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dufour 31 review
Sailing yacht · 31 ft (9 m) · Trzebież
expert score
Key specs
- Builder
- dufour
- Model
- 31
- Length
- 31 ft (9 m)
- Guests
- 6
- Cabins
- 1
Verdict
The Dufour 31 is a straightforward 1980s cruiser with conservative design, solid upwind ability, and good value for owners who accept older layouts and modest interior volume.
Pros
- +Fin keel with skeg-hung rudder gives predictable tracking
- +Moderate sail plan and 30.8 ft LOA suit coastal and club cruising
- +Useful displacement-to-ballast balance for stability
- +Generally strong value on the used market
Cons
- −One-cabin layout limits privacy for more than a couple
- −Older design means dated ventilation and interior ergonomics
- −Performance is respectable rather than fast
- −Shallow interior volume compared with wider modern 31-footers
The Dufour 31 is a classic French cruising sloop designed by Michel Dufour, built around a 30 ft 10 in hull with a 10 ft 6 in beam and about 5 ft 8 in draft. Its fin keel and skeg-hung rudder point to a conservative, seaworthy design that favors directional stability and simple offshore manners over airy interior space or sporty styling.
On the water, it should feel balanced and confidence-inspiring for its size. The sail plan and displacement suggest decent passage-making and steady upwind performance rather than quick acceleration, and the skeg-supported rudder typically makes the boat track well and steer predictably. That combination suits coastal cruising, weekend sailing, and owners who prefer forgiving handling.
Inside, the 1980-era one-cabin arrangement is practical but not generous. With room for up to six in theory, it is more realistic for a couple or a small family on shorter trips, since storage, privacy, and living space are limited by modern standards. Overall value is a key strength: the model offers honest construction, easy-to-understand systems, and proven cruising credentials at an accessible entry point for buyers willing to accept its age and simpler accommodations.
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