Dufour Yachts – Dufour 310 Review

The smallest Grand Large in the Dufour Yacht family, the Dufour 310 GL is quick, fun and responsive.
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The original concept behind the 310GL was to create a sophisticated, compact yacht with excellent performance, as well as integrate as much of the technology, iconic style and comfort that can be packed into her from the larger Grand Large models.

This fast, nippy 9.35m long yacht may be the smallest in Dufour’s Grand Large range, yet she has bags of character and is easy to steer short-handed or even single-handed.

Unusually for a yacht this size, she comes with double steering wheels fitted as standard to give optimum visibility and comfortable steering position.

The boat is fitted twin rudders to maximise control and easy manoeuvring.

Dufour 310 Review

With a high aspect ratio sail plan and over 50m2 sail area contributing to her powerful performance, the Dufour 310 is balanced by 1330kgs keel weight and draws 1.9m.

There’s an option for a ballasted centreboard, which draws 1.6m when fully deployed making it perfect for cruising coastal havens and getting into the best, sheltered anchorages. An integrated self-tacking headsail comes as standard to make short-handed or single-handed sailing very easy, and there is an option for a 108% overlapping genoa and adjustable jib tracks.

The rig is set up with swept-back spreaders, negating the need for a backstay and providing more space on deck when sailing and living on board.

Dufour 310 ReviewOverall the deck layout has been designed to be very clean and simple as well as maximise side deck space, making it easy to move fore and aft and around the boat.

As featured across the entire Grand Large range, the 310GL’s boom height at the gooseneck is lowered to waist level, to help packing the sails easily and safely without the need to reach high up.

The side decks are noticeably wider than you might expect on a boat of this size and with the shrouds mounted outboard this allows easy and unrestricted movement around the boat.

There are good handholds around the coachroof and a deep wooden toe rail for extra support.

On the aft deck there is a generous locker for a life raft and a wide drop-down stern bathing platform.

Dufour 310 Review

Below the starboard seats is a spacious, full depth locker, ideal for long-distance cruising and beach toys, and on the foredeck a big anchor locker to accommodate anchor, chain and fenders.

Below decks the sophisticated living space replicates one the signature features of all the Grand Large designs.

The injection moulded deck construction enables the positioning of roof light windows and aft cabin windows situated on the back of the coach roof, which flood the interior with natural light.

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Another feature is the attention to detail to enable smooth movement around the boat, with curved wood surfaces and corners on the table, chart table and galley and avoiding any sharp edges.

The 310GL is designed with two proper-sized double cabins.

Dufour 310 ReviewThe master aft cabin on the port side features a 2m L-shaped bed, where the occupants can choose to sleep lengthways (fore and aft) or widthways (port to starboard).

The front cabin has been cleverly designed to maximise use of space.

The full-sized double bed can be made smaller through neatly folding away the first third of the bed base and removing the cushions, and opening up the cabin space.

This, combined with the double folding cabin doors which can open up the entire front bulkhead, helps to create an open communal space, enabling more guests to relax below decks, as well as meaning the adults can keep an eye on small people in the front cabin.

Dufour 310 Review

The double folding table has sliding drawers at each end for extra storage and an integrated cutlery drawer.

The L-shaped galley includes a proper fridge and big sink, with cupboards and shelves behind the galley and additional cupboard space below the cooker and above the port bunk.

And a standard feature of all Dufour Grand Large yachts, there’s a wine rack below the floorboards, handily position just at the base of companionway steps.

Dufour 310 ReviewOpposite the galley is a traditional fixed chart table with storage below, and the 2m long starboard berth can be transformed to act as a fifth berth.

The heads/shower situated on the starboard side includes a separate compartment in which to hang wet oilskins out to drain.

La Spezia, Italy, February 2014

Overall the compact Dufour 310GL offers a lot of performance as well as making smart use of space for both practical sailing purposes and comfort below decks.

Its easy handling makes it an ideal first boat, especially for couples or a young family, and perfect for cruising coastal waters and snuggling into the best, sheltered havens and anchorages.

Dufour 310 GL Vital Statistics:

Dufour 310 Review

  • Architect – Umberto Felci
  • LOA – 9.67m
  • Hull Length – 9.35m
  • Waterline Length – 8.70m
  • Max Beam – 3.31m
  • Light Displacement – 4900kg
  • Draft – 1.9 / 1.6m optional
  • Keel Weight – 1330kg
  • Fuel Tank Capacity – 90 ltr
  • Water Tank Capacity – 160 ltrDufour 310 Review
  • Engine Power – 19 cv
  • Sail Area – 50.4 m2
  • Main Sail Area – 33.5m2
  • Genoa Sail Area – 16.8m2
  • I – 12.30m
  • J – 3.30m
  • P – 11.66m
  • E – 4.35m

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