Dufour 310 - thoughts?

[gregmlucas]

Hi folks,

I am pleased to report that SWMBO has more or less fallen in love with a Dufour 310 (just a few years old). Fortunately, I like it too but just have a couple of questions that hopefully someone with experience of these little yachts will be able to help with.

1) It has no backstay so the spreaders are swept aft - although not, I think, by as much as on the Hunter Legends for example. What are your experiences with this rig, particularly sailing downwind? I think the 360 has the same rig.
2) It has twin rudders - how does this perform under engine in marina conditions?
3) The one we are looking at has evidence of mould and black stains on the seal between hull and deck/cockpit around the aft end of the cockpit. Is this just a sign of neglect, a common problem or an indication of a bigger problem?

In general terms I like the the innovative layout both above and below decks. With a budget between £50-70K is there anything else I should be looking at of a similar vintage (say less than 10 years old) up to a max of 11m. Intended use is mainly day/weekend sailing in the Solent with occasional longer trips, across the channel or East/West along the south coast, sailing with wife or one or two crew.

Many thanks in advance for you thoughts and help.

 

[flaming]

With the caveat that I haven't sailed the 310....

1. I have done a lot of miles under a backstayless rig on the legend. It really is a non issue for this type of boat. Yes the main lies against the spreaders downwind, but you just fit spreader patches to the main. We hadn't even had to replace the patches in 10 years of fairly heavy use.
2. This season I'm now driving a boat with twin rudders. My first attempts at coming alongside were "interesting". but I asked for a few tips here, and I feel like I'm getting back to being fully confident to get into and out of any berth as I was in the previous boat. The main tip is speed, and there is actually an advantage in that getting control when going astern happens more quickly. If you like the rest of the boat I wouldn't let this put you off.
3. No idea.

A similar boat to look at would be the Elan 310/320. The Elan is a tonne lighter, so expect a considerably faster boat, especially off the wind and slightly less creature comforts. But pretty similar in concept I think.

 

[gregmlucas]

Flaming - your experience with backstayless rigs and twin rudders is re-assuring - thank you. Will take a look at the Elans but less creature comforts might not swing it with SWMBO

 

[flaming]

Flaming - your experience with backstayless rigs and twin rudders is re-assuring - thank you. Will take a look at the Elans but less creature comforts might not swing it with SWMBO

Looking at yachtworld listings for the 2 boats, it's clear that the Elan is going to be the more rewarding boat to sail. But the Dufour the more comfortable to be on for any length of time. Elan looks a bit cheaper...

In terms of overall quality, my Dad had a Dufour 40 for years and I did 10 years racing on an Elan... Very little to choose between the brands in my opinion.

You pays your money and you takes your choice....