Dufour vs Beneteau

[mmorgan@peoplevalue.co.uk]

Hi,

I am planning to spend some time in the med and am looking at two possible boats to accompany me. The first is a Beneteau 46 the other a Dufour 445 GL. Does anyone have views as to which would be best. Both boats I am looking at are 2010 vintage. I currently have a Dufour 425 GL in the UK which I am more than happy with.

Thanks in advance for any comments

Mike

 

[sailaboutvic]

Hi Mike
Dufour owners are going to say Dufour and Beneteau owner will say Beneteau other who not sailed either boat will just be guesting,

I thinks the real differences better the 424 and the 445 is one is a performance model and the other isn't, and one has a longer waterline.
We have the 385 and just like you we are very happy with it.
The Only problem we have is, the galley being mid ship , we would rather have it just as you go down below , because we do sail a lot at time in quite big seas ,
so it's become a bit of a pain passing drinking or food up from such a distance ,
Other than not enough storage for a full time Liveaboard.

We have a friend who has the new 46 Beneteau
Now that got a feature that I like. It has a storage between the anchor locker and the forward berth , it's like a shed , you just climb it down through a hatch . A Liveaboard dream, somewhere to put all the crap.

If you're happy with the Dufour , then maybe it worth consider sticking to Dufour .

 

[cmedsailor]

Since you have a Dufour i would say get a Beneteau just to try something else.

 

[alant]

Hi Mike
Dufour owners are going to say Dufour and Beneteau owner will say Beneteau other who not sailed either boat will just be guesting,

I thinks the real differences better the 424 and the 445 is one is a performance model and the other isn't, and one has a longer waterline.
We have the 385 and just like you we are very happy with it.
The Only problem we have is, the galley being mid ship , we would rather have it just as you go down below , because we do sail a lot at time in quite big seas ,
so it's become a bit of a pain passing drinking or food up from such a distance ,
Other than not enough storage for a full time Liveaboard.

We have a friend who has the new 46 Beneteau
Now that got a feature that I like. It has a storage between the anchor locker and the forward berth , it's like a shed , you just climb it down through a hatch . A Liveaboard dream, somewhere to put all the crap.

If you're happy with the Dufour , then maybe it worth consider sticking to Dufour .

I well remember a B 52.5, which had a 'crew cabin' down there, however, a bit coffin like with only hatch entry.

 

[sailaboutvic]

I well remember a B 52.5, which had a 'crew cabin' down there, however, a bit coffin like with only hatch entry.

Hey but a great shed

 

[KellysEye]

I've sailed both plus Jeanneaus when chartering, I thought the Dufour was better built than the Beneteau so I would stick with that.

 

[mmorgan@peoplevalue.co.uk]

Thanks all,

If the Dufour did not have a linear galley it would be a n brainer and I would stick with this make and just buy bigger. But I find both when sailing and at anchor having the linear galley take up a lot of living space when chilling to your favourite movies is a pain. Also the Beneteau has a dedicated nav station which I am a big fan of as I need to have an "office" when on my journeys (not all play). Guess the question I am asking is there a big difference between these two manufactures, am I comparing a ford with a bema. My Dufour is very well made and feels solid. Am I going to be disappointed with a Beneteau both in terms of build and sailing capability. These is only so much you can get from tiniternet and going on board.

Are these boats just the same with a different badge on the front. If the answer is yes I am going to buy the Beneteau as it has a better layout. If no I will need to think again.

Mike

 

[Angele]

I thinks the real differences better the 424 and the 445 is one is a performance model and the other isn't, and one has a longer waterline.

Um, that's not correct. The 425 and the 445 are both from the Grand Large range of cruisers. Neither is a performance model. Those are the 40, 40E, 44, 45E, etc.

 

[sailaboutvic]

Um, that's not correct. The 425 and the 445 are both from the Grand Large range of cruisers. Neither is a performance model. Those are the 40, 40E, 44, 45E, etc.

You are correct , it's the 45E

 

[Skylark]

Am I going to be disappointed with a Beneteau both in terms of build and sailing capability.

Mike

I previously had a 361 and in August 2013 bought a new Oceanis 41. My Beneteau does not disappoint in terms of build and sailing capability (the Simrad electronics have been a nightmare, though). There are a few Dufours in my marina and they look like nice boats, too. Personal choice

 

[yotter]

If you do not want the linear galley on the GL, what about the D44 performance or 44E which has the galley at the bottom of the companionway next to the dedicated chart table?
Angus

 

[sailaboutvic]

If you do not want the linear galley on the GL, what about the D44 performance or 44E which has the galley at the bottom of the companionway next to the dedicated chart table?
Angus

A lot better

 

[minkysailing]

Hi Mike,

I have worked for many years with the Dufour brand and surveyed hundreds of Dufours and Beneteau yachts over the the years. In my opinion comparing the Oceanis and Grande Large range I would say the differences are small in terms of build quality, however in my opinion Dufours are a better sailing yacht overall. No known design issues with either model and both I am sure you would find to be well suited to Med cruising. Make sure when you buy to have the surveyor check in detail the inner moulding especially around the keel area and in the forward cabin. Detachment of the inner moulding has plagued both manufacturers.

 

[Sticky Fingers]

No known design issues with either model

Great

Make sure when you buy to have the surveyor check in detail the inner moulding especially around the keel area and in the forward cabin. Detachment of the inner moulding has plagued both manufacturers.

Not great.

Which is it?

 

[jonic]

I would agree with Minky that the Dufour probably has the performance edge.

Both brands have attractive models.

Don't discount an older higher quality build brand as well.

 

[haydude]

After you sailed a Dufour it will be hard to adapt to a Beneteau.

 

[Sticky Fingers]

Why in particular? I'd have thought each manufacturer offered a range of different experiences and compromises, so it would depend more on which model you compare, than the vendor overall...?