405 Dufour

Source: Canadian Yachting Magazine

If winning the European boat of the year in the Family Cruising category was not enough, the reaction to the prelaunch of Dufour and the pent up demand for these boats in North America must have been a nice surprise. That, coupled with the fact that the team at True North Yachts and Bosuns Yachts in Canada were named dealers, means that Dufour will once again sell it great boats in Canada with solid backup and a strong dealer support.

Dufour owners are a fanatic bunch and the news Dufour was back in full force was welcome news for all.

It’s no surprise to this yachting scribe that the 405 is a winner on the European scene. It’s a strikingly beautiful boat with good performance metrics. Comments included in recent reviews were ‘the hull is easily driven and stable’ and ‘she is a quick and delightful boat to sail’. It is evident that the designers Felci and Roseau had figured out that they needed to bring home a broad-based boat that would appeal just about everywhere. With standing headroom and wonderful furniture treatments, it’s clear the target is those who want a comfortable stylish boat that does not compromise functionality for feel or performance for comfort. With its fast hull and wonderfully clean deck layout and comfortable cockpit, this boat is a ‘must see’ for anyone in the mid-market range.

The 405 has a hand-laminated GRP hull using Neogel NPG (IsoNeopentylglycol) gelcoats designed to give maximum protection in all water contact applications. In the 405, the NPG gelcoat, with the first layer of cloth impregnated with NPG forms, is an optimum barrier against osmosis concerns. A structural grid is laminated to the hull for optimum strength while the deck is an infused balsa core.

The bright interior brought about by the new coach roof and portlights design coupled with hull window and numerous hatches is a wonderful host to a galley that has the feel of a small functional gourmet kitchenwith its large worktop space and front and top opening refrigerator. It even has a wine cellar. Below decks is well ventilated and is perfect for entertaining with its ambient LED night lighting. The wide hull portholes are perfect for exterior visibility.

There are two layouts. The two cabin layout features an L-shaped galley with easy access to sail and wet gear lockers while the three-cabin version presents with a longitudinal galley, big size chart table, and three spacious double cabins. Aft, the head has an independent shower, while forward the ensuite head has tons of storage space.

Designed to sail single-handed, its wonderful cockpit and ergonomic layout with all control lines led back and easy to reach from the helm has two steering stations with separate compasses in easy reach of the winches. The wonderful tilting bathing platform with a deep telescoping ladder is only outdone by the life raft transom locker making the boat always look neat and proper.

Dufour has always had a solid reputation and it seems their new approach to North America has the corporate commitment from Europe it needs. In Canada it’s got two solid dealers and what appears to be a wonderful line from 32 to 54 feet. We can’t wait to sail the new line so look in future issues or on one of our web platforms for an updated on-the-water review.