Design and Construction
The hull, deck, and structural components use high-tech full-composite construction. Sandwich bulkheads are completely laminated to both hull and deck.
This construction delivers outstanding rigidity while shedding a notable amount of weight. The result is high sailing performance without reducing the safety margin. According to the review, Felci Yacht Design achieved the optimum ratio between hull-form stability and overall drag. The resulting stability is welcome on offshore passages, while low resistance produces fine performance under sail in light winds and under power. The high-tech hull also allows a motoring cruising speed of up to 11 knots.
Rig and Handling
Rig choices cover a broad spectrum, from an in-mast furling system with V-boom to a sporty carbon mast carrying performance full-battened sails.
All halyards, sheets, and trim lines run below deck and emerge directly in front of the steering columns, within reach of the helmsman. A fixed tarpaulin bracket spans the cockpit, clearing the cockpit of the mainsheet guide.
A self-tacking jib is standard. A code zero or gennaker can be flown from the fixed bowsprit, which also carries the anchor. The helm station provides full command of the electric winches, engine controls, bow and stern thrusters, anchor winch, underwater lights, and a large display.
Upwind sail area totals 202 square metres: a 108 square-metre mainsail and a 94 square-metre 108% jib. Downwind sail area is 368 square metres, including a 260 square-metre gennaker.
Interior Layouts
As a semi-custom yacht, the 63 Exclusive is available with several interior layouts. All share a huge overhead window panel that floods the saloon with natural light.
Layouts offer either an aft or a forward owner’s suite. The accommodation options range from two cabins with three heads to four cabins with four heads, with a Pullman option also available. A skipper’s cabin is located in the bow.
Cockpit and Deck Life
Two long chairs are integrated into the teak deck, one on each side. The cockpit’s central feature is a convertible double bed and aft table between the two steering wheels. The bed folds very easily into a second, independent cockpit table.
Beneath it is Dufour’s recognizable aft barbecue, intended for use while standing on the wide swimming platform. A tender garage sits under the aft deck. Two side passages at the stern lead to the large folding bathing platform, while a central body adds storage.
A carbon roll bar distinguishes the cockpit. An optional fixed bimini, used with the sprayhood, can almost completely enclose the cockpit against sun, wind, and water.
The stern can also be equipped with an optional barbecue station with a fridge and sink, a folding sun lounger, and an electro-hydraulic gangway extending from the transom.
Machinery and Capacities
Standard power comes from a 180 HP Volvo Penta diesel, with a 230 HP engine available as an option. Fresh-water capacity is 780 litres, while the diesel tank holds 870 litres.
Verdict
The Dufour 63 Exclusive is a large, genuinely configurable flagship. Its strengths rest on disciplined composite construction and Felci’s tuning of drag and stability rather than on volume alone.
The cockpit and stern arrangements are among the most thoughtful afloat for warm-water living. Meanwhile, the semi-custom interior lets an owner choose between private-suite and charter-friendly layouts without sacrificing the bright saloon.
Pros
- Full-composite hull and laminated bulkheads provide rigidity with meaningful weight savings
- Low-resistance hull form supports light-air and motoring performance
- Rig options range from in-mast furling to a carbon performance mast
- Semi-custom layouts all retain a light-filled saloon
- Innovative aft cockpit bed and table, with integrated transom entertaining features
Cons
- Optional engine and rig upgrades mean standard and fully equipped boats can differ markedly
