Dufour 390 Grand Large Sailboat Review, Specs, and Listings

Design and Construction

Dufour builds the 390's hull from hand-laid solid fiberglass laminate using NPG resin, with the decks injection-molded in closed two-piece molds — a contrast in process that keeps the topsides consistent while the hull is laid up in open molds. Lifting the cabin sole exposes a stiffening matrix and stainless steel backing plates for the keel bolts, and the joinery throughout is substantial, nicely finished, and made in-house by Dufour. The topsides fall almost vertically to long chines that begin well forward, maximizing interior volume before tucking in to a narrower waterline; the beam of just over 13 feet is carried well forward, giving the 390 noticeably broader shoulders than her predecessors. A large fixed window in the coachroof abaft the mast floods the saloon with light, and wide side decks run all the way to the stern for safe movement offshore.

Rig and Handling

The 390 is a fractional sloop with a modest sail-area-to-displacement ratio of about 16.3 on the 100% foretriangle, yet she sails surprisingly well in both light airs and a breeze. A fixed bow sprit provides the tack point for an asymmetrical spinnaker and keeps the anchor clear of the plumb stem to avoid dings. By default she carries twin backstays, with a single bifurcated stay and tensioner on the options list, and a standard traveler is fitted. A pair of Lewmar 40 self-tailers just forward of the twin wheels also handles a German-style split mainsheet. The standard self-tacking headsail is offered alongside an optional 108% genoa on Facnor's FlatDeck furler — but headsail tracks are too short when an overlapping genoa is flown. Under power, a 30 hp Volvo Saildrive with a two-bladed fixed prop is standard, with 40 hp available as an upgrade. She loses way quickly once the breeze dies, but testers found her well-mannered and forgiving in typical cruising conditions.

Accommodations

Below, the 390 is built around flexible three-cabin planning. The reviewed boat used a three-cabin, two-head layout, while alternatives include a massive athwartships double in the stern, a three-cabin three-head arrangement with a linear port galley, and a newer single-head version. Standard joinery is Moabi, with teak or light oak available. The L-shaped galley has Corian tops over the sink and two-burner stove to extend workspace, and the modest chart table lowers to lengthen the port settee berth, which runs a full 6 feet. Split mattresses in the cabins allow lee cloths to be rigged, and large drawers access the stowage beneath the port settee. An enormous lazarette sits under the port seat, and a wine rack under the sole by the companionway is an option.

Cockpit and Deck Equipment

The drop-down transom reveals a large swim platform with an integral telescoping ladder, a dedicated life raft locker, and an outside grill and sink. The folding cockpit table includes a built-in ice chest with bottle holders and incorporates handholds plus useful stowage for small items, complementing the half-depth cockpit lockers each side. An electric windlass sits in a molded, self-draining chain locker, and provision is made for an outside galley in the stern. The non-slip finish on deck is less grippy than some rivals, a detail worth noting underfoot in a seaway.

The Verdict

The Dufour 390 Grand Large is a thoroughly modern volume cruiser that punches above her modest sail plan thanks to Felci's hull shaping and chine arrangement. She is comfortable in harbor, forgiving under sail, and unusually adaptable below, though the short headsail tracks and quick loss of way are real limitations for the performance-minded.

Pros

Surprising light-air and breezy-weather performance for a high-volume cruiser
Flexible three-cabin layouts with substantial in-house joinery
Thoughtful cockpit staging: drop-down swim platform, stowage-rich table, self-draining windlass locker
Broad forward beam and narrow waterline chines balance volume against handling

Cons