The Dufour 470 is a remarkable yacht that offers an exceptional blend of performance, comfort, and versatility. Designed with sailors in mind, this boat provides a dynamic sailing experience combined with luxurious living spaces, making it perfect for both adventurous voyages and leisurely cruising. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a newcomer to the world of yachting, the Dufour 470 is a model that ensures high performance without compromising on comfort.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into what makes the Dufour 470 stand out in the world of modern yachts. We’ll explore its design, sailing performance, versatile configurations, and elegant interior layouts. Additionally, we’ll present its specifications, pricing, reviews, and more, giving you a comprehensive overview of this exceptional vessel.
Design and Performance
The Dufour 470 strikes an ideal balance between cutting-edge design and impressive sailing performance. Built with the sailor’s needs in mind, this yacht combines advanced hull technology with smart design features, ensuring that it excels in various conditions.
Hull and Structure
The Dufour 470 features a well-designed hull that ensures both stability and speed, making it suitable for a wide range of conditions. The hull is constructed using the latest fiberglass technology, ensuring that it is both lightweight and strong. The streamlined design minimizes drag and allows the yacht to move swiftly through the water while maintaining an excellent level of stability.
A key highlight of the Dufour 470 is its well-balanced keel, which plays a crucial role in optimizing performance. The long, deep keel helps reduce lateral forces, providing enhanced control and performance even in rougher seas. The reinforced structure ensures durability, giving the Dufour 470 the resilience needed for long voyages or challenging weather.
Sailing Performance
When it comes to sailing performance, the Dufour 470 is designed for efficiency and ease of handling. The yacht features an optimized sail plan that allows for fast and responsive sailing across a variety of wind conditions. Equipped with a fully battened mainsail and a self-tacking jib, the Dufour 470 is incredibly easy to handle, even for sailors with less experience. The self-tacking jib reduces the need for manual adjustments, ensuring smooth sailing in all conditions.
The yacht’s twin rudder system further improves its performance, providing excellent responsiveness and stability. Whether you are navigating tight spots or sailing in open waters, the Dufour 470 delivers a high-performance experience that caters to a range of sailing styles.
Performance Highlights
- Advanced fiberglass hull for reduced drag and improved speed.
- Deep, long keel for better stability and control.
- Self-tacking jib and fully battened mainsail for easy handling.
- Twin rudders for improved stability and maneuverability.
Versatile Configurations
One of the standout features of the Dufour 470 is its versatility. The yacht offers multiple configurations that can be tailored to the needs of different owners. Whether you’re looking for a spacious cruiser for long-distance sailing or a more compact option for coastal trips, the Dufour 470 can accommodate a variety of preferences.
Cabin and Head Configurations
The Dufour 470 comes in different configurations that provide flexibility for both crewed and uncrewed sailing. The cabin and head layouts are designed to maximize comfort and privacy, with several options available depending on the owner’s needs.
3-cabin, 2-head layout: This configuration provides ample sleeping and living space, with a generous saloon and private heads for each cabin. It’s perfect for small groups or families who want comfort and privacy on long voyages.
4-cabin, 2-head layout: Ideal for larger families or groups, this configuration provides even more sleeping space and two heads, ensuring that everyone on board has their own space and privacy.
3-cabin, 3-head layout: For those who require additional privacy and convenience, the 3-cabin, 3-head layout provides more bathrooms, ensuring greater comfort for longer trips.
These configurations make the Dufour 470 highly adaptable, catering to a wide range of lifestyles and sailing experiences.
Interior Layouts
Step inside the Dufour 470, and you’ll find a stunning interior that combines modern design with functionality. The interior is designed to make the most of the available space, providing comfortable living areas that are both stylish and practical. The design incorporates plenty of natural light, creating an airy and welcoming atmosphere below deck.
Saloon and Galley
The saloon is the central hub of the Dufour 470, offering plenty of seating and a spacious dining area that can comfortably accommodate the entire crew. The large windows provide a panoramic view of the water, making the space feel even more open and connected to the surroundings.
