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Dufour Classic 35
Designer: J & J Design  ·  Builder: Dufour Yachts S.a. (Fra)  ·  First built: 1995
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About the Dufour Classic 35

Built by renowned French yard Dufour Yachts from 1995, this masthead sloop represents a thoughtful balance between cruising comfort and sailing performance. The J & J Design team created a hull that combines modern sailing characteristics with practical accommodations for coastal and offshore cruising. Measuring 35 feet overall with a 28-foot waterline, the Classic 35 features a fin keel with bulb and spade rudder configuration that delivers responsive handling while maintaining directional stability. The moderate displacement of 10,000 pounds, supported by 3,110 pounds of ballast, creates a reassuring platform for extended cruising without sacrificing sailing ability. With 492 square feet of sail area driving the fiberglass hull, this boat offers spirited performance in moderate conditions while remaining manageable for couples or small crews. The SA/Displacement ratio of 17.02 places it squarely in cruising territory, providing adequate power without being overly demanding. A comfort ratio of 19.85 indicates a motion that favors sailing efficiency over ultimate stability, making it well-suited for active sailors who appreciate responsive handling. The 30-horsepower auxiliary engine provides reliable power for maneuvering and motorsailing in light conditions. This design appeals to sailors seeking a capable coastal cruiser with occasional offshore potential.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 35.00 ft / 10.67 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 28.00 ft / 8.53 m
Beam 11.50 ft / 3.51 m
Max Draft 5.93 ft / 1.81 m
Displacement 10,000.00 lb / 4,536 kg
Ballast 3,110.00 lb / 1,411 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Sail Area (Reported) 492.00 ft² / 45.71 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/bulb & spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer J & J Design
Builder Dufour Yachts S.A. (FRA)
First Built 1995
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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
17.02
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
31.1
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
203.37
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
19.85
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
2.14
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. 7.09 kn
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
2.67
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. 1,150.54 pounds/inch
SA/Displacement (Calc) Calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio using actual measured sail dimensions rather than reported values. More precise than the reported SA/Disp figure. 17
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 42.50 ft / 12.95 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 12.60 ft / 3.84 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 36.40 ft / 11.09 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 12.30 ft / 3.75 m
SA Fore 267.75 ft² / 24.87 m²
SA Main 223.86 ft² / 20.80 m²
SA Total (100%) 491.61 ft² / 45.67 m²
Est. Forestay Length 44.33 ft / 13.51 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Volvo
Engine Model 2030
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 30
Fuel Capacity 32 gals / 121 L
Water Capacity 77 gals / 291 L
How It Compares

vs. Hunter 35.5, Oceanis 351 Beneteau, Sun Odyssey 35 Jeanneau

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Dufour Classic 35 ★
35.0 ft
Hunter 35.5
35.0 ft
Oceanis 351 Beneteau
35.0 ft
Sun Odyssey 35 Jeanneau
35.0 ft
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