Dufour/Grand Soleil/Dehler

[sunlover]

After endless research I am getting closer to making a decision on what boat to buy.
I have a short list of a Dehler 39, Grand Soleil 40 and a Dufour 40.
Does anyone have any experience of these boats and is prepared to share their wisdom?
Most grateful.

 

[sailorman]

Italian

 

[doris]

Dehler 39 was described as a difficult boat to keep in the grove by an experienced crew I sailed against. They since got rid of it. The Dufour seem to have good reviews from the 2 owners I had long chats with( I was thinking of getting one but the final price was rather too high I felt) Stella Girl can put you in touch with an owner. One of the Dufours did have a leak problem but it was rectified.

 

[jonjo]

I think Dehler has recently lost its way as a brand and builder of boats.

 

[TheBoatman]

I've not sailed on a GS 40 but have delivered a 43 and a 45. Probably the fastest boats I've sailed on. The overall finish is good but they do need a bit of "snagging" from new. Being Italian and made for the Med market you need to specify upgraded water tanks, especially on the hot water side. The boat is very responsive when under engine in tight situations (marinas etc). When delivering the 43 we hit 17knts under genny alone in 30 knts of breeze and avaraged 9.8 from Hamble to Ramsgate. The dealers are genuinely good guys and very helpful. If I had the dosh I'd probably get one myself.
Hope this helps!

 

[Kristal]

S**t off a shovel

Seventeen?!? I've always liked the look of them, but 17 knots has to be a seller...

 

[TheBoatman]

Re: S**t off a shovel

Yup 17 but it was a bit embarassing!!! We were passing Dover with 30 knts of breeze on our stb quarter, just 2 of us aboard and we had been trying to out do each other over who could get the boat to go the fastest. We were regularly hitting 14-15knts. As per usual we eventually got fed up playing and put the auto helm on, yup you guessed it, within minutes it was touching 17 not once but regularly.
When I delivered the 45 we were approaching Ramsgate via the Ramsgate channel and was doing 9 knts so I asked for the genny to be rolled up to take some way off as we rounded B1, the speed dropped to 7 knts and wouldn't come down any less. As I said they are seriously fast boats which can bee aa bit frightening sometimes? /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[StellaGirl]

Ahh...thank you Doris. At last my knowledge and wisdom has been recognised by you /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I will send you a PM on the Dufour SunLover

 

[StephenSails]

I raced on a Dehler 36 last year at Cowes, nice boat and seemed to be well made. We also won our class which is quite encouraging!

 

[captainforbes]

Re: Dufour 40

I'm yer man...........I have a Dufour 40 , launched a year ago. She was the 2003 Southhampton Show Boat. See some great pictures of her at:
http://www.photoaction.com/regattas.htm
then select"West Highlands Yachting Week 2004"
lastly, select "Micky Finn IV" from the scroll box and click "search". Some lovely pictures when blown up.

Well, what do you want to know?