Dufour 42 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the Dufour 42 is a definitive performance cruiser. With a Sail Area/Displacement ratio of approximately 25.1 and a robust Ballast/Displacement ratio exceeding 40%, the boat is notably stiff and capable of carrying significant canvas well into a freshening breeze. The Sparkman & Stephens influence is most apparent in the hull’s ability to track effortlessly and its balanced feel at the helm, even when pushed.

The underbody features a deep fin keel and a high-aspect-ratio spade rudder, providing the bite necessary for excellent upwind performance. According to archival technical data, the yacht was designed as a "very high performer" with a hull speed of roughly 8 knots. While it possesses the displacement (approximately 16,500 to 18,700 lbs depending on the year) to feel secure in offshore conditions, it lacks the sluggishness often associated with pure cruisers of its size. Sailors typically report a dry ride and a predictable motion in a seaway, a testament to the "marine" qualities Classic Boat often attributes to the shipyard's mid-century and late-century designs.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Dufour 42 was a significant departure from the utilitarian cabins of the 1970s. Influenced by the Lacoste partnership, the aesthetics lean toward timeless elegance, often featuring black leather upholstery and high-grade mahogany or teak joinery. The most common configuration is a three-cabin layout, featuring two double aft cabins and a large V-berth forward, supplemented by two heads.

The salon is centered around a U-shaped galley to port and a large navigation station to starboard, which reflects the boat's offshore intentions. Headroom is generous throughout the main cabin, though it tapers in the aft sections. The "Lacoste" branding was more than skin deep; it included thoughtful storage solutions and refined trim that made the boat feel like a semi-custom yacht. A few variations exist depending on whether the boat was ordered as a "Prestige" variant, which often included higher-spec materials and additional comfort amenities like water heaters and upgraded refrigeration systems.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Dufour 42 is most famous for its association with Lacoste, a co-branding exercise that was highly unusual for the marine industry in 1985. This partnership was highlighted in international boat shows as the "Dufour 42 Lacoste," positioning the vessel as a lifestyle product for the European elite. The model helped transition Dufour from a builder of rugged, simple boats like the Arpège into a luxury brand capable of competing with high-end Scandinavian yards.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Dufour 42 with the typical scrutiny required for yachts of the late 1980s. High-signal technical areas for inspection include:

• Osmotic Blistering: While Dufour used quality resins, many hulls from this era are prone to osmosis. A moisture meter test and a visual inspection of the gelcoat are essential.
• Rod Rigging and Chainplates: Many 42s were equipped with rod rigging for performance. If this has not been replaced in the last 10–12 years, it should be considered "end of life" and potentially brittle. Inspect the stainless steel chainplates where they pass through the deck for signs of crevice corrosion.
• Teak Deck Longevity: For versions equipped with teak side decks, the fasteners and caulking are likely nearing the end of their service life. Replacing or re-seaming a teak deck on a 42-foot hull can be a massive financial undertaking.
• Grid and Keel Bolts: Ensure the internal fiberglass grid (the structural "bones") is not showing signs of separation or stress cracks near the keel sump, which could indicate a hard grounding.

Community & Resources

Owners of this model often find technical support through the broader Dufour Owners Association, which maintains archives of historical manuals and rigging diagrams. Because it is a Sparkman & Stephens design, the model is also frequently discussed within S&S enthusiast circles, where technical details regarding its specific hull lines and performance characteristics are preserved.

The Verdict

The Dufour 42 remains a benchmark for what a premium production cruiser should be: fast, aesthetically pleasing, and structurally sound. While its age requires a diligent maintenance schedule, it offers a level of prestige and sailing pleasure that modern, high-volume cruisers often lack.

Pros:

• Superior naval architecture by Sparkman & Stephens.
• Excellent upwind performance and stiffness.
• High-quality interior finish with "Lacoste" era refinement.
• Solid fiberglass hull construction (pre-sandwich era).

Cons:

• Maintenance-heavy teak decks on many models.
• Risk of osmosis typical of 1980s GRP.
• Rod rigging (if equipped) is expensive to replace.
• Small fuel capacity for long-distance motoring.