Design and Construction
The hull is hand-laid solid fiberglass below the waterline and PVC-cored above; the deck is also PVC-cored. Polyester resin is used throughout, with E-glass added around high-load areas such as the chainplates. A structural grid is glued and tabbed into the hull.
At the bow, an integrated composite bowsprit incorporates a solid stainless steel structure overlaid with fiberglass. It forms a traditional anchor roller and provides an attachment point for a gennaker.
Most of the improvements over the 500 are concentrated around the aft cockpit. The earlier, then-revolutionary model had fitted an outdoor galley there. On the 520, the port transom seat lifts up and outboard to reveal the sink, while the grill is tucked into the center section. With the lid down, the seat becomes part of a sunpad. The starboard seat lifts out to reveal steps down to the swim step formed by the transom.
An optional double-level swim platform deploys electrically, creating two levels of steps for easier access to the water.
Rig, Helm, and Performance
The 520 carries a 9/10 fractional rig, with a choice of traditional or in-mast furling mainsail and 1,085 square feet of sail area. A 7'6" L-shaped keel helps her track nicely downwind. Owners could also choose a shoal-draft keel of 6 feet 4 inches or the standard 7 feet 2 inches.
Mast choices included the standard 70 feet 2 inches or a 74-foot-9-inch mast in the adventure package, which provided a larger sail plan.
Two sets of winches sit outboard within reach of the wheels, allowing a large boat like this to be sailed single-handed. In Cruising World’s test, the Lewmar chain-and-cable steering was smooth as silk, while a double-ended German-style mainsheet kept the sail controls at the driver’s fingertips on either tack.
The binnacles were redesigned as superyacht-style command pods. Each holds two levels of navigation electronics, with chartplotters mounted high.
With the 75 hp engine, the test boat reached 9.2 knots at wide-open throttle. In 9 to 11 knots of wind, she sailed at 5.5 to 6 knots.
Cockpit and Outdoor Living
The cockpit is designed around social use. The transom lid flips forward to become a guest seat at the cockpit table, making room for a larger party. Panels also fold up to convert the bench seats into sun lounges or outdoor bunks for sleeping under the stars. The seats lock into the floor, and their backs serve as handholds underway.
Cruising World’s tester described the enormous two-level swim platform, which folds up while underway to secure the cockpit. The arrangement completes an outdoor galley that includes a drawer-style refrigerator beneath the drop-leaf teak table. The cockpit table holds a 40-quart refrigerator drawer.
Interior and Accommodations
Below, the galley runs athwartship just aft of the master stateroom. The stove and sink are to port, with two refrigerator drawers to starboard. Two overhead hatches and a full section of fixed portlights provide light.
An electric folding hi/lo table adjusts through three positions, from coffee table to dining surface. Across from the dinette, the origami nav desk stays level regardless of heel and can face either forward or aft.
The aft port cabin converts easily from a double berth to twins for children or guests. The boat can sleep up to 10 in five cabins. For private use, a better arrangement is the master forward with a split head, plus two cabins and two heads aft.
Four layouts were offered:
- Three cabins and three heads
- Three cabins, two heads, and a Pullman
- Four cabins and four heads
- Four cabins, three heads, and a Pullman
Maobi woodwork and Corian countertops in the heads add a luxurious feel. Bottle stowage is built beneath the saloon sole.
Known Issues
The test sail identified two practical annoyances rather than structural faults. The engine panel and throttle are positioned near the cockpit sole and aft beneath the rear seat, making them awkward to reach underway. In addition, the sheets and halyards were all the same color, inviting confusion at the winches.
The Verdict
The Dufour 520 Grand Large refines the GL 500’s entertainment-focused aft cockpit into a genuinely dual-purpose 50-footer. This Felci design sails competently under its fractional rig, with command-pod helms and controls arranged for single-handing, yet its transom can also serve as a sunpad, outdoor galley, and two-level swim station.
The flexible interior can suit charter or private use. The low, recessed throttle and same-color running rigging are small but genuine ergonomic misses.
Pros
- Aft cockpit converts among a sunpad, outdoor galley, and guest seating
- 9/10 fractional rig with 1,085 square feet of sail area
- Winches are within easy reach for single-handing
- Four interior layouts, ranging from three to five cabins
- Aft port double berth converts to twins
- PVC-cored topsides over a solid-fiberglass lower hull, with E-glass reinforcement around the chainplates
Cons
- Engine panel and throttle are recessed near the cockpit sole beneath the rear seat
- Sheets and halyards were supplied in the same color
