Design and Construction
The Dufour 35 Classic has a solid-fiberglass hull and solid-fiberglass deck. Dufour used a two-part mold with an inward-facing flange to create a secure hull-to-deck joint. A one-piece structural grid was chemically fused and tabbed into high-load areas. The yard didn’t skimp on build quality, and testers described the boat as sturdy.
Below the water, she carries a lead-ballasted bulb keel and a spade rudder. Above it, moderate freeboard, a pleasing sheerline, a low coachroof, and a reverse transom give her an attractive profile.
Her specifications include a 34-foot-2-inch overall length—also described as 35 feet overall—a 27-foot-10-inch waterline, 11 feet 5 inches of beam, and 5 feet 11 inches of draft. She displaces 10,330 pounds and carries 3,110 pounds of lead ballast, making her one of the lightest cruisers in her class.
Rig and Handling
The strong masthead sloop rig is set well forward. This avoids the usual masthead-rig drawback of pairing a small mainsail with an overly large foretriangle and gives the 492-square-foot sail plan a balanced character.
Yachting Monthly found the Dufour 35 Classic well balanced and quick. She sails well upwind and tacked through 80 degrees during the test sail. The deck layout also works well for sail handling, although the molded non-slip surfaces could provide more grip underfoot when wet.
Accommodations and Machinery
Below decks, the 35 Classic feels comfortable and solid rather than plush, reflecting her offshore leanings rather than any lack of care. She isn’t quite as roomy as many rivals. The low coachroof and modest freeboard also limit headroom, while the aft cabin feels constricted.
That restrained interior volume suggests she may be better suited to offshore sailing than many competitors of similar length, trading saloon sprawl for seakeeping.
The Volvo Penta MD2030 diesel sits in the bilge, but engine access is poor. That’s a practical drawback for any owner carrying out servicing.
The Verdict
The Dufour 35 Classic is a light-displacement yet sturdy coastal and offshore cruiser from Dufour’s mid-1990s Classic range. Designed by J&J Design, she combines a forward-set masthead rig with balanced handling and good upwind ability. She gives up some interior space and headroom compared with her rivals, but in return offers offshore honesty and a clean, workable deck plan.
Pros
- Light displacement for her class, with a sturdy solid-fiberglass build
- Strong, forward-set masthead rig
- Well balanced and quick; tacked through 80 degrees upwind during the test sail
- Arguably better suited to offshore sailing than roomier rivals
Cons
- Less roomy than many competitors
- Limited headroom and a constricted aft cabin
- Poor engine access
- Molded deck non-slip could be grippier
