Dufour in the '80s - '90s

[BillyWonka]

I'm curious if anyone here has any stories or insights about Dufour yachts from like the late 80s to early 90s. Were there any significant qualities from that era, like tougher builds, common issues, or quirks people still talk about? Even hearing that theyre the same as today would be helpful.

 

[Chillionaire]

@BillyWonka so late 80s/early 90s Dufours, They're often real gems on the used market. they got good bones, generally tough as nails! But yeah, like any old boat, how well they were looked after is everything
Definitely poke around for soft spots on the deck, check the keel real good, and peek at those through hull bits.

You'll probably wanna update the wiring, pipes, and some engine bits, but the basic hull and how they sail? Still solid and totally different beasts from the new Dufours, those new ones are all fancy tech and materials

 

[Yaya1]

What's drawing you to that era, nostalgia, a specific model, or are you eyeing one to buy? Dufour's late '80s builds do have a reputation for solid glasswork and quirky layouts

 

[SperryGata_]

I'm curious if anyone here has any stories or insights about Dufour yachts from like the late 80s to early 90s. Were there any significant qualities from that era, like tougher builds, common issues, or quirks people still talk about? Even hearing that theyre the same as today would be helpful.

I agree with @Chillionaire, Dufour yachts from the late 80s to early 90s are known for their pretty solid build and leaned towards a more luxurious feel than previous decades.
Compared to modern Dufours with their vast, open interiors and cutting-edge designs, these older ones feel a bit more classic and robust, though of course, they require the usual upkeep of a vintage boat.
They're definitely not the same as what's made today, but they carry a reputation for being good, capable cruisers.