Shoal keel 2001 Dufour 36 Classic . Pros & Cons

[glandorebay]

Anybody got one of these with the shallow keel or can give me advice re this model would be greatly appreciated. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gifI know earlier boats had rudder-stock problems

Many thanks in advance

 

[haydude]

I have a Dufour 36 Classic with shoal keel and before purchasing and sailing her I was concerned about perfomance as mine has also an in-mast furling. The deal was too good to turn down and now I couldn't be any happier!

This yacht is absolutely marvellous. Stable, fast, easy to handle, and touch wood no trouble wathsoever with the in-mast furling. The many negative messages I read on the latter before purchasing my yacht got me really concerned at first, both in terms of troubles and performance. But guys, I can get my yacht to the 7.6 kts hull speed in just a 12 kts breeze most of the times (I have a fixed prop) and the in-mast furling never jammed once (touch wood). I believe now that those who have problems with it must do something seriously wrong, as definately I do not even have to pay any particular attention when furling and unfurling the main.

I was also concerned that the shoal keel could impact performance. Well, with mine sometimes I can even plane to 9kts on a beam reach with a 17kts breeze.

Recently I also had the chance to sail for a few days on a Beneteau First 36.7 rigged for racing with a long fin keel. Believe me, with my Dufour, rigged for cruising I can smoke that Beneteau any time.

 

[flaming]

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Recently I also had the chance to sail for a few days on a Beneteau First 36.7 rigged for racing with a long fin keel. Believe me, with my Dufour, rigged for cruising I can smoke that Beneteau any time.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm a fan of Dufour, and it's great that you love your boat, but I think you're possibly a little bit ott here.