385 Dufour 2005

Source: Dave McPhail, Canadian Yachting Magazine

INTRODUCTION
Michel Dufour launched his first boat the Sylphe in 1964. Since that time the evolution and accolades have been overwhelming for this European based boat builder of world class sailboats.

The more recent association with designers and layout people like Umberto Felci and Patrick Roseo, has moved the Dufour boats into a synergistic position as they continue to develop new models that are gaining Boat of the Year elections for at least two of these. Boatcan reviewed two of the new models, the 34 and 40 Classic fast cruising sloops in 2003. Since we were so impressed with those boats from all perspectives, it was wonderful to have another look at Dufour with the new 385.

AT THE DOCK
The first look of the 385 from Dufour is impressive. She is sleek and lean. The decks and upper areas are uncluttered and the coach roof is equipped with long handrails so that you are easily able to traverse the distance from the stern to the fore areas even underway in rougher seas. You also see 6 aluminum mooring cleats, two level lifelines with gateways, opening cable gates and solid stainless steel chainplates with two for the backstay alone.

The adjustable mainsheet traveler is on the coach roof unlike the racing models which place it on the cockpit sole. The boom vang has 4 threads tackle and the various blocks and winches are strategically located on the coach roof and coamings for the most advantage of torque and ease of use.

The hull itself is an almost plumb stem with a very narrow entry, but gets into the full beam very quickly which is maintained and extended aft. This gives stiffness under sail
and makes the vessel very stable.

The 385 was sterned into its floating dock mooring. We were able to again get an appreciation for the design of the Dufour Team. The wide beam of 12 feet 11 inches was evident and the large cockpit gave the visitor a welcome feeling.

BOARDING
We boarded the Dufour easily. The hinged helm seat folds easily to become part of the integrated platform and allows people to board with their hands full of provisions or luggage. This is important from both a safety factor and the simplicity of getting on board.
Releasing the gateway cables also allows for easy boarding: however, this would be usually done on docks sitting higher from the water than most floating docks afford.

THE COCKPIT
Having gained access to the 385 we took in the size and beauty of the cockpit. The platform and the seats are teak trimmed. The cockpits sole is fiberglass with a well articulated non-slip configuration. The cockpit has 2 large side lockers each with a locking lid and twin steering wheels on fiberglass pedestals with angled brackets for instruments. We were immediately struck with the space that the two wheels provided for ease of movement in the cockpit. We further looked at this configuration as a function of operating the boat. This too proved invaluable to be able to navigate this beautiful vessel easily and precisely.

In a further tour of the cockpit, we discovered a dedicated life raft storage area under the sole, a propane locker in the aft port seat, a stainless steel swim ladder and even a fresh water cockpit shower in the aft locker.

In short, this spacious cockpit was easy to traverse and showed itself to be a great space for captain and guests… important since so much of the time on board is spent in this area.

BELOW DECK
Access to the interior of the boat is made simple via a sliding companionway hatch and Plexiglass washboards with stops and a lock. The curved steps are comfortable and provide extra support should one go below while underway with the boat somewhat heeling. The steps are an easy slant and do not bring forth any feeling of being
uncomfortable while using them.

The interior gives one the feeling of ample size. With 12 foot 11 inch of beam, this is a wide boat. Immediately to port, as we enter, is the aft head (the only one on the 2 cabin version). Immediately forward of the head is the galley. Across the boat from the galley
on the starboard side, is the saloon which has a U-shaped settee plus an adjacent fixed settee providing an almost circular seating space for conversations or meals.

Totally fore is the forward cabin. Depending on the model selected, the configuration below can be two or three cabins with the choice of one or two heads. The two cabin single head model does have a separate shower space and a larger head area.

The interior construction is very impressive. This is something we have come to expect from Dufour and the 385 is no exception. All joinery is Moabi mahogany with fiddles, moldings and framings built from solid wood. The soles are Moabi Streaming System, the doors have blocking systems to keep them open and saloon cushions are either blue or beige. Mattress covers are striped beige and cream.

The forward cabin is ample… The mattress is thick foam and the cover is washable. There is easy access to a storage locker under the berth and there is a full length shelf affording extra storage. There is also a large double-door hanging locker with shelves.

In the forward cabin with head, the berth is fully forward in a V-berth format, while the single head forward cabins have the berth to starboard and a decent size settee opposite. The berth itself, although not truly rectangular, is a modified rectangle rather than a V-berth design.

The aft cabins are large and comfortable. Again, thick mattresses with washable covers are evident. Large hanging lockers are located in either aft cabin and there is easy access to some of the mechanical elements from the aft cabins. Batteries, fuel and water tanks, are serviced from either the port or starboard cabins.

Immediately starboard, when entering the cabin below, is the navigation station. There is a large chart table with a hinged desktop and an ergonomic wooden seat with storage beneath. The instrument console is at 45 degrees and is hinged. There are bookshelves, a drawer and the main electrical panel also located here.

The galley is a longitudinal shaped configuration with a large work area. The double stainless sink with a chrome brass mixer tap, a 2 burner stove with oven on gimbals and a 12 v refrigerator round out the working area of the galley. There is also an icebox with stowage space and separated compartments. The upper cabinets include one that will house a microwave oven and there is even a crumb tray under the sole.

