Hull Design and Construction
The 405's silhouette is unmistakably contemporary: a nearly plumb stem and subtle reverse-transom stern maximize waterline length while keeping displacement honest, and the hull itself is hand-laminated solid fiberglass reinforced with Twaron-reinforced stringers running the length of the hull, crisscrossed by structural frames that transfer rig loads cleanly down to the keel. The deck is a balsa-cored sandwich finished in injection-molded polyester — light and notably rigid. Below the waterline, the cast-iron keel is bolted to a stainless-steel backing plate and carries the majority of its ballast concentrated in a bulb, lowering the center of gravity without unnecessary draft penalty. The semi-elliptical rudder is fashioned from closed-cell foam and epoxy hung off a solid stainless-steel post, giving the blade both stiffness and a predictable feel at the helm. NPG gelcoat and resin are specified throughout for osmosis protection — a detail that matters on any boat destined for extended cruising.
Rig and Deck Layout
The 405 carries a 9/10ths fractional rig with double spreaders raked aft at 15 degrees, a geometry that promotes good upwind pointing without the complexity of runners. Continuous cap, intermediate, and lower shrouds terminate at deck-mounted chainplates backed by tie rods to hull fillets, distributing loads across a wide footprint. All mainsail controls and halyards are led aft through clutches to self-tailing halyard winches on the coachroof, and a single-line reefing system runs to nine rope clutches — a setup that one person can manage without heroics. The Harken winches and Lewmar adjustable sheet leads are first-class fittings that make sail trim responsive even short-handed. A short alloy bowsprit is available for flying an asymmetric, and an inner forestay can be added — both worthwhile additions for offshore passage work.
On deck, twin wheels connect via cables directly to the quadrant above the deep spade rudder, leaving the center of the cockpit clear. The broad stern lets the helmsman step out onto the side decks without disturbing those in the cockpit, and a drop-down swim platform unfolds from the stern between the opposing helm seats. One structural note worth acknowledging: the split backstay, required by the open transom arrangement, can be an impediment when steering from the windward helm — a compromise that most crews resolve simply by favoring the leeward wheel underway.
Sailing Performance
The 405 rewards a confident hand on the helm. In testing under full sail, the boat fell into a comfortable groove at an apparent wind angle of 38 to 40 degrees and tacked through less than 80 degrees with minimal speed loss. Downwind in moderate breeze she ran at a healthy 8-plus knots in 15 knots of true wind, and on a beam reach she touched just over 9 knots. In light air the full-battened main and tall fractional rig allowed speeds of 5.5 to 5.9 knots in only 6 to 8 knots of breeze — a creditable number for a 20,000-pound cruiser. The helm carries positive feel though becomes slightly heavy in stronger gusts, and like most modern production cruisers the boat benefits from an early reef around 15 to 17 knots true. One unusual virtue: when hove-to, the 405 stopped dead in the water with wind around 70 degrees off the bow — a confidence-inspiring trait on a long passage.
Accommodations and Interior
Down below, the 405 offers three distinct accommodations plans, all sharing a large owner's cabin forward with an attached head and a central saloon anchored by a U-shaped settee with washable leatherette cushions. Joinery throughout is finished in maobi with complementary hardwoods, giving the interior a warm, crafted quality. Headroom is a generous 6 feet 5 inches throughout the saloon, aft cabins, and heads. The aft cabins offer 6-foot-7-inch by 4-foot-6-inch berths with generous floor space and three opening hatches. The galley is well equipped — a particular highlight is the large refrigerator accessible via a small front door or a large top-loading hatch, supplemented by Corian counters and an impressive array of drawers and dedicated storage. Deck lighting is good, and seven deck hatches with integrated mushroom vents and four opening portlights provide solid ventilation below. The one genuine weakness is that saloon ventilation, despite those hatches, is limited to one small port and two hatches, which can feel tight in warm anchorages.
Engine and Systems Access
The standard 40hp Volvo Penta engine is well positioned for servicing, and the boat proved easy to control going astern and capable of spinning round in her own length during marina maneuvers. Under power, the fixed two-bladed prop and saildrive delivered 7.3 knots at 2,400 rpm, with 7.6 knots available at 2,800 — efficient numbers for a hull of this size. Owners who specify the optional 55hp engine and folding prop gain a quiet cruising speed of 7.5 knots and a flat-out speed of 8.5 knots at 3,000 rpm. Battery and charger access is via a panel above one berth, and an optional 2.5kW generator can be fitted in the same space.
The Verdict
The Dufour 405 Grand Large is a thoughtfully executed bluewater-capable cruiser that punches meaningfully above its weight in sailing performance while delivering the interior comfort a couple or small family needs for extended passages. Felci and Roséo kept the compromises honest: the construction is robust without being heavy, the rig is efficient without demanding an expert crew, and the accommodations are genuinely livable without sacrificing the sailing soul.
Pros
- Strong upwind performance with good pointing and minimal speed loss in tacks
- Well-organized shorthanded sail-handling system with all lines led aft
- Generous headroom and flexible three-plan accommodations with quality joinery
- Solid hand-laminated hull with Twaron-reinforced structure and osmosis-resistant gelcoat
- Docile heaving-to behavior — a rare and valuable trait in a modern production cruiser
Cons
- Helm becomes heavy in sustained gusts under full sail; early reefing is advisable
- Split backstay arrangement can obstruct the windward helmsman
- Saloon ventilation is limited despite good deck-hatch count — a notable gap in warm climates
- High boom placement, while safe, gives the deck a slightly ungainly visual proportion
