Subject: Dufour 390 GL – many issues since day one: are we just unlucky?

[Giorgio]

Hello everyone,
we are an Italian couple in our 60s who, with no previous experience, took a sailing course three years ago, got our license, and launched a Dufour 390 GL. We sail almost every weekend in the northern Adriatic, and in summer we cruise to southern Croatia.
We really like the boat – she sails well, and last year we added a Code Zero, which has been a great addition.
However, since day one, we've had many issues:

• malfunctioning forward toilet, with waste flowing back into the bowl
• mosquito screens not properly fitted
• exterior lighting system not working
• diesel filter leak that flooded the engine compartment with fuel
• replacement of the valve cover gasket due to oil leakage
• another oil leak from a different engine connection
• after the first season, the keel had to be completely redone because the cast iron was pitted
• multiple marks appeared on the gelcoat near the cleats
• two freshwater system leaks
• last year the bow thruster control unit failed
• and this year, just one month after the warranty expired, the bow thruster motor seized, forcing us to cancel our annual cruise.

We were told to expect some manufacturing flaws, but we're now starting to have serious discussions with the dealer regarding who should cover the costs.
Are we just particularly unlucky, or have others experienced similar issues?
Thank you all for sharing your experiences.

 

[cky1992]

Wow, thats a tough run with your Dufour 390 GL. Some of those issues, like leaks and the bow thruster problems arent unusual with certain boats, but that many in such a short time sounds rough. You're not just unlucky, its worth pushing the dealer hard on warranty and talking to other owners to see if this is common . Definitely not something you should just have to deal with quietly.

 

[Giorgio]

Sure! We obtained a full refund for all expenses incurred by taking a formally very firm stance. We have now also involved a consumer association to shorten the timeline and strengthen our position. However, I was quite struck by the attitude of Dufour's Official Dealer for the Italian market who, instead of helping and supporting us, resisted on every point—going so far as to lie and trying to get us to accept unacceptable settlements. We had to commission independent expert reports to uphold our rights. I would never have expected such a situation from a manufacturer like Dufour.
This ain't business — it's a scam!

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