Design and Construction
Felci's hull carries the long waterline, hard chines, nearly flush deck, and broad stern now commonplace aboard European boats, but the execution is distinctive: a chine runs the entire length of the hull immediately below the sheerline, with a second chine a short distance above the waterline and a slight tumblehome up at the bow. Elongated hull windows further accentuate the perceived length of the topside, while a reverse chamfer curve below the sheer line and larger forward hull volumes follow the recent trend toward fuller bows. The fuller bow coupled with wider, more powerful sterns creates a great deal of volume below, though Dufour took pains to reduce wetted surface area. The hull is infused with PVC foam coring above the waterline, the cored deck is vacuum infused, and the laminate schedule includes a vinylester outer layer to help stave off osmosis. The rudder stock for the boat's single, high-aspect rudder is solid stainless steel, and the deep-draft keel draws 7ft 5in.
Rig and Handling
Dufour offers three versions of the deck layout, and writing in Yachting Monthly the editors noted these broadly replace the two previous Grand Large and Performance lines the builder had offered for two decades, with the new 470 seen as a new direction for the brand. The Easy version is a very simple layout intended primarily for charter, with sheeting and control lines led to a singular aft winch; the Ocean model aims at owners wanting a more traditional layout, with halyards and control lines led to the coach roof and sheets led to the helm station; the Performance version sports six winches, two each for main, genoa, and pit, enabling constant sail trimming. A short bow platform accommodates an asymmetric light-air sail and doubles as an anchor roller to keep the hook away from the boat's plumb bow. SAIL Magazine's testers found the transition from the cockpit to the side decks wonderfully easy, and the cabintop traveler worked smoothly, making it that much easier to fine-tune the main. On the test boat—which had a mast shortened by 4ft to clear Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway bridges—the only headsail was the self-tacking jib and manual winches served the reduced sailplan adequately. That rig measured 6 knots on a close reach with tacking angles well under 90 degrees, and the Volvo saildrive pushed the boat at 6.7 knots at a 2,000 rpm cruise, accelerating to 8.4 knots wide open at 2,750 rpm. The turning circle was about 1.5 boatlengths, and at cruise the cabin sound level was a low 66 dBA, with SAIL's testers noting the boat was exceptionally quiet belowdecks at speed.
Accommodations
The 470 comes available with three, four, or five cabin layout options and up to four heads, with a front or side galley. The test boat showed "Layout 4," a transverse galley set amidships across the forward end of the saloon, while the other three interior choices feature a galley along the starboard side. A semi-freestanding forward berth sits at a convenient height with good access from the sides, and two conventional double cabins aft complete the sleeping arrangements. Interior panels are Alpi, an engineered wood laminate, with solid wood edge trim; the test boat wore an attractive light oak finish. Interior lockers were all lined, and the wiring of the distributed electrical system and plumbing hoses were neat, bundled, and labeled. Engine access under the companionway steps and from the sides is good.
Deck and Equipment
Each of the boat's twin wheels has an excellent footrest for steering and covered bins to either side for sheet tails, and each helm station has a dedicated location for a complete range of navigation instruments; the engine throttle mounted at waist height should provide easy control when maneuvering. The transom lowers to become a stern platform, and all Dufours now have an outdoor galley at the stern with a real sink, counter space, and a gas stove. Ample deck storage is available via cockpit lockers and additional forward and aft stowage, with plenty of seating and the option for a large aft-deck sunbed.
Refits and Ownership
The owner-specified 4ft mast shortening on the test boat shows the platform can be adapted for restricted waterways without apparent penalty in moderate breeze—the reduced sail area was just right for 12 to 15-knot southerly conditions with a foot or less of sea. The single-factory build in La Rochelle and the labeled, bundled systems simplify later troubleshooting, and good engine access keeps routine service straightforward.
The Verdict
The Dufour 470 is a considered evolution of the modern performance-cruiser formula: a Felci hull with full-length chines and a flush deck that trades some sailing edge for volume and quiet, easy motion. The three deck layouts and up to five cabins let the same hull serve charter and private owners, and the build quality details—foam-cored infusion, labeled systems, lined lockers—speak to a mature production process.
Pros
- Distinctive full-length chine hull with reduced wetted surface and strong belowdecks volume
- Three deck layouts spanning charter-simple to constant-trim performance
- Exceptionally quiet at speed with low cabin sound levels on cruise
- Good engine access and neatly labeled electrical and plumbing systems
Cons
- Deep 7ft 5in draft limits shallow-water cruising
- Standard mast height may require shortening for certain inland waterways