The main saloon is large with plenty of stowage. Under the seats, behind the backrests, as well as stowage lockers with doors and a bookshelf above the settee are included in this area. The saloon table has a bottle rack in the center and the stainless steel mast
support compression pole is also located in this area. There is easy access to instrumentation transducers in this area too.

A final look around the cabin and one sees true quality, precise fit and finish and materials that have been carefully selected to give the best for the customer. The space has been well planned and is considerably different then any other models produced to date by
Dufour. Since this is a cruising type yacht the style of the interior has changed to reflect the new design focus on function.

BACK IN THE COCKPIT
Up top again and we take some time to look at the topsides and what is provided there. The anodized aluminum mast has double sweptback spreader,s is 15/16 rigged and deck stepped. The anodized aluminum boom has a two single line reefing system and there is a Genoa furler. The standing rigging is a single strand stainless steel cable and chrome bronze turnbuckles that include forestay, double backstay, cap shrouds, inter and lower shrouds. Running rigging is prestretched textile including the Main, and Genoa halyards, boom topping lift, Main and Genoa sheets, 2 reef lines, outhaul line, mainsheet and
boom vang tackle. The Mainsail is equipped with 2 broad reef bands with battens and bag. The Genoa is a special furling in Cross cut with anti UV protection. In short, much care was taken to plan everything right for this 385 Dufour so that the sailing characteristics were not jeopardized or compromised in any way.

ENGINE and HELM
Dufour has selected Volvo with the Sail-drive transmission for the 385 Dufour. The 29 HP diesel has a heat exchanger, anti-siphon valve as well as a large sea water strainer. The main control panel is conveniently placed close to the helmsman with the instrumentation
clearly visible and the ignition and engine stop all included on the panel.

Access to the engine is from either of the aft cabins for side access or by easily removing the cabin steps and lifting them out of the way.

The twin steering wheels are well balanced. There is absolutely no play in the mechanism which is perfectly synchronized. The visibility from either wheel is excellent allowing for more precise steering and navigation.

UNDERWAY
As stated earlier, the 385 from Dufour is more of a cruising sailboat than a racer/cruiser. It is not the speedster of the 34, 40 or 44, but it is a treat. The boat points high for ease of handling and the need for fewer tacks. The ready accessibility of all of the sheets,
winches and blocks makes this boat a joy to be on and to run. She responds immediately to the turn of the wheel and her semi-elliptical rudder does the very job that it was intended to do.

Several tacks in all directions in somewhat light air did show that this boat was a very respectable sailor and one that many would find in the top of the club sailing group on most days.

The ease of control, the ease of raising and lowering the main and releasing the furling Genoa, makes it ever evident that sailboats are much easier to sail today than ever before, a comment that now is reserved for the uninformed.

AS TESTED
This review boat included the following options:

– 29 HP Volvo with Sail-drive

– Cockpit Table

– Electric Windlass

– Leather Cover on Steering Wheels

– Rigid Boom Vang

– Shore Power Supply

– Battery Charger

– 110V outlets in saloon and each cabin

– Sea Water foot pump in galley

– 5 roll blinds for deck hatches

– Stereo with AM/FM and CD Player

– Outboard engine bracket

– Lazy-bag and Lazy-jacks

– Main anchor

– 4 warps and 6 fenders

– Design squared monogrammed dinner service for 6

FINAL THOUGHTS
To simply say that the 385 Dufour Ocean Series is a beautiful boat would a tremendous injustice because the quality in this boat goes well beyond what the eye can easily see.

The hull is reinforced by a stringer system laminated right into the bottom of the hull. This incorporates Twaron in the keel area to provide good rigidity and a better distribution of rig loads. The deck is constructed by vacuum injection to reduce weight high up and to increase the boat`s stability and stiffness. This boat has been designed to please both those who are lovers of the sea and those whose focus is family cruising.

The twin helm positions make circulation and maneuvering easier. The coach roof has long handrails for safety. The space and harmony of the upper and lower areas characterize this as a seaworthy vessel where everything has been devised to make life on board comfortable.

For example, the performance yacht has been built into a cruising yacht both through design and the use of the space. The mainsheet traveler is on the coach roof rather than on the cockpit sole. However, there is a beautiful balance of the hull and the use of the
space. Thus performance is found in a cruising model.

Quoting the designers Felci and Roseo “We had to think about price since a fast boat is usually expensive. Therefore creating a cheaper performance boat is very difficult. But we do everything we can to achieve that aim. But there has to be a good balance in terms of
space. A successful boat is a boat that is balance on deck, down below and obviously at the helm…”

Dufour has made that balance with this boat. It combines strong performance and use of people space for comfort and enjoyment. The Dufour 385 is the ideal yacht where comfort, safety, ease of handling and quality of construction are essential for the enjoyment of sailing. Is it any wonder that Dufour Yachts has become the world`s largest exporter of yachts in the world reaching more than 30 countries. The company has accomplished all of this and yet, service and quality remain their top priority.

Boat Specifications: 385 Dufour 2005

Length                         38.6 ft

Beam                           12ft 11in

Draft                           5.9 ft

Dead                           RiseNA

Weight                                    15,356 lb

Fuel Capacity              42 gal

Make                           Volvo

Model                          Inboard Diesel Saildrive

HP                               29