Dufour 40

[Blue5]

Anybody any experience of the Dufour 40, I have been looking at the performance model with shoal keel (1.65m) but have heard differing tales of its handling capabilities.

 

[jason -and the arguenauts]

A performance model with a shoal keel is a bit like a sports car with a 1.6 litre diesel engine. Pointless.

 

[Angele]

As the proud owner of a 2005 model, I can tell you anything you want to know about the deep keel version. Never sailed on the shoal version, though.

What d'ya want to know?

 

[Blue5]

As the proud owner of a 2005 model, I can tell you anything you want to know about the deep keel version. Never sailed on the shoal version, though.

What d'ya want to know?

I have been looking at boats for an upgrade and came across this model, we are not looking at racing but a decent performance is on the wish list

Just trying to find out the "Perfomance" of a shoal keel version against the deep keel, seems a bit odd to make a shoal keel performance boat but I think I was looking for someone with personal experience to defend its honour.

 

[minkysailing]

The shoal keel of 1.65m compared to the deep lead keel at 2.1m is bound to have an affect on the upwind performance of any boat, but it is the degree of compromise that you are looking at. Do remember all boats are a compromise and if you are not looking to race the boat a shoal keel will give you a great deal more flexibility in where you can visit/anchor etc. From my experience the loss in performance is not significant and if anything brings this model of boat's performance down to the cruising performance of other manufacturers. Do remember there are other Dufour 40's on the market with the deep lead keel that may be of simialr spec and price. PM if you would like any further information.

 

[minkysailing]

The shoal keel of 1.65m compared to the deep lead keel at 2.1m is bound to have an affect on the upwind performance of any boat, but it is the degree of compromise that you are looking at. Do remember all boats are a compromise and if you are not looking to race the boat a shoal keel will give you a great deal more flexibility in where you can visit/anchor etc. From my experience the loss in performance is not significant and if anything brings this model of boat's performance down to the cruising performance of other manufacturers. Do remember there are other Dufour 40's on the market with the deep lead keel that may be of simialr spec and price. PM if you would like any further information.

Just thought it would also be useful to clarify that Dufour 40's do not come with a shoal keel, they come with the standard keel with an option for a deep lead keel. I know this is splitting hairs, but none the less important to state the standard keel should not be seen as a handicap to the model.

 

[Angele]

I have been looking at boats for an upgrade and came across this model, we are not looking at racing but a decent performance is on the wish list

Just trying to find out the "Perfomance" of a shoal keel version against the deep keel, seems a bit odd to make a shoal keel performance boat but I think I was looking for someone with personal experience to defend its honour.

Yes. Minkysailing is right, the 1.65m keel was the standard and the 2.1m was an option (or at least that was certainly the case when I bought mine). I have a couple of D40 test reviews. Trouble is that they are on the boat, so I'm not sure whether the version they tested was the standard or deep keel version.

I am very pleased with the way mine performs. Obviously there are always pluses and minuses on any boat and, on the D40, the downside is that space down below is less than you might expect on a more cruising-oriented 40 footer, especially in the aft cabin(s).

If you are seriously thinking of one, I would be happy to share my experiences. I see you are Hampshire based, which is where Angele lives (but, sadly, not me). You are most welcome to come and take a look next time I am down. PM me.

 

[flaming]

Anybody any experience of the Dufour 40, I have been looking at the performance model with shoal keel (1.65m) but have heard differing tales of its handling capabilities.

My parents have a Dufour 40, with the standard (shallow) keel.

I've done a lot of miles on that boat in a wide variety of conditions,including some pretty nasty stuff.
I really rate it, in my view this is what cruising boats should be. It's quick, comfortable, stiff and a real helmsman's boat.
Yes you would get better performance with the deeper keel, but performance with the shallow keel is no discrace, especially if you make some allowances for the keel and don't try and point before the boat is moving. The only real vices I've found are a tendancy to broach earlier than expected when pressed, but only in quite a mild way, and handling astern under power that is less than perfect. Quite predictable when you get used to it, but the speed required to get steerage way is higher than in similar boats.

Below the accomodation is more than adequet, we've cruised as 3 couples for extended periods with no issues at all. (3 cabin version.)

 

[Blue5]

Dudour 40

Thanks guys for the replies. Very helpful as usual, I had searched on Google while the Forum was down without much success. Forum back, 12 hrs, questions answered, we have an invaluable knowledge base here.