fridge, and double sink; buyers could choose an L-shaped or in-line layout. Moabi mahogany joinery runs throughout, a wine cellar sits beneath the companionway floorboards, and the nav station provides a chart table with hinged desktop. Battery storage is tucked in an 18-inch locker between the aft cabins.
Equipment and Deck
The aft cockpit is spacious and well organized, with a drop-down transom to a swim platform, teak seating, and coachroof grab rails. A large foredeck carries an anchor locker and electric windlass; six mooring cleats, long side decks with handrails, and double lifelines round out the safety provisions. The cockpit is protected by sprayhood and bimini, with an integrated arch for solar or other gear. Four winches, genoa and mainsheet tracks, and a single traveler complete the standard deck plan.
Known Issues
Owners flagged the absence of rub rails as standard, leaving gelcoat exposed at the dock. The 12-gallon holding tank drew frequent complaint as small for extended offshore use. A few owners mentioned small blemishes in the cabin joinery, and the tank and battery readouts on early hulls were called outdated lacks rub rails as standard.
Refits and Ownership
The standard auxiliary is a 30 hp Volvo Penta with a 40 hp option; under the 40 hp she makes 7.8 knots wide open at 3,100 rpm and a comfortable 7.2 at 2,600. Some owners went further, replacing the diesel entirely with an Oceanvolt electric sail drive. Fuel is 53 gallons, water 100.
The Verdict
The Dufour 380 Grand Large is a well-engineered modern cruiser with a stable, beamy hull and a forgiving fractional rig that suits short-handed sailing. Its multiple interior layouts and thoughtful details — wine cellar, central battery stowage, drop-down transom — show a design tuned for liveaboard comfort. The thin holding tank and missing rub rails are the main ownership caveats.
Pros
- Wide-beam hull form with hard chines gives solid stability and less heel than peers
- Twin helm, self-tacking jib, and aft-led rigging make for easy handling
- Six interior layouts; clever details like wine cellar and central battery stowage
- Performance version adds real speed without sacrificing the cruising brief
Cons
- 12-gallon holding tank is small for offshore stretches
- No rub rails as standard leaves hull sides vulnerable
- Earlier boats have dated tank and battery monitoring
