One of the most intriguing news for the sailing season of 2018 is the new arrival for Dufour. This distinguished French boatbuilder arrives at the Croatian charter scene with brand new model – Dufour 48 Catamaran.
She’s got the looks
On the first sight this baby stands out of the usual catamaran outline with her ‘negative’ bow angle giving her recognizable silhouette. Her simple but elegant lines give a viewer sensation that it is a mighty vessel. The bow seems higher than the stern, giving the catamaran a look of a muscle yacht hungry for waves. Spacious flybridge includes a centrally positioned helm, lounge area and sunbathing platform.
There is a hardtop roof over a skipper’s head. Winches and jammers are positioned on his hand, making single-handed sailing quite simple. Comfortable settees are accompanied by a small table making flybridge lounge complete. This attractive area is accessible both from the port side deck and the cockpit. Speaking about the aft, this is where the true gem is hidden. The dining table is big enough to accommodate the entire crew, while visitors can find their place on surrounding settees. To complete the party, there is an ‘open air galley’ concept that includes a barbecue, fridge and sink in the cockpit. This has already been proven as a highlight of several Dufour monohull models.
Different interiors
The electric aft platform not only accommodates the tender, but also makes a perfect swimming area when lowered. This feature has already been seen, but on much bigger and more exclusive catamaran yachts. The interior layout, signed by renowned Umberto Felci, is available in three versions.
The first version is meant as a three-cabin yacht including owner suite with a head and separate shower in a port side hull. Two double cabins including heads and separate showers are situated in the starboard side hull. Skipper is accommodated in their own separate cabin in the bow of the port side hull. The day head is found as very convenient invention for relaxed sailing experience, saving the privacy and integrity of the cabins.
The second interior layout includes four cabins, five heads and a skipper’s cabin. Double cabins including heads and separate showers are situated front and aft of the both hulls, while those in the starboard hull have separate accesses. The service room and a day head are situated in the same hull.
The final layout includes five cabins, five heads and a skipper’s cabin. Two double cabins with heads and separate showers are situated in a port side hull, along with a skipper’s cabin in the bow. The starboard side hull includes two double cabins with independent accesses, including heads and separate showers, one double pullman cabin, one day head and a sail locker. I believe this layout will be the most popular within the charter agencies, while the former two are more convenient for private owners. However, whichever the layout, it is all about fun and comfort boat for sure.
Size
Total sail area of 124 m2 is divided between a 76 m2 battened mainsail and a 48 m2 self-tacking jib. A 90 m2 code zero and a 110 m2 gennaker are available optionally. The 14.7 m long overall hulls are propelled by 50 HP engines as a standard or 60 HP optionally. Dufour 48 Catamaran has a beam amounting to 8 m and a 1.3 m draft, while the tanks’ capacity is divided between 900 L of diesel and 700 L of water.
After reading this, one can conclude that Dufour 48 Catamaran guarantees the peak of comfort and style in the range of 45-50 feet catamarans. The first model to arrive in Croatia will be available at Marina Trogir already in the season of 2018. The author of this post is very keen to welcome the newcomer while brand new Dufour 48 Catamaran is becoming a highly anticipated model.
I wish you calm seas, fair winds and a strong mast!