Dufour 37

The Dufour 37 is a quite remarkable yacht showcasing the advantages of modern hull design and emphasising how contemporary shapes can enhance both sailing performance as well as onboard living. Although her name suggests a length of 37 feet, her actual hull length is just under 10 meters (approximately 33 feet) and you will be forgiven for thinking that you are on a much larger yacht.

Like no other yacht on the market in this category the Dufour 37 will truly challenge your thinking on what size vessel might suit your needs, potentially reducing the desire to move to a bigger model.

In addition to volume, modern hull shapes with their distinctive hull chines offer much improved sailing performance and with the Dufour 37 you get the feeling of a real connection to the sea.

Handling is straightforward, thanks to her single large-bladed rudder, making marina manoeuvres easier. Many owners also choose to add a bow thruster for enhanced control with a smaller crew.

Beyond her practicality, the Dufour 37 has a striking and sleek profile, presenting a visually appealing profile that really stands out on the water.

Available in 2 or 3 cabin versions, options for different interior wood colours and a shallow keel if desired.

Constructed with an infused hull and foam core above the waterline, the Dufour 37 is built for durability and stability. The standard propulsion is a 30hp Yanmar engine. The boat also offers three performance packages Easy, Ocean, and Performance each with varying levels of equipment to match your needs .

Overall, the Dufour 37 stands out for its blend of modern design, sailing performance, and comfortable living spaces, making it a strong contender in the market for family cruisers and performance-oriented sailors alike.

Realistic on the water price £195,159 ex vat

Exploring the aft section of the Dufour 37 reveals a notably spacious cockpit, made possible by the hull design that allows the width to extend fully aft thanks to the hull chines. This creates a broad, open area ideal for outdoor living.

Access to the cockpit is available from two points through the fold-down bathing platform, which is enclosed by the transom seating, providing a sense of security at sea. From here, you’ll find dedicated storage for your liferaft, a sturdy bathing ladder and a transom shower. Beneath the central seating, there’s a built-in BBQ/Plancha and sink designed for alfresco dining.

At the aft end of the cockpit floor are two hatches: on the port side, for the gas locker, and on the starboard, providing entry to a large lazarette storage area underneath. This space is suitable for ropes, fenders, or even a small generator if desired.

Each helm station offers excellent visibility and features control lines fed back to the aft winches for straightforward management of the main and jib sheets.

The helm pedestals are equipped with instruments and handholds, making navigation and handling more convenient. The sturdy cockpit table includes storage compartments and can accommodate a large GPS plotter if needed.

On the starboard side of the cockpit is access to a large cockpit locker, even larger in the two cabin version.

At the companionway, you’ll find halyard winches and jammers on either side, providing easy control of the halyards, reefing lines and other sail controls. By keeping the halyard and sheet winches separate this helps keep the cockpit tidy of rope ends yet still allowing control of the sheets from the helm position.

The standard sail plan includes a fully battened mainsail and a self tacking jib, with the lines fed back to the companionway winches, no aft winches are required in this setup. If you opt for the  108% overlapping Genoa or if you intend to fly a code zero or asymmetrical spinnakers then optional aft winches and a German mainsheet system can be added. There are also options for  laminate sails, providing flexibility for different sailing styles and if you want that extra performance.

The mainsheet is mounted with a bridle system, and although it lacks a traditional traveler, it is easily controlled via the boom vang or kicker. Many sailors find the traveler’s fixed position sufficient, as it is often left in the centre.

The sprayhood offers plenty of shelter, with the option to enclose the entire cockpit, effectively doubling the usable living space in all weather conditions.

Moving onto the side decks, you’ll notice their width and with outboard mounted chain plates, the control lines mounted on the coachroof all helping to reduce trip hazards and allowing for easy movement around the deck. An optional midship gate can be installed to facilitate easier boarding.

The foredeck, like the transom, benefits from the hull’s chines that extend the beam forward, creating a large, flat area perfect for sunbathing and relaxing.

The anchor locker has also been redesigned, something we will re visit when we explore below decks but with a deck-mounted windlass and dedicated chain storage space at the bow, eliminating chain tangling issues and simplifying anchor handling.

Entering the saloon of the Dufour 37, you immediately notice the abundance of natural light streaming through the deck windows. The space feels open and airy, amplified by the double doors that lead into the forward cabin, providing additional light, ventilation, and a sense of spaciousness.

Owners can choose between two or three cabin layouts, with the galley, saloon, and forward cabin remaining the same across each version. In the two cabin setup, the heads are relocated aft into the footwell of the starboard aft cabin, freeing up more space in the saloon for an additional storage cupboard and locker. Access to the large cockpit locker is also available from the heads compartment as well as from on deck in the two cabin layout.

The interior shown here is the three cabin version finished in light oak, though the standard finish is a teak effect. The forward cabin illustrates how modern hull shapes enhance interior space, offering a true master suite with side access on the bed and the option to sleep with your head forward. Ample storage, deck hatches, and windows bring in natural light, while space beneath the bed can house an optional water tank or be used for other equipment like air conditioning units or a water maker. Access to the chain locker is through a removable panel at the head of the bed.

The saloon features classic styling, with seating on both sides around a large table. Storage is plentiful, with side cupboards and space beneath the seating, and there’s an option for a stool that pulls out from under the table for extra seating if needed.

The galley offers good storage, a large fridge, a two burner stove with oven, a large sink, and a half sink for draining. Across from the galley either as a spacious heads compartment or additional storage depending on your choice of layout.

The aft cabins are notably spacious, benefiting from the hull’s design, with hanging lockers and extra shelving for convenience.

Overall, the interior of the Dufour 37 is hugely impressive. When compared to what was typical in yachts of this size just a few years ago, it’s remarkable to think that you’re essentially onboard a 33-foot yacht.