The Dufour 2800 is a popular sailing boat that was manufactured by the French boatbuilder, Dufour Yachts, from 1978 to 1986. It is a small to mid-sized cruiser-racer sailboat that offers a good balance between performance and comfort.
Here are some key features and characteristics of the Dufour 2800:
1. Design: The Dufour 2800 was designed by Michel Dufour and built with a solid fiberglass hull. It has a moderate displacement and a fin keel, which provides stability and good sailing performance.
2. Size and Layout: The boat measures approximately 8.3 meters (27 feet) in length, making it suitable for coastal cruising and club racing. It has a spacious cockpit with comfortable seating for the crew, and the deck layout is designed for easy handling.
3. