Dehler, Dufour, Grand Soliel

[kidnapped]

Are these a 'cut above' the usual suspects [ben/jen/bav] that their pricing indicates. Do they sail better, slam less, point higher, better quality .... what is it? I'd be interested in your thoughts.
The new Dufour 40 & 44 have really 'caught my eye' ... for looks/shape, but is there anything else?

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[TheBoatman]

The fastest I ever sailed was in a Grand Soliel 43. She was sleek fast and easily manouverable. Very nice boat all round?

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[davidwf]

Took delivery of a new Dufour 34 in August, had her out in some fairly strong winds 25knots +; very pleased, points really high (But have got deep lead keel) very fast and does not slam. Not as much room as some other 34's but I bought it for its sailing characteristics not sheer volume.

She's easy to sail fast but needs carefull trimming to sail very fast, which makes for a very satisfying sail.

Generally well made with superb GRP finish, Electrical and Engine installation. Wood work generally OK, some things I don't like such as varnished floorboards, already scratched after 10 day sails.

I like thoughtful features such as making sure its possible to get the sail drive out when the time comes to change the seal. Some "quality" boats I looked at seemed to have overlooked that point.

Most importantly the main importers and their distributors are great (Westwater at Tichmarsh marina giving service second to none) which is a major reason I purchased a second dufour, my first being a 32 ( again new) which over the 4 years I had her held her price reasonablty well, as compared to the other volume marks.

Comparable boat in my mind would be a Dehler. Grand Soliel are now are in partnership with Dufour hence the better lines to the 34, 40 and 44.

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[trainer]

I can't add to these but these threads are loads of help to me as I short out my shoping list for a first yacht. Keep em coming!

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[StellaGirl]

I have just got back from Guernsey having sailed from Chichester Saturday morning, on a new Dufour 40. This was the second trip to Guernsey I have done on the Dufour, the first being 3 weeks ago in 45 knts of wind and a confused sea. That weekend we had 6 on board and I found it very comfortable.
This weekend just 3 of us took the boat down. We had an average of 25knts of wind and managed a top boat speed of 12knts (this wasn't in the Alderney Race..) but most of the time we were averaging 8/9knts. It was one of the nicest sails I have done.
If you want more info send me a PM.

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[Neil_M]

Have had a Dufour 30 for the past year (also from Westwater at Walton) and have been v impressed overall - crisp & quick handling to keep me satisfied as an ex dinghy racer and as comfortable in a big sea as a 30 footer of her weight gets. Also sensitive to sail trim which keeps me occupied & is satifying to get right. 2nd hand values seem fairly firm.

Finish is generally well above average for its type and its wearing well given the amount of use she receives. I'm biased of course, but do think Morzen looks more elegant and purposeful than many of the other modern boats moored nearby as well, as her design lacks some of the 'fashionable' styling of her peers - good to look back at as you row away in the evening...


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[Gweilo]

You're asking about the Dehler, Durour & GS......Right I've been sailing for a hell of a long time and know these boats quite well but remember this is only my opinion ... for what it's worth.
in order of Preference
1 Dufor
2 Dehler
3 GS

The new Dufor 40 is a Dream, been sailing one a lot this year. The rig is bang on, on a beat she holds boat speed better than any other fractional rig of comparable size. Downwind with the symmetrical there is nothing quicker of comparable size. There is a trick. The SP1 Halyard comes from the top of the mast down about a metre to a block, this can be easily be taken back to the top of the mast which makes obvious differences. The IRC is effected slightly and cover it on the insurance but there is no reason why this can't be done... The benefits outweigh the penalties. The helm position is fantastic, go for the 45" wheel, no need for the 60". While sitting to leeward med/light airs the Helm can trim the gib without calling the trimmer down off the rail because the winch is so far aft. Perfect for shorthanded sailing. also on a busy boat this winch position is not a problem. The Main Sail fine trim leads back to the coach roof on the port side as well as the cockpit... double ended trim. Advantages... Pit man can fine-tune without mainsail trim coming down off the rail. In a breeze downwind 45 knots with the bullet-proof kite the helm is magic as the keel is pivot and plenty long enough. The following sea will never catch you out, If you wind up on a D40 you're a bad sailor. For the crew the cockpit is as big as it needs to be and the Bow and Mast man jobs are simple. a kite jibe is easy in any weather with the pole setup and for shorthand sailing you can fly the asymmetric with one person and the autohelm of course. Don’t forget to run a mouse line from the SP1 block on the mast to change between S & AS kites. I haven't sat on the rail but I haven't heard any complaints so I guess it's comfortable. With our crew I would hear if it wasn't. The keel is perfectly balanced for the sail plan and rig where in light airs the Helm is finger touch. By the way BOATS DON'T SLAM. In a sea you need to drive your boat down the wave. Admittedly some are a bit more difficult to manage than others but with the rudder in the D40 you can drive through any wave. The hull design is better than anything Dufor have ever produced and I would say they've got it right. Anything they brought out before the new range D40 and up I wouldn't want to bother with and I were to be honest I’d rather watch paint dry than sail one. Down below the finish is really good and smart.. all the little things are there that you expect though it's important you go for the correct layout. I've looked at them all and for practicality the one with the double aft cabin and the shower is definitely the one to go for as the shower doubles as a wet locker when sailing and this leaves the starboard Lazarette huge. Example. Big enough for two people so sleep side by side full length on spinnie bags..... trust me!!! I've searched for faults on this boat and found few. The only one I can think of is the kicker to the underside of the boom is gas filled with the trim. At the point the warp is knotted at the underside of the boom the warp has to go around a 90 deg bend and this will snap. The problem can be easily rectified... you can figure that one out. It will go every 1000 miles or so. In marinas for close quarter manoeuvrability I haven't come across any problems at all and as the freeboard is low enough there isn't windage problems. (unlike the GS) So for me either racing or cruising the D40 is number 1. The D44 is much the same though not better. There are obvious advantages with waterline length and extra space below. On deck the extra 4' shows at the bow.

