Design and Construction
Dufour built the 35 Classic as a solid-fiberglass hull with a solid fiberglass deck, and the builder's practice of a two-part mold with an inward-facing flange produced a secure hull-to-deck joint while a one-piece structural grid was chemically fused and tabbed into high-load zones. The yard did not skimp on build quality, and testers described her as sturdy sturdy. Above the waterline she presents moderate freeboard, a pleasing sheerline, a low coachroof, and a reverse transom that make her easy on the eye. At 10,330 pounds of displacement with 3,110 pounds of lead ballast, she is one of the lightest cruisers in her class, and her 11 feet 5 inches of beam and 5 feet 11 inches of draft sit within a 34-foot-2-inch overall length on a 27-foot-10-inch waterline.
Rig and Handling
The masthead rig is strong and set well forward to avoid the usual masthead drawback of a small mainsail and an overly large foretriangle, giving the 492-square-foot sail plan a balanced character. Yachting Monthly found her well-balanced and quick, and she sails well upwind, tacking through 80 degrees during the test sail. The deck layout works well for handling, though the non-slip surfaces could be grippier underfoot when the going gets wet.
Accommodations
Below decks the 35 Classic is comfortable but solid rather than plush, a reflection of her offshore leanings more than a deficit of care. She is not quite as roomy as many of her rivals, and the flip side of the low coachroof and modest freeboard is limited headroom with a constricted aft cabin. That same restrained volume argues for her being better suited to offshore sailing than many competitors of similar length, trading salon sprawl for seakeeping.
Known Issues
Two practical shortcomings recurred in the period test. Engine access is poor, which matters for any owner servicing the Volvo Penta MD2030 diesel in the bilge, and the molded non-slip on deck could be grippier, a point worth weighing for crews who sail in active conditions.
The Verdict
The Dufour 35 Classic is a lightly built, sturdy coastal-and-offshore cruiser from Dufour's mid-1990s Classic line, designed by J&J Design with a forward-set masthead rig that keeps her balanced and handy upwind. She gives up some interior room and headroom to rivals but gains offshore honesty and a clean deck plan.
Pros
- Light displacement for her class with a sturdy solid-fiberglass build
- Forward-set strong masthead rig; tacks cleanly through 80 degrees upwind
- Well-balanced, quick, and arguably better suited to offshore sailing than roomier rivals
Cons
- Not as roomy as many competitors; limited headroom and constricted aft cabin
- Poor engine access and deck non-slip that could be grippier
