Design and Construction
The 382 is a 36-foot-11-inch monohull with a 32-foot-4-inch waterline, a 12-foot-8-inch beam, and a displacement of 15,565 pounds.
Its hull is hand-laid in polyester with an ISO/NPG outer layer to resist blistering. The PVC-cored deck is dry-laid in a mold, then resin-injected for better control of fiber and resin placement. This process leaves a smooth lower surface, allowing Dufour to dispense with a liner and helping create a stiff, light structure.
An integral grid distributes loads from the rig and the L-shaped keel. The keel carries a bulb secured with hefty stainless steel backing plates, and buyers could choose drafts of either 6 feet 4 inches or 5 feet 4 inches.
The powerful, semi-elliptical rudder is a high-aspect blade built around a stainless stock and filled with closed-cell foam. It sits somewhat forward, helping it remain immersed and maintain a good grip even at a pronounced angle of heel.
Rig, Sailing Performance, and Handling
The 382 carries a 9/10 fractional rig with a deck-stepped Z-Spar mast and twin aft-swept spreaders. A tall mast was optional, lifting the Dacron Elvstrom mainsail’s total area to 409 square feet, and full battens were another option.
The test boat carried a 95-percent self-tacking jib on a Facnor furler, running on a slightly curved track just ahead of the mast. However, the builder claimed that a majority of buyers chose 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 additional winches at the companionway handle halyards and reefing lines. The mainsheet runs on a track just ahead of the dodger track.
On the test sail, the boat made 5.6 knots on a broad reach in 10 knots of breeze. Hardened up to 60 degrees in 15 knots, it reached 6.4 knots; pinched to 30 degrees as the wind dropped to 12 knots, it settled at 5.8 knots. Tacking was easy as the bow sliced through light chop, and the boat was well balanced under sail with its tall rig and self-tacking jib.
A 30hp Volvo Penta diesel is standard, although the test boat had the optional 40hp engine. At wide-open throttle, it produced 7.8 knots at 3,100 rpm; a more efficient 2,600 rpm delivered 7.2 knots.
Accommodations
The 382 offers six interior layouts, an unusual degree of choice in this size range. Options include two or three cabins, one or two heads, a compact or generous navigation desk, and either an L-shaped or in-line galley.
The test boat had the L-shaped galley, equipped with twin centerline sinks, a top-loading Isotherm fridge, Corian countertops with formed-in fiddles, and a two-burner Eno stove. A Corian cover over the stove frees up additional counter space.
The saloon’s drop-leaf table opens to reach both settees and seat six. Its padded, radiused aft end helps soften accidental collisions. A double door leads into the forward master suite, which has a V-berth and lockers.
In the two-cabin version, the guest berth sits aft to starboard. A roomy lazarette occupies the port side abaft the shower stall. The test boat was finished in real Maobi wood with a white headliner and Maobi laminate sole; a lighter oak finish was also available.
Numerous fixed ports, four opening ports, and four hatches provide light and ventilation. A wine rack sits beneath the floorboards at the foot of the companionway.
Cockpit and Deck Gear
The cockpit provides ample room for entertaining and storage. Twin wheels are standard, and a large drop-leaf table divides the space. Lewmar primary winches sit on the coamings just ahead of the helms, while fixed ports on the forward bulkhead also serve as backrests for the full-length bench seats.
A large, deep locker adds storage. Twin seats hinge upward, while the reversed, cantilevered transom drops to form a swim platform and eases access to the water.
Teak slats provide good footing, and the molded-in deck nonskid is effective. Exterior teak is limited to the toerail and cabintop grab rails. The test boat carried a Lofrans X2 electric windlass. Without the optional integrated stainless/composite bowsprit, the standard bow arrangement uses a traditional roller offset to port.
Known Issues
Period testers noted that the 382’s double lifelines sit lower than ideal. That’s worth considering for crews who rely on the rails.
The Verdict
The Dufour 382 Grand Large is a thoughtfully modern cruiser. Its liner-free, resin-injected deck, six configurable interior layouts, and well-balanced sail plan make it a strong candidate in the mid-30-foot segment.
The forward-positioned, high-aspect rudder and optional overlapping genoa broaden its range across different conditions, while the cockpit and transom arrangements work well for both entertaining and water access. The lower-than-ideal lifelines are the one clear caveat.
Pros
- Stiff, lightweight, liner-free resin-injected deck
- Six interior layouts, including two- or three-cabin versions and a choice of galley arrangements—rare at this size
- Well-balanced under sail with the tall rig and self-tacking jib options
- Forward-set, foam-filled rudder maintains its grip at pronounced angles of heel
Cons
- Double lifelines sit lower than ideal for crew security
