Neil
Well-Known Member
I see a few of these either described as Dufour 34 or Dufour 34 performance, of similar years. What's the difference between the two? Anyone any opinions on these boats?
Dufour 34's of 2005-odd vintage
- Thread starter Neil
- Start date
roblpm
Well-Known Member
Well i know nothing. But as a keen what boat thread watcher here is what i have found.
This article says the 34e is a relaunch in 2009 ish of the 34 originally launched in 2003. Same hull
https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&s...CBkwAA&usg=AFQjCNFk3VNHlEGkJ7Iplvl1l6L-ObR_2A
I think the 2005 ones technically aren't called performance. I think the name was changed to 34e in about 2009?
Might be wrong though!
This guy sailed his in the azab. http://2015.azab.co.uk/race-entries/vela-fresca/
This article says the 34e is a relaunch in 2009 ish of the 34 originally launched in 2003. Same hull
https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&s...CBkwAA&usg=AFQjCNFk3VNHlEGkJ7Iplvl1l6L-ObR_2A
I think the 2005 ones technically aren't called performance. I think the name was changed to 34e in about 2009?
Might be wrong though!
This guy sailed his in the azab. http://2015.azab.co.uk/race-entries/vela-fresca/
lpdsn
Well-Known Member
I believe at the time, slower, tubbier Dufours had a three digit number ending in 5 whereas the preformance ones had a two digit number, e.g. 34.
I chartered a 34 about 2005 or so. Sailed well but I can't say I was impressed by the build quality and a few other features. For example, I found the headsail masking the nav lights a bit of a concern when crossing the shipping channel in the Solent.
The boat was an OK compromise between cruising comfort and racing. Not a full cruiser racer like say an X Yacht but could be raced at a pinch. The traveller was on the cockpit sole and IIRC the genny winches were positioned so the genny trimmer had to face aft. Would certainly be a decent fast cruiser. I've no experience of sailing the boat in anything more than a F4, so no comments on heavy weather performance.
I think I remember Flaming describing some racing on one of the Dufour performance range, so he maybe can add something.
Neil
Well-Known Member
I think a read the later 34E had a cast iron keel and I fancy I read somewhere else the 34 performance had a lead bulb keel?
lpdsn
Well-Known Member
I have a vague recollection that the one I chartered had a lead keel and deep-ish draught (2m I think). Not sure if they all had the same keel - may have been an option.
Neil
Well-Known Member
I've been examining photos in adds and getting more confused.
I've seen a 2005 Dufour 34 with a tiller and the traveller at the stern.
I've seen a 2004 and 2005 Dufour 34 Performances with a wheel and the traveller in front.
I've seen a 2004 and 2008 Dufour 34's with wheel steering.
Draft seems to be 1.9M for each type. They don't mention keel material.
Anybody with one of these?
I've seen a 2005 Dufour 34 with a tiller and the traveller at the stern.
I've seen a 2004 and 2005 Dufour 34 Performances with a wheel and the traveller in front.
I've seen a 2004 and 2008 Dufour 34's with wheel steering.
Draft seems to be 1.9M for each type. They don't mention keel material.
Anybody with one of these?
Neil
Well-Known Member
Ah, I think I've found it!
boatpoint.com.au said:
Lucky Duck
Well-Known Member
One forumite that I know of has a 2005ish one with a wheel, can't remember where the traveler is!
flaming
Well-Known Member
I've never seen one with a tiller. Was that a factory option or a retrofit I wonder?
My Dad had a 40 from 2005, and I absolutely loved that boat. As a fast cruiser I doubt it could bet bettered without spending a lot more money. It wasn't a surprise to me that they kept the hulls from the 40 and the 34 to become the 40E and 34E. They are very, very good hulls, the 40 is about as vice free as I've ever come across. Not the very fastest, but a great blend of fast and comfortable.
Neil
Well-Known Member
The ad for a 34 with a tiller is here: http://www.apolloduck.ie/feature.phtml?id=482603
So, the Performance has the taller mast and towable genoa cars, but both have the lead keel?
Plevier
Well-Known Member
I looked closely at these 3 years ago (but didn't get one).
My recollection is as you say, originally it was called the 34 Performance and had a lead bulb L keel, it became the 34E with a cast iron T keel. Design of the stern changed a bit but that's about all otherwise.
A lead keel remained available as an incredibly expensive option.
I don't recall alternative rigs.
WF36
Well-Known Member
In the cockpit/stern
lpdsn
Well-Known Member
Looks like she's Howth based and was racing white sails. You could always go around and have a look if you're interested.
It's probably a boat where a tiller would be worthwhile. Looks like it may be a german system main with the traveller aft of the rudder stock.
doris
Well-Known Member
I know him well and should you be serious about a D34, pm me with your contact details and I will pass then on to him. Very nice bloke.
cookjwm
Well-Known Member
I have a 2005 anniversary Dufour 34 performance. This one is a shallow cast iron keel version with the shorter mast. They also produced a version with deep lead keel and taller racing rig. All sail handling is harken, cockpit floor mount with a traveller. Wheel steer only. I agree there were some build quality issues -poor mastic etc but the deck was vacuum infused -pretty much a first for the type of boat ,and is very strong. We have owned ours for nearly ten years so have sorted the niggles and most of the maintenance work work is the normal stuff we all get on boats -rudder bearings aging electronics etc. The boat is overall very well found and equipped imo and stands up to her canvas very well. Even my short mast version has plenty of sail area and she is a quick and predictable boat , faster than the average boat of her size. Internal quality is better than many! If you want any specific detail -let me know!
MikeCC
Well-Known Member
Seconded, and as far as I know he's been fairly happy with the boat for a lot of long-distance single/shorthanded races and cruises.
Small practical issue is that he's found the battery box a bit snug, especially height-wise. Apparently different trays were moulded in depending on the run.
Neil
Well-Known Member
How easy it it to exit the stern? I note the transom opening - I will want to be able to SH and being able to step off the back would be useful.
yotter
Well-Known Member
I have a 2004 34 performance anniversary edition, this has a few improvements including more powerful engine (29HP instead of 19HP), extra battery and branded Dufour crockery . The standard boat was tiller steering with the wheel as an option. Mine was originally supplied with tiller then converted to wheel in 2009. The mainsheet track is non on the cockpit floor just in front of the wheel pedestal. I have the deep lead keel 1.93 metres with double spreader rig. We only cruise and the boat is pretty stiff. I am very impressed with the single line reefing system which can be operated single handed from the cockpit. I am very pleased with the boat. She has huge internal volume for a 34 footer. The layout is very similar to the 40, just compressed. The helm position is quite far aft, and close to the adjustable part of backstay, I had mine replaced in dynemma which is softer than 1x19 wire.
Angus
Angus
Neil
Well-Known Member
The boat sounds like a good compromise between BenJenBavs and ElanXyachts. I'm looking boat for cruising but with a more performance than the former and not as expensive as the latter, and around the mid 30s ft. and that I can single-hand. So any info is very welcome, thanks.
roblpm
Well-Known Member
Is there a suitable dehler? I think that could be another option?
