The Dufour 56 is with acceptable motion comfort for coastal passages.
Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
9.9 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 54.8′, the Dufour 56 tops out around 9.9 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √54.8′ LWL = 9.9 kts
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
Displacement / Length
105
Ultralight — responsive and fast, but carries less stores.
Comfort Ratio
27.3
Acceptable coastal comfort — fine for weekends, notice the chop offshore.
Capsize Screening
1.88
Below the 2.0 offshore threshold — acceptable for ocean passages.
Hull Speed
9.9kts
Pounds/Inch Immersion
3lbs
Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.
Motion & Offshore Suitability
Two ratios that matter most when you're planning passages — how the boat feels in a seaway, and whether the hull geometry is suitable for open ocean.
Comfort Ratio
27.3
Acceptable coastal comfort — fine for weekends, notice the chop offshore.
Under 20 — Snappy, racing motion
20–30 — Acceptable coastal
30–40 — Good offshore comfort
Over 40 — Very comfortable offshore
Capsize Screening Formula
1.88
Below the 2.0 offshore threshold — acceptable for ocean passages.
Under 2.0 — Acceptable for offshore
Over 2.0 — Coastal / protected waters
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Dufour 56.
| Dufour 56 | Grand Soleil 52 Lc | Hylas 55 | Jeanneau Yachts 55 | Oyster 56 | Xp 55 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 56.0 | 55.9 | 55.4 | 56.4 | 57.3 | 56.5 |
| LWL | 54.8 | 49.0 | 45.8 | 49.2 | 47.5 | 48.8 |
| Beam | 15.8 | 16.1 | 15.8 | 16.7 | 16.2 | 15.7 |
| Displacement | 38 | 37 | 47 | 48 | 57 | 37 |
| Ballast | — | 12 | 20 | 17 | 17 | 14 |
| Sail Area | — | 1 | — | 1,560 | 1 | 1 |
| Performance | ||||||
| SA/Disp | — | 23.1 | — | 18.7 | 15.3 | 27.2 |
| Bal/Disp | — | 33.1 | 42.4 | 36.4 | — | — |
| Comfort | 27.3 | 27.9 | 38.1 | 34.0 | 43.2 | 28.7 |
| Capsize | 1.88 | 1.93 | 1.75 | 1.84 | 1.68 | 1.88 |
| Hull Speed | 9.9 | 9.4 | 9.1 | 9.4 | 9.2 | 9.4 |