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Dufour 48 Prestige
Designer: Jean Berret  ·  Builder: Dufour Yachts (Fra)  ·  First built: 1992
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About the Dufour 48 Prestige

Launched in 1992, this French-built cruiser from renowned designer Jean Berret represents Dufour's commitment to combining performance with comfort in their flagship models. The hull's moderate displacement of 29,762 pounds paired with 9,500 pounds of ballast creates a balanced platform that's equally at home on coastal passages or extended offshore voyages. Jean Berret's design philosophy shines through in the fin keel and spade rudder configuration, delivering responsive handling without sacrificing stability. The masthead sloop rig carries 1,291 square feet of sail area efficiently, while the SA/Displacement ratio of 21.6 suggests respectable sailing performance in moderate conditions. With a theoretical hull speed of 8.68 knots, she'll maintain good progress under sail while offering the security serious cruisers demand. The comfort ratio of 28.09 indicates a motion that favors stability over quick, jerky movements—ideal for long-distance cruising where crew comfort matters. Her capsize screening formula of 1.96 falls within acceptable ranges for offshore work, though like most cruising designs of this era, she's best suited for experienced crews on extended passages. The reliable 60-horsepower auxiliary provides adequate power for maneuvering in tight quarters or motoring in calm conditions.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 48.00 ft / 14.63 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 42.00 ft / 12.80 m
Beam 15.17 ft / 4.62 m
Max Draft 7.00 ft / 2.13 m
Displacement 29,762.00 lb / 13,500 kg
Ballast 9,500.00 lb / 4,309 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 1,291.00 ft² / 119.94 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Jean Berret
Builder Dufour Yachts (FRA)
First Built 1992
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Performance Ratios
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
 21.6
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
 31.92
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
 179.34
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
 28.09
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
 1.96
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 8.68 kn
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 2,276.57 pounds/inch
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Volvo
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 60
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