Although only marginally heavier than the 41, the Dufour 44 has a significantly higher sail area/displacement ratio and a lower displacement/length ratio, giving her markedly more power under canvas. Her length overall is 13.91 m, beam is 4.45 m, light displacement is around 10,200 kg, and ballast is 2,850 kg.
Design and Construction
The hull carries its beam well forward at both deck and chine level, with very full bows and plenty of flare above the waterline, especially forward. These full bow sections balance the broad stern and create a much larger forecabin than older boats of similar length could offer.
Multiple chines run the length of the high-volume hull. They serve hydrodynamic purposes, maximise interior space, and help disguise the freeboard. Below the waterline, the beam remains relatively narrow and the wetted surface area is low, which boosts performance in light airs.
Felci studied both single- and twin-rudder arrangements and determined that one deep rudder would be sufficient, even under full sail in more than 25 knots of breeze. The single rudder provides more feel at the helm than twin rudders, makes harbour handling easier by placing the rudder in the prop wash, and frees up interior and stowage space.
Dufour also worked with charter operators in Croatia to provide quick, easy access to the boat’s systems for maintenance and repair.
Rig, Sail Plan, and Handling
The Dufour 44’s mast is raked slightly more than usual—four degrees rather than the typical one and a half—and she retains the low gooseneck used across the Dufour range.
A self-tacking jib is standard for easy handling. Buyers can also specify a genoa on a track for more upwind power and performance, or choose a smaller non-overlapping jib. Dufour and Elvstrom worked together to refine the sail shape. The mainsail has two single-line reefs, with their positions set after joint analysis.
A third reef can’t be ordered from the factory. However, a spare sheave in the boom and space at the mast plate allow one to be added later.
Two pairs of winches are mounted on the cockpit coamings: one pair handles the mainsheet and the other the headsail sheets. The mainsheet leads to a bridle across the forward end of the companionway.
Test sailors found the boat quick, responsive, and well balanced. She made up to 7.2 knots upwind and exceeded 10 knots with the apparent wind abaft the beam. The factory crew also claimed 14 knots while flying the asymmetric on a breezy day. Stability builds quickly as the boat heels and the leeward chine digs in, with the hull stiffening up at around 18° of heel.
Accommodation
Buyers can choose three- or four-cabin layouts, each with en-suite bathrooms. The options range from four cabins with four heads to three cabins with two heads and two dedicated shower rooms.
The forward owner’s suite benefits most from the full bow sections, gaining considerable space as well as bookshelves and stowage beside the bedhead. Ardizio Design developed the interiors. In the saloon, a large C-shaped seating area and hexagonal table sit to port. Three movable fabric stools supplement the fixed seating; they’re lightweight, non-tipping, and can be stacked to extend the lounging space to starboard.
There are two galley arrangements. One places the galley forward, with new worktops and optimised storage. The alternative is a more conventional linear galley to starboard. Drawers are fitted beneath both settees, a wine rack is hidden under the saloon floor, and each berth has a light with a USB outlet. There is no dedicated navstation.
Cockpit and Deck Layout
The cockpit includes Dufour’s trademark outdoor galley, with a barbecue and sink above the stern platform. There’s also a fridge in the cockpit table and liferaft stowage in the middle of the transom. Steps on either side of the transom barbecue lead between the bathing platform and the cockpit.
The helm stations are positioned well outboard, giving the helmsman a clear view of the sail luff. Each also has a seat behind it for long periods at the wheel. There are no factory foot chocks, however; these remain a dealer-level customisation.
Deck and cockpit stowage is practical. A bow hatch opens into a locker for warps, fenders, and downwind sails. Rope-tidy lockers sit forward of each helm, while commendably large rope bins are fitted at the companionway and behind the winches.
Versions and Equipment
The Dufour 44 is available in Easy, Ocean, and Performance versions. The pared-down Easy model is expected to appeal chiefly to charter fleets. The Ocean version is likely to suit most private owners and adds tracks for an overlapper and the German mainsheet system.
The hybrid ODSea+ version is intended to extend quiet sailing. It has up to 1,800 watts of solar panels, a 45 kW capacity, 27 kW lithium batteries, a 14 kW generator, and 1.5 kW hydrogeneration.
The Verdict
The Dufour 44 is a thoroughly modern cruiser. She exchanges the narrower bow of the previous generation for more volume and comfort without surrendering the lively, well-balanced feel associated with Felci’s hulls.
Her light-air ability, direct feedback from the single rudder, and adaptable interior make her a compelling bluewater candidate for private owners. The harbour-biased galley layout and modest fuel capacity are meaningful caveats, however.
Pros
- Quick, responsive helm with direct feel despite 10.2 t displacement
- Full bows and a chined hull provide exceptional volume in the forward cabin and saloon
- Strong light-air performance from the narrow waterline beam and low wetted surface
- Flexible three- or four-cabin layouts, with en-suite heads throughout
- Easy access to systems, developed with input from charter operators, helps with private maintenance
Cons
- Fuel tankage of 250 lt isn’t generous for offshore passages
- The forward-galley option is awkward under heel, and there’s no dedicated navstation
- No factory option for a third reef; foot chocks are available only as a dealer-level customisation
