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Dufour Classic 38
Designer: Yann Chabaud / Olivier Poncin  ·  Builder: Dufour  ·  First built: 1998
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About the Dufour Classic 38

French shipyard Dufour introduced the Classic 38 as part of their renowned cruising sailboat lineup, establishing it as a capable mid-size vessel for sailors seeking comfort and performance. This 38-footer exemplifies Dufour's commitment to blending traditional sailing characteristics with modern construction techniques and thoughtful interior design. Built with coastal cruising and extended passages in mind, the Classic 38 offers a well-balanced sailing experience that appeals to both experienced sailors and those transitioning to larger boats. Her moderate displacement and sensible sail plan provide predictable handling characteristics while maintaining respectable performance across various wind conditions. The boat's spacious cockpit and well-organized deck layout reflect Dufour's understanding of practical cruising needs, with attention paid to both safety and ease of handling. Below decks, the Classic 38 typically features a comfortable accommodation plan that maximizes the available space without sacrificing livability. Known for solid construction quality and European craftsmanship, the Dufour Classic 38 has earned recognition among cruising sailors who value reliability and comfort over pure racing performance. Her reputation centers on being a dependable platform for extended coastal cruising and occasional offshore passages, making her an attractive option in the competitive 38-foot cruising sailboat market.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 37.58 ft / 11.45 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 32.45 ft / 9.89 m
Beam 12.33 ft / 3.76 m
Max Draft 6.42 ft / 1.96 m
Displacement 13,530.00 lb / 6,137 kg
Ballast 4,620.00 lb / 2,096 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Yann Chabaud / Olivier Poncin
Builder Dufour
First Built 1998
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Performance Ratios
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
34.15
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
176.77
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. 8.57 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 23.96
P (Mainsail Luff) 847.12 ft² / 78.70 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) Volvo Penta
Engine & Accommodations
Horsepower 40
Fuel Capacity 42 gals / 159 L
Water Capacity 90 gals / 341 L
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