Design and Construction
The Dufour 470 has a 44ft 6in waterline, a 15ft 7in beam, and a displacement of 29,101lb. Its 7,826lb iron ballast bulb gives it a ballast ratio of 27 percent, while the displacement-length ratio is 147. Those figures place it firmly among voluminous modern cruisers rather than at the lithe, racing end of the spectrum.
Felci’s hull combines the long waterline, hard chines, nearly flush deck, and broad stern now common on European boats, but with a distinctive execution. One chine runs the full length of the hull immediately below the sheerline, while a second lies a short distance above the waterline. There’s also a slight tumblehome at the bow.
Elongated hull windows emphasize the perceived length of the topsides. A reverse chamfer curve below the sheerline and greater hull volume forward follow the recent trend toward fuller bows. Together with the wider, more powerful stern, that fuller bow creates a great deal of volume below, although Dufour also took pains to reduce wetted surface area.
The hull is infused with PVC foam coring above the waterline, and the cored deck is vacuum infused. The laminate schedule includes a vinylester outer layer to help stave off osmosis. The boat has a single, high-aspect rudder with a solid stainless-steel stock. The deep-draft keel draws 7ft 5in.
Rig, Deck Layouts, and Handling
Dufour offers three versions of the deck layout. The editors of Yachting Monthly noted that these broadly replace the two previous Grand Large and Performance lines the builder had offered for two decades, with the 470 representing a new direction for the brand.
The Easy version is a simple arrangement intended primarily for charter use, with sheets and control lines led to a single aft winch. The Ocean model is aimed at owners who prefer a more traditional setup: halyards and control lines lead to the coachroof, while sheets run to the helm station. The Performance version has six winches—two each for the mainsail, genoa, and pit—allowing constant sail trimming.
A short bow platform accommodates an asymmetric light-air sail and doubles as an anchor roller, keeping the hook away from the plumb bow. SAIL Magazine’s testers found the transition from the cockpit to the side decks wonderfully easy. They also reported that the cabintop traveler worked smoothly, making it easier to fine-tune the mainsail.
The test boat had a mast shortened by 4ft to clear bridges along the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. Its only headsail was a self-tacking jib, and manual winches served the reduced sailplan adequately. In 12 to 15-knot southerly conditions, with a foot or less of sea, the reduced sail area was just right.
That boat made 6 knots on a close reach, with tacking angles well under 90 degrees. Under power, the Volvo saildrive pushed it to 6.7 knots at a cruising speed of 2,000 rpm and 8.4 knots wide open at 2,750 rpm. The turning circle was about 1.5 boatlengths.
At cruising speed, cabin noise measured a low 66 dBA. SAIL’s testers described the boat as exceptionally quiet belowdecks at speed.
Cockpit and Deck Equipment
Each of the twin wheels has an excellent footrest, with covered bins on either side for sheet tails. Both helm stations provide dedicated space for a full range of navigation instruments. The engine throttle is mounted at waist height, which should make it easy to control while maneuvering.
The transom lowers to form a stern platform. All Dufours now have an outdoor galley at the stern, equipped with a real sink, counter space, and a gas stove. Cockpit lockers and additional forward and aft compartments provide ample deck storage. There’s also plenty of seating, with the option of a large sunbed on the aft deck.
Accommodations and Systems
The 470 is available with three-, four-, or five-cabin layouts, up to four heads, and either a front or side galley. The test boat had “Layout 4,” with a transverse galley set amidships across the forward end of the saloon. In the other three interior arrangements, the galley runs along the starboard side.
A semi-freestanding forward berth is set at a convenient height and offers good access from both sides. Two conventional double cabins aft complete the sleeping arrangements.
Interior panels are Alpi engineered wood laminate with solid-wood edge trim. The test boat had an attractive light-oak finish. All interior lockers were lined, while the wiring for the distributed electrical system and the plumbing hoses were neatly bundled and labeled. Access to the engine is good from beneath the companionway steps and from both sides.
Refits and Ownership
The owner-specified 4ft mast reduction on the test boat shows that the platform can be adapted for restricted waterways without an apparent penalty in moderate breeze. In the tested 12 to 15-knot southerly and a foot or less of sea, the shorter rig’s reduced sail area was well suited to the conditions.
The boat is built at a single factory in La Rochelle. Its labeled, bundled systems should simplify later troubleshooting, while the generous engine access keeps routine servicing straightforward.
The Verdict
The Dufour 470 is a considered evolution of the modern performance-cruiser formula. Its Felci hull, full-length chines, and flush deck trade some sailing edge for volume and quiet, easy motion. Three deck layouts and accommodation plans with up to five cabins allow the same hull to serve charter operators and private owners.
Construction and fit-out details—including foam-cored infusion, labeled systems, and lined lockers—point to a mature production process.
Pros
- Distinctive full-length chine hull, reduced wetted surface, and substantial belowdecks volume
- Three deck layouts, ranging from charter-simple to a performance arrangement suited to constant trimming
- Exceptionally quiet at speed, with low cabin sound levels at cruising rpm
- 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 some inland waterways