Dehler
Great boats... I've been sailing one for years and if you sail them right you'll win races, Great IRC handicap and good cruzie boats. Solid and well designed. I can't go into detail but for regatta sailing and round the cans I would have one. I rate them highly but the groove is unforgiving like most fractionals. I have a bit of an ongoing love affair with Db's and been caught in bad situations. They've never let me down.

As For the GS.
I would recommend one to anyone over 50. Sorry I'm to young to consider one. I suppose it's what one wants out of a boat but the best doesn't beat the D40. When you look at the 56 whick looks really sweet with everything led back to the cockpit and between skins it feels nice but it's a bit cruzie for moi...

If you have a GS good luck and you will enjoy.
If you have a Dehler you have my respect and send it my love.
If you have a D40.... You'll never ever have a bad day and hold on to your hat.

Gweilo

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[kidnapped]

Thank you, at last we're getting info and experience on these yachts. My interest is mainly on shorthanded sailing, which would appear to be relatively easy on Dufour 40/44, rather than 'round the cans' ... Round the Island etc. with a few mates ... different story!
PS ... I'm afraid I'm on the wrong side of 50!

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[Gweilo]

For Shorthanded sailing you won't go too far wrong with the D40. I can't think of a better all round boat. There are a few bits and pieces you would need to change. Dufor fit the bog standard Roller headset which is fine but there are better systems out there and if one is laying out it's best to do it in one hit. The Main sail reef lines all lead back to the cockpit so there is no need for a mast excursion when reefing, It can be easily done by one person. I would suggest a computer with a firewire remote unit so you can sit out in the sunshine and do your nav’ weather and e mail those other sods in their offices. The Raytheon Autohelm has 3 settings / modes and beating mode 1 is better than any human. I've found only 1 problem. Down wind in a sea the Autohelm doesn't correct enough. It drives the rudder a limited distances and expects the correction. You can get wound up.... There's no way around this only a better (more expensive) system. It's good up to 25 or so knots.... after that it just can't manage. It's not so often you would need the autohelm in these conditions 'cause it's great fun but guaranteed it will only wind you up when you're taking a leak and your oilies are around your ankles. The comfort factor is great down below and you don't come off trips with bruises and sore. There's no real annoying sharp edges around either. The double aft berth is very comfy' on the beat. You wouldn't know you're in and kind of lumpy conditions while sleeping. Personally I don't think the 44 is better to go for and the main reason for me is the extra financial layout won't justify the benefits over the 40. Considering marina fees, manoeuvrability in ports, second hand value I would go for the D40. If as you say you're the mature side of 50 I would recommend this boat. I think you would get a lot out of it and when the time comes to sell it on you would get your money back. I know there is a fair waiting list for the D40, somewhere around 6 months if you're lucky which drives the second hand price up. The cheapest and best place to buy a new one is from Crosshaven Boatyard in Cork. 5% cheaper than UK... they don't have to hedge currencies. Donal Mc Clement (Mr. Ford Cork Week) holds the Dufour agency for Irl... worth a chat. There may be one or two ordered on spec'....

Hope this helps
Gweilo

PS. I don’t work for them I just know a good boat when I see one.


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[Doffy]

Try info@Yachtsgreece.com they came out at 1000's cheaper with more gear.

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