As the Dufour 350 Grand Large, the boat was only on the market for three years (test in YACHT 4/2015). Now comes the first comprehensive update, accompanied by a name change: "Grand Large" now precedes the length designation.
The hull and the hull appendages keel and rudder will remain unchanged for the new ship. However, the yacht builders in Périgny near La Rochelle have completely redesigned the deck and built a new mould for it. At the rear, the cockpit is now closed off by a fixed module with additional storage space and the option of an outdoor grill with sink. Dufour has thus transferred the luxurious look of the larger models from the Exclusive line to the smaller boat; on the previous model, the cockpit was only closed off at the rear by the folded-up bathing platform. The stern platform will be even larger and lower on the new model. In the YACHT test of the 350, the height of the bathing platform to the water surface was criticised. Dufour now seems to have responded to this.
The steering columns have also been changed, as they are no longer integrated into the cockpit shape but are now free-standing. This creates space for the helmsman behind the wheel. The limited freedom of movement for the helmsman was also criticised in the test of the 350. The halyards, reefing and trim lines now run inside the coachroof to the rear onto the batteries of halyard stoppers on the companionway. This is above all a visual gain.
The rig remains unchanged. It will still be possible to order the ten-metre Dufour boat with a short overlapping genoa or with a self-tacking jib as an option. The mainsheet will continue to be attached in front of the companionway. This leaves the cockpit free.
In terms of the interior design, there is still a choice between the two tried-and-tested arrangements as a two-cabin with a large forecastle and more space in the wet room or as a three-cabin with two identically sized aft compartments. For the new ship, however, Dufour will offer more variety in terms of colours and materials - the ship will also be available with a teak interior. Until now, the range was limited to Moabi mahogany or light-coloured oak.
A base price of 114,410 euros (gross) is currently planned, including the sails. Dufour will launch the Grand Large 360 in January 2018 as a novelty at the Trade fair boot to Düsseldorf bring along.
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