Victoire, Koopmans and Dufour feedback

[Bartvh]

Hi all,

I did read the forum and did a lot of other searching on 34 to 36 ft yachts, and I saw one post related to the Victoire (2002), but not what I look for. Three questions:

One: I can find very little information on the Victoire in general and was wondering if you would place her seaworthiness/ blue water ability in the the category: 1- Najad/HR/Contest or the 2- Jeanneau/Benneteau/ Bavaria category? Or the one in between (3- Moody, Catalina, Hunter)? Example of the Victoire: http://www.botentekoop.nl/zeiljachten/Victoire-34-1983/1761419

In general do you think she is a blue water of more of a coastal cruiser? (Yes, I know it depends on the crew: inexperienced. I hope that helps to avoid that answer ;-) ).

Second question: I do like Koopmans steel boats as well, but many people warn me that it is very difficult to know their quality/ seaworthiness because they are mostly owner build and hence they vary greatly. So how would one know, what can be the real problem with the seaworthiness that is not immediately spotted. Example link (I find the draft very shallow, is it?): http://yachthub.com/list/yachts-for-sale/used/sail-monohulls/van-de-stadt-34/187582

Third question: I would place the Dufour in the 'in between' category mentioned above (Moody/ Catelina/ Hunter) in terms of seaworthiness/ blue water capabilities, would you agree?

For all goes: it obviously depends on the state of the boat.

Thanks and all the best!
Bart

 

[coopec]

Bart

I can't find any review on those boats but I'm sure there would be some.

But here is a guy who seems to know what he is talking about and he seems to hold those boats in high regard. Maybe you've already read this thread?

"There are some that I would sail anywhere after some modifications: Beneteau First series plus Beneteau 50, Victoire, Dufour, Westerly etc. and

"Go anywhere: Contest, Standfast, Swan, Najad, Hallberg Rassy, Moody, Trintella, Farr, Oyster, Ovni, Amel, X-yachts, Koopmans (!!), Moody, Nordia, Malo, Sweden Yachts, Grand Soleil,.... (I'll miss a lot that I can't think off now) "

https://www.ssca.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=6402&start=15

 

[sailaboutvic]

Hi all,

I did read the forum and did a lot of other searching on 34 to 36 ft yachts, and I saw one post related to the Victoire (2002), but not what I look for. Three questions:

One: I can find very little information on the Victoire in general and was wondering if you would place her seaworthiness/ blue water ability in the the category: 1- Najad/HR/Contest or the 2- Jeanneau/Benneteau/ Bavaria category? Or the one in between (3- Moody, Catalina, Hunter)? Example of the Victoire: http://www.botentekoop.nl/zeiljachten/Victoire-34-1983/1761419

In general do you think she is a blue water of more of a coastal cruiser? (Yes, I know it depends on the crew: inexperienced. I hope that helps to avoid that answer ;-) ).

Second question: I do like Koopmans steel boats as well, but many people warn me that it is very difficult to know their quality/ seaworthiness because they are mostly owner build and hence they vary greatly. So how would one know, what can be the real problem with the seaworthiness that is not immediately spotted. Example link (I find the draft very shallow, is it?): http://yachthub.com/list/yachts-for-sale/used/sail-monohulls/van-de-stadt-34/187582

Third question: I would place the Dufour in the 'in between' category mentioned above (Moody/ Catelina/ Hunter) in terms of seaworthiness/ blue water capabilities, would you agree?

For all goes: it obviously depends on the state of the boat.

Thanks and all the best!
Bart

Hi we have an Dufour 385 , we sailed it from the Uk to the med and the last six years around the med from west to east , we found it to sail well in light winds and once the wind pick up she goes very well .
We crossed biscay and got caugh out in a F8 and at no time did it give us cause to worry .
We are overload because we are Liveaboard but even still we still pass other yacht which of the same size .
It's a shame we now having to think about selling her has we have out grown it and need more room being Liveaboard .