Design and Construction
The hull is hand-laid in polyester with an ISO/NPG outer layer to resist blistering hull blister resistance, while the deck uses a dry layup in a mold with a PVC core that is then resin injected to better control fiber and resin placement. That injection process leaves a smooth lower surface, which lets Dufour dispense with any liners liner-free deck construction and contributes to a stiff, light structure. An integral grid distributes loads from the rig and the L-shaped keel, and the keel itself carries a bulb with hefty stainless steel backing plates. Drafts of either 6 feet 4 inches or 5 feet 4 inches were available on that L-shaped keel. The rudder is a powerful semi-elliptical high-aspect blade on a stainless stock, filled with closed-cell foam and set somewhat forward so it stays immersed and keeps a good grip even at a pronounced angle of heel.
Rig and Handling
The 382 wears a 9/10 fractional rig with a deck-stepped Z-Spar mast and twin aft-swept spreaders. A tall mast is an option, lifting the Dacron Elvstrom mainsail's total area to 409 square feet, and full battens are another option. The test boat carried a 95-percent self-tacking jib on a Facnor furler with a slightly curved track just ahead of the mast, but the builder claimed a majority of buyers choose the optional 333-square-foot 110-percent overlapping genoa for light-air performance. Two backstays and outboard chainplates leave the side decks clear for moving forward and aft quickly. Two further winches at the companionway handle halyards and reefing lines, with the mainsheet on a track just ahead of the dodger track.
On the test sail, the boat slid along at 5.6 knots on a broad reach in 10 knots of breeze, rose to 6.4 knots hardened up in 15 knots at 60 degrees, and settled to 5.8 knots pinched to 30 degrees as wind dipped to 12. Tacking was easy as the bow sliced through light chop, and the boat was well balanced with its tall rig and self-tacking jib balanced handling under sail. Under power, a 30hp Volvo Penta diesel is standard, though the test boat had the optional 40hp; wide-open throttle at 3,100 rpm produced 7.8 knots, with a more efficient 7.2 knots at 2,600 rpm.
Accommodations
The 382 offers six interior layout options, a rarity in this size range, spanning two or three cabins, one or two heads, a navigational desk that can be specified compact or generous, and an L-shaped or in-line galley. The test boat's L-shaped galley had twin centerline sinks, a top-loading Isotherm fridge, fiddles formed into Corian countertops, and a two-burner Eno stove with a Corian cover to free up counter space. The drop-leaf saloon table folds out to join both settees and seat six, with a padded radiused aft end to soften collisions. A double door opens to the forward master suite with a V-berth and lockers; in the two-cabin version, the guest berth is placed aft to starboard and a roomy lazarette occupies the port side abaft the shower stall. Real Maobi wood with a white headliner and Maobi laminate sole was on the test boat, while a lighter oak finish is also available. Light and air come from numerous fixed ports plus four opening ports and four hatches, and a wine rack sits below the floorboards at the companionway foot.
Cockpit and Deck Gear
The cockpit is spacious for entertaining and storage alike, with twin wheels standard and a large drop-leaf table bisecting the space. Lewmar primary winches sit on the coaming just ahead of the helms, and fixed ports on the forward bulkhead double as backrests for the full-length bench seats. A large deep locker and hinged-up twin seats ease access to the water, while the reversed cantilevered transom drops to form a swim platform. Teak slats give good footing, the molded-in deck anti-skid is effective, and exterior teak is limited to the toerail and cabintop grab rails. A Lofrans X2 electric windlass was on the test boat, and the standard bow setup without the optional integrated stainless/composite bowsprit is a traditional roller offset to port.
Known Issues
Period testers noted the double lifelines on the 382 sit lower than ideal low lifeline height, a point worth weighing for anyone sailing with crew who rely on the rails.
The Verdict
The Dufour 382 Grand Large is a thoughtfully modern cruiser whose liner-free injected deck, configurable six-layout interior, and well-balanced sail plan make it a strong candidate in the mid-30s segment. The forward-positioned high-aspect rudder and optional overlapping genoa give it range across conditions, while the cockpit and transom architecture suit both entertaining and water access. The lower-than-ideal lifelines are the one clear caveat.
Pros
- Liner-free resin-injected deck for stiffness without added weight
- Six interior layouts including two/three cabins and galley choices, rare at this size
- Well-balanced under sail with tall rig and self-tacking jib options
- Forward-set foam-filled rudder holds grip at pronounced heel
Cons
- Double lifelines lower than ideal for crew security
