Dufour 30 Classic or Sun Odyssey 29.2 ?

[SailSi]

Hi all currently considering upgrading to a larger boat ( from a 24' trailer sailer) and the two that I'm debating between are the dufour classic 30 or a sun odyssey 29.2 anyone have any knowledge of sailing these two ? or how they compare ? Thanks

 

[matthewriches]

What sort of age are you looking at?

 

[SailSi]

Both boats are 1998

 

[shaunksb]

Hi all currently considering upgrading to a larger boat ( from a 24' trailer sailer) and the two that I'm debating between are the dufour classic 30 or a sun odyssey 29.2 anyone have any knowledge of sailing these two ? or how they compare ? Thanks

Hi SailSi

I have a 98 Dufour 30 classic and previous to this had a Jeanneau 34.2 and also have a 24’ bilge keel.

My classic has the separate fore cabin and also has the optional hot water. You really want this option on either boat if you are going cruising.

One of the biggest things that may influence you decision is how tall you are. The Jeanneau has better headroom. Dufour designs of that era purposefully have low coach roofs to reduce windage and they generally try and keep the boom lower to improve the CE of the mainsail. This is fine if you are a 5’7” Frenchman but not so hot if you are a 6’3” Dutchman. I’m 5’7”.

I think (in general) the Dufours sail better and I like the simple robust layout and build. The deeper keel Dufour would be my preference (I have the shallow draft but I bought it more on its condition).

In fact that’s it really, buy the one in the best condition, they are both good.

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[matthewriches]

Not sure on that age but I currently have a 2011 Dufour 455 alongside which I’m renewing and I am stunned by the fitout. Very nicely and intelligently done. Of course, a slightly different class but it has loads of room, comparable to any motorboat of it’s size.

 

[V1701]

More than sailing performance between such similar boats I'd be comparing the age/condition of sails, standing rigging, engine, bunk cushions, electronics & whether any of that lot needs replacing...

 

[SailSi]

Cheers thanks for the views guys - plan on viewing both boats in person in the new year - dufour looks in good condition with long fin keel but doesn't have the separate forward cabin. However the sun odyssey is 3k more expensive and potentially needs standing rigging replaced.

 

[Channel Sailor]

I have a similar yacht. I suggest the Jeanneau fits in more accommodation features compared to the Dufour, but probably sacrifices a little on the performance and actual sailing practicalities for it. I would decide if you really need that fwd cabin, because For example I choose not to have one. Then have a close look at the size of it to suit those that will use it. You may find a few knock on effects of an extra cabin: anchor locker too shallow for stowing the anchor off the roller, cockpit smaller because cabin main wall to the cockpit is a little further aft, saloon bunks might be shorter, heavier displacement, foredeck not quite so flat. The plus factors are of course that for young children they can be sleeping early while the saloon is still in use with lights on, probably better headroom as well. £3K is not such a big difference if for example one boat needs a new set of sails, new instruments a full set of safety gear or all new running rigging.