If you are one of those boaters who prefers to have the sail against the wind instead of just a motor, then the Dufour Yacht brand may be the right boat for you. Built upon the style of the traditional sailboat with the coupling of modern nautical engineering, the Dufour Yachts are some of the most sought-after vessels on the market. Specifically catered to the adventurous spirit, the Yachts are intended to epitomize the classical experience of sailing and the thrill of offshore exploration. Should you wish to purchase a Dufour boat for sale, here are some things to consider about the brand.
The Boat Yard
Although the company was technically started in 1964, the beginnings were almost a decade earlier then Dufour began his work with polyester. Dufour, a sailor already, too this new material and infused it with the designs to create the Sylphe Yacht. Since that time, the company has continued to grow. Yet, it has remained in its setting of La Rochelle for over 50 years.
What makes the Dufour brand great is that the boatyard works by hand to make the boats to high quality. When the company first started only 20 boats or so were made a year, the size and the production team of the Dufour Yacht brand has expanded such that now 300 boats or more are produced a year. The image of the brand has transistioned a bit in the 50 years, but the quality of the boats as well as the dedication to high standards has not.
Designing the Dufour Boats
As is the standard in most shipyards, the company uses CAD based software to test the various components of the design. The company works with Umberto Felci, a leader in naval architects, to ensure that the designs and the quality is to both modern day aesthetics as well as to the cutting edge engineering and standards of the industry.
Since the design of the boat focuses upon the adventure as well as the classical look, the hull, shape, and exteriors are vital. The Dufour Yachts for sale treat the hull as appendages for adventure, a part of the owner seeking to sail, rather than individual entities.
The Fleet
Base models for the Dufour brand include the Grand large range, which spans from the 310 to a 520, the Exclusive range, which offers a 56 and a 53, the performance range , which offers a 36, and the Drakkar 24. Potential owners should note that these models are very customizable. As the site states “Sail Away, Leave the world behind.” It is quite possible that you will find large fluctuations in the pricing of the vessels due to package upgrades, materials used, the motor configurations, etc.
More than just boats
If the brand Dufour sounds familiar but the boats do not ring a bell, it may be that you have seen the Dufour clothing line and boutique selection. The company, in an attempt to diversify its brand has developed a line to create a sense of “community” with the boat owners. The Dufour logo, of course, being the dominant trait of such marketed products.
Finding a Dufour
If you are in the United States, then finding a Dufour Yacht for sale may be a bit problematic, especially if you have a specific model in mind. The company had limited dealerships in the United states, focusing more to the New England states and to California. There is one dealership in Houston and one in Florida. Due to this, you might have to wait for a boat to be shipped from another location or (if you are purchasing new) for the boat to be constructed and shipped to the dealership. And as the company has a limited supply per year, that could be a substantial wait.
Purchase a pre-owned Dufour
A solution to finding a Dufour Yacht for sale is to use a reputable pre-owned boat listing site such as Vessel Vendor. By using the site you eliminate the extended waiting period, minimize the cost for the investment, and (in many cases) have the option of seeing the exact craft that you will purchase prior to investing your money.
Not sure which Dufour is appropriate for your needs, location, or lifestyle? Not a problem. Our boat review pages, manufacturer review pages, and location pages offer an abundance of information to help you decide the right vessel for you.
Looking to list your Dufour Yacht for sale on Vessel Vendor? Great. You will find that our platform is easy to use and offers a variety of features based upon your needs. Should you need assistance in getting your boat ready to sell, please see our article on such.
Should you have any questions about Dufour brand boats for sale, purchasing a pre-owned Yacht from Vessel Vendor, listing your Dufour boat for sale, or any general inquires regarding Vessel Vendor, its boats, or services, please fill out the appropriate form online and we will respond as promptly as possible. We look forward to hearing from you soon, and welcome to the Vessel Vendor family.