Dufour 2800 - anyone know much about them?

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webcraft

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I'm thinking of getting a small, cheap boat to use as a part-time liveaboard in the Canaries. Budget is under E10k.

First choice would be a second Albin Vega, but a friend has suggested a Dufour 2800. Does anyone here know anything about them? In particular, is the forward double (V-berth with infil) a decent size?

Oh, and how do they sail and handle heavy weather? Reports so far seem good on that front.

- W
 
Back in 2015 (can't remember the exact month) there was a used boat report in YM on this model. Boat had been used from new as a holiday home in the Balearics. No doubt the back numbers dept could find it for you.
 
I remember the original review comparing the Dufour 2800 and Contessa 28 was pretty positive; I think I have it somewhere, will try to find it.

As ever, if the particular boat you're looking at is in good condition and suits you ( Sir ) - go for it.
 
webcraft said:
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I'm thinking of getting a small, cheap boat to use as a part-time liveaboard in the Canaries. Budget is under E10k.

First choice would be a second Albin Vega, but a friend has suggested a Dufour 2800. Does anyone here know anything about them? In particular, is the forward double (V-berth with infil) a decent size?

Oh, and how do they sail and handle heavy weather? Reports so far seem good on that front.

- W
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Try contacting the Dufour Owners Association. Having just scoured the membership list, there appear to be about twenty 2800 owners registered. I'm sure they would be happy to put you in touch with one or two....

http://www.dufour.org.uk/contact-us/
 
At the time, Dufour had a reputation for producing sound but uninspiring boats. I have always admired the 2800 as a sensible example of its kind. I've not sailed one but it looks as if it should be vice-free. Another boat of the same ilk that I quite like is the old Etap 30, from before they started to be a bit way-out.
 
johnalison said:
At the time, Dufour had a reputation for producing sound but uninspiring boats. I have always admired the 2800 as a sensible example of its kind. I've not sailed one but it looks as if it should be vice-free. Another boat of the same ilk that I quite like is the old Etap 30, from before they started to be a bit way-out.
Click to expand...

We have a 29 for sale for client in Mallorca not sailed her but owner really likes her and though this 1 needs a bit of tidying she looks and feels pretty solid and decent build quality. Sail school guys spoke well of her as well. Full info on website below but do Pm for inside info if of interest
 
We had one ( a lifting daggerboard model) for fifteen years. We loved her, but although the model was very popular in the Netherlands and France, it wasn't the case in Britain. The -now common- straight lines and lack of sheer were not to current taste then. She did sail very well, and still does, somewhere in the Baltic.
We sailed several times to the Solent from the Dutch Delta , and to Normandy as well, when we had her. The 2800 ( which refers to tonnage, she's 27 ft in reality) has a broad beam for her lenght.
Good points: sails well, excellent deck layout, comfortable cockpit with vast locker with access to the rear of the engine. The Galley Slave loved the interior, relatively spacious and easy to maintain. There is no fake leather with crumbling foam to deal with. The cabin is in fact an inner shell (without insulation). Heads very practical, with a period bright orange wash basin! Forward beds OK.
Her progress depends on the quality of the genoa... I often sailed her the fastest with a reef in the mainsail, as she would be more upright.
Bad points: inspect the deck, there could be weak spots. She is not very stiff, and flexes a little. The original engine is now quite dated (Volvo MD5A), but easy to maintain, albeit the original parts are very expensive. If at sea in anything from 6 Bft onward, she has a rather bumpy ride.
Various production runs have different masts. There is one (rare) variant with a taller mast.
P.M. for more info.
 
I used to race against one for many years and also sailed on her from the Isle of Wight to Weymouth. This one had a bulb keel and I passed her once in Poole Harbour being untangled from her anchor chain by the harbour master. The chain had caught over the bulb on the change of tide. I can't think of any other negative points about that particular boat. Accommodation and sailing ability seemed at least adequate for that size boat. I can't remember the forepeak layout.
 
Dipper said:
I used to race against one for many years and also sailed on her from the Isle of Wight to Weymouth. This one had a bulb keel and I passed her once in Poole Harbour being untangled from her anchor chain by the harbour master. The chain had caught over the bulb on the change of tide. I can't think of any other negative points about that particular boat. Accommodation and sailing ability seemed at least adequate for that size boat. I can't remember the forepeak layout.
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That is an unusual modification. Most D2800 have a fin keel, and no projecting bulb. Forepeak is V-berth with infill, and protected open shelves for clothing.
 
Hi
I have owned and sailed one for the past 12 years. I am selling her this year as buying larger. PM me if you want to know all about them. In short - brilliant boats.


webcraft said:
.
I'm thinking of getting a small, cheap boat to use as a part-time liveaboard in the Canaries. Budget is under E10k.

First choice would be a second Albin Vega, but a friend has suggested a Dufour 2800. Does anyone here know anything about them? In particular, is the forward double (V-berth with infil) a decent size?

Oh, and how do they sail and handle heavy weather? Reports so far seem good on that front.

- W
Click to expand...
 
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