The galley is designed with efficiency in mind. It is equipped with high-quality appliances, including a stove, oven, refrigerator, and plenty of storage. The L-shaped design allows for easy movement, making it a breeze to prepare meals while underway.
Cabins and Heads
The cabins in the Dufour 470 are designed for comfort and privacy. The owner’s cabin, located at the bow, offers a large double berth, ample storage space, and an en-suite head. The guest cabins, located aft, also offer comfortable sleeping arrangements and private heads. These cabins are ideal for long trips, with comfortable beds, good ventilation, and plenty of storage for personal items.
The heads in the Dufour 470 are spacious and well-equipped, with high-end finishes and modern fixtures. The layout ensures easy access, and the additional heads in some configurations offer more convenience for larger groups.
On-Deck Experience
The on-deck experience aboard the Dufour 470 is truly exceptional. Designed with both performance and relaxation in mind, the deck features plenty of space for the crew to work, relax, or socialize while underway.
Cockpit and Helm Station
The cockpit of the Dufour 470 is spacious and well-organized, providing a comfortable area for the crew to relax or manage the sails. The twin helm stations are ergonomically designed, offering excellent visibility and control. All controls are within easy reach, ensuring smooth and efficient sailing.
The large cockpit table is perfect for dining or socializing, and the foldable transom provides easy access to the water. This makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy water sports, swimming, or simply lounging by the shore.
Deck Layout and Rigging
The deck of the Dufour 470 is equipped with a variety of features designed to make sailing more efficient and enjoyable. The self-tacking jib, combined with the well-placed winches and controls, ensures that the yacht can be handled with ease, even by a small crew.
The wide, uncluttered deck allows for easy movement, and the carefully thought-out rigging ensures that all necessary tools are within easy reach. Whether you’re preparing to tack or adjusting the mainsail, the layout of the Dufour 470 makes everything straightforward and intuitive.
Specifications
Here are the key specifications for the Dufour 470:
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Length Overall | 14.15 m |
| Beam | 4.20 m |
| Draft | 2.30 m |
| Displacement | 9,300 kg |
| Engine Power | 50 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 240 L |
| Water Capacity | 370 L |
| Sail Area | 54 m² |
Dufour 470 Price
The Dufour 470 is a high-end cruising yacht that offers incredible value for its price. Pricing for this yacht varies based on the configuration, year of manufacture, and any added features or upgrades. Below is a general pricing range:
Base Price (New Model): $290,000 – $330,000
Pre-Owned Models: $250,000 – $300,000 (depending on age and condition)
Charter Cost: $4,000 – $7,000 per week (depending on season and location)
The Dufour 470 is a significant investment but offers excellent value for its exceptional design, high-performance sailing capabilities, and luxurious interiors.
Dufour 470 Review
Strengths
Superior sailing performance: The yacht offers excellent stability, speed, and maneuverability under various conditions.
Versatile layout options: Multiple configurations cater to different cruising needs and preferences.
Spacious and luxurious interior: The well-appointed cabins, saloon, and galley offer comfort and convenience for extended trips.
Modern design: The design is sleek, functional, and optimized for both performance and relaxation.
Weaknesses
Price point: The Dufour 470 is on the pricier side, which may make it less accessible for some buyers.
Fuel capacity: While adequate for most sailing conditions, larger fuel tanks might be preferred for longer voyages without refueling.
Overall, the Dufour 470 has received excellent reviews for its blend of performance, comfort, and versatility. It’s an ideal yacht for those looking for a reliable and luxurious sailing experience.
Conclusion
The Dufour 470 is an exceptional yacht that offers outstanding sailing performance, spacious living areas, and a range of versatile configurations. Whether you’re cruising for a weekend getaway or embarking on an extended voyage, the Dufour 470 provides everything you need for a comfortable and exciting experience. With its modern design, cutting-edge technology, and high-performance features, it stands as one of the top choices for serious sailors and leisure cruisers alike.
