The Dufour 385 GL is an 11-meter cruiser designed by Felci Roseo and built by the Dufour shipyard. This sailboat offers excellent qualities for sailing far and long on a high-performing boat.
The Dufour 385 Grand Large is a habitable cruising sailboat produced between 2003 and 2009. This boat, built by Dufour, was designed to combine comfort at sea and at anchor. At the time, the La Rochelle shipyard launched the Grand Large range, offering boats suitable for both offshore and coastal sailing. The 385 GL quickly established itself as a best-seller, appreciated for its balance between interior space, ease of handling, and seafaring behavior.
Key Points
- Architect: Patrick Roséo (with the influence of Umberto Felci for the Grand Large range).
- Production years: 2004 to 2009.
- Number of units produced: 533.
- Program: Offshore and coastal cruising, suitable for small crews.
- Competitors of the time: Bavaria 37, Hunter 38, Oceanis Clipper 373.
History of the Boat
The Dufour 385 Grand Large was born during a period of renewal for the Dufour shipyard, which was acquired in 2001 by the Italian group Del Pardo Yachts. This period marked the beginning of a collaboration with naval architect Umberto Felci, who redefined the Grand Large range to create more modern, spacious boats that met the expectations of 2000s sailors. The 385 GL embodies this transition: it features a high-performance hull, a functional deck layout, and redesigned interior arrangements for cruising comfort.
The construction, made of layered polyester, relies on proven industrial processes while incorporating innovations such as increased headroom and improved ergonomics. The Dufour 385 also stands out with its fractional sloop rigging, which facilitates handling and optimizes sailing performance.
Upon its release, it competed with models like the Bavaria 37 and the Oceanis Clipper 373, with the advantage of a brighter interior and a cockpit better designed for life on board.
Interior Layout
The Dufour 385 Grand Large offers spacious and bright interiors, with particular attention paid to ergonomics and storage. The most common version includes three cabins and two heads, but there is also a two-cabin configuration, better suited for family programs or long stays.
The saloon, bathed in light thanks to two hull portholes and numerous overhead hatches, provides a convivial space with a central table and comfortable benches. The galley, L-shaped or linear depending on the version, is functional and well-equipped. The cabins, especially the owner’s cabin forward, benefit from good volume and an integrated wardrobe.
Owners highlight the quality of the finishes, although some regret that certain details are less refined than on high-end models. Overall, the boat is highly appreciated for its practicality and warm atmosphere, ideal for cruising.
Sailing Qualities
The Dufour 385 is renowned for its sailing qualities: stable, maneuverable, and high-performing in a wide range of conditions. Its hull, designed to combine speed and comfort, allows for tight sailing angles and good upwind performance. The large rudder ensures good responsiveness at the helm, even in rough seas.
Feedback confirms its reliability and robustness, with owners having completed Atlantic crossings or extended cruises in the Mediterranean. Some note that the hull bottom is sometimes considered a bit light, but without questioning the overall solidity of the boat.
In regattas, the 385 GL is not a pure racer, but it performs well in cruising races, thanks to generous sail area and well-sized rigging.
Owners’ Reviews
Owner feedback is generally very positive. Many highlight the boat’s versatility—fast, comfortable, and easy to handle with a small crew. Some have completed Atlantic circuits or extended Mediterranean cruises, confirming its reliability and adaptability.
“It’s a boat that sails well, well-designed, fast, and holds a good course with the self-tacking jib. I blame its long keel for my sailing area, but for me, it’s a great boat.” (Owner for 4 years, Hisse et Oh forum)
“I completed an Atlantic circuit with my Dufour 385. I can confirm its solidity and reliability. A few improvements needed for offshore sailing, but nothing major.” (Owner, Madrica blog)
A few points of caution are mentioned: sometimes imperfect interior finishes, minor tuning issues on early models, and the need to pay attention to engine and system maintenance. But overall, satisfaction is high, with special mention for the shipyard’s customer service, often praised for its responsiveness.
Dufour 385 Technical Specifications
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Length overall | 11.36 m |
| Beam | 3.93 m |
| Draft | 1.76 m (standard version) |
| Displacement | 6,980 kg |
| Ballast | 2,100 kg |
| Sail area | 65 m² (mainsail + genoa) |
| Engine | Volvo D2-40 (40 hp) or equivalent |
| Fuel capacity | 160 L |
| Water capacity | 440 L |
| Architect | Patrick Roséo (Grand Large range) |
| Production years | 2004 to 2009 |
| Number of units | 533 |
| Program | Offshore and coastal cruising |
| Rigging | Fractional sloop |
| Material | Layered polyester |
| Layout | 2 or 3 cabins, 1 or 2 heads |
| Headroom | 1.90 m |
Conclusion
More than fifteen years after its launch, the Dufour 385 Grand Large remains a highly sought-after sailboat on the used market. Its success is due to a clever blend of performance, comfort, and reliability, confirmed by numerous satisfied owners. Whether for coastal cruising, offshore sailing, or even occasional racing, it offers a suitable response to a wide range of programs.
If you are considering purchasing a Dufour 385, take the time to check the condition of the finishes and systems, but know that you are choosing a boat that has proven itself and continues to impress with its balance and versatility.