Dufour 385 Grand Large Sailboats for Sale

Layouts on the Used Market

Two interior configurations were offered from new, and both turn up in brokerage. The three-cabin, two-head arrangement is the more commonly encountered: owner's cabin forward with its own en-suite head, two aft cabins sharing a second head on the port side. This layout suits a couple cruising with occasional guests or a family that wants private cabins without sacrificing the galley and saloon space. The two-cabin layout — which moves the berth off centerline forward and eliminates the forward head — appears less frequently but is worth seeking out for a couple planning extended liveaboard passages, since the reclaimed volume translates into noticeably better stowage and a more usable forward head position aft. The saloon in either version is notably bright, lit by hull portholes and overhead hatches that were a genuine selling point when the boat was new and remain so for buyers who spend time aboard at anchor.

Equipment and Common Upgrades

Used examples across the Mediterranean and northern European markets tend to arrive with a substantial complement of electronics and safety gear already in place — a reflection of how previous owners typically used the boat. An autopilot is nearly universal on brokerage examples, as is a chartplotter and AIS. Hot water systems, life rafts, and inverters are commonly fitted, and many boats carry radar. Solar panels appear frequently, often added by owners preparing the boat for extended cruising rather than marina hopping. Teak decks are a common find and add a classic appearance, though they warrant close inspection for delamination and fastener condition. Biminis and cockpit showers are widely present, reflecting the warm-water Mediterranean markets where the boat is most concentrated.

A step down in prevalence but still often seen are EPIRBs, asymmetric spinnakers or gennakers, electric winches, and — on boats that have been used in hot climates — air conditioning units, usually a self-contained add-on rather than a factory fit. Swim platforms, either factory or owner-added, appear on a meaningful share of boats.

Less common but present on well-equipped examples are dedicated cockpit dodgers, dinghy davits, and separate freezer units — typically owner-fitted upgrades by bluewater-bound crews rather than standard provisioning. An asymmetric spinnaker with the short bowsprit that Dufour offered as a factory option is a worthwhile find and makes the boat noticeably more capable in light downwind conditions.

What to Inspect

The 385 GL's construction uses vacuum-bagged fiberglass with PVC foam coring and injection-moulded decks — generally sound, industrial processes, but the age of these hulls means several areas deserve careful attention from a surveyor.

The hull bottom laminate has been noted by some owners as somewhat light in section, and while this does not represent a structural deficiency in normal use, it is worth probing for any stress cracking or impact damage around the keel root and forefoot, particularly on boats that have been actively cruised. The keel is iron, which means rust staining around the keel bolts is a typical finding; checking the keel-to-hull joint carefully and requesting core samples if any softness is detected near the joint is prudent. The keel bolts themselves should be inspected for corrosion, and any sign of rust weeping from the bolt head recesses inside the boat should be investigated before purchase.

The deck injection-moulding process produces a good finish, but teak overlay — common on these boats — can mask osmotic or delamination issues beneath. Any teak deck showing lifted seams, soft areas underfoot, or darkened caulking lines merits percussive testing of the underlying deck. Through-deck fittings, particularly around the chainplates, are a standard inspection point on any boat of this age; the two-spreader rig with continuous diagonals means the chainplate loads are well-distributed, but sealant deterioration at the deck penetrations is routine.

Interior finish quality on early production boats was noted as variable, and some examples showed minor imperfections in the moulded joinery of the stern cabins. Check the quality of the headlining, the fit of the cabinet faces, and the condition of the seacocks — a liveaboard-oriented boat accumulates through-hulls quickly with hot water, cockpit shower, and air conditioning additions, and each one needs to operate freely. Engine and system maintenance is specifically highlighted by long-term owners as an area requiring discipline; confirm full service records for the Volvo Penta auxiliary and inspect the saildrive bellows condition if the boat is saildrive-equipped, as this is a wear item with real consequences if neglected.

The standing rigging should be carefully dated; a rig of unknown age on a boat with an offshore history should be budgeted for replacement. Check the Harken primary winches for corrosion in the pawl mechanisms — serviceable but often overlooked on boats that sat in warm, salt-laden air.

Availability and Buyer's Takeaway

The 385 Grand Large is most widely available across France, Spain, Greece, and Italy, reflecting both the Mediterranean sailing culture and the fact that many hulls were originally sold into those markets. A secondary but meaningful supply exists in northern European brokerage, particularly in Scandinavia and the United Kingdom, often from boats that have completed Atlantic circuits and returned. Buyers based in North America will find fewer examples without searching internationally, but the model does appear in transatlantic inventory with some regularity.

The boat's bluewater credentials and efficient handling make it genuinely competitive with Bavaria and Oceanis contemporaries, and its production numbers mean parts support and owner community resources are healthy.

Before making an offer, confirm:

• Keel bolt and keel-to-hull joint condition, with no rust weeping inside
• Saildrive bellows condition and service history if saildrive-equipped
• Age and condition of standing rigging, especially on boats with offshore histories
• Teak deck integrity and underlying deck laminate where teak is fitted
• Through-hull and seacock inventory and operation, particularly any owner-added systems
• Engine service records and fresh-water cooling system condition
• Chainplate and deck fitting sealant integrity
• Interior moulding quality in the aft cabins and any signs of water ingress at portlights or hatches
• Presence and service status of safety gear (life raft certification, EPIRB registration)
• Spinnaker or asymmetric inventory, as these meaningfully extend the boat's light-air capability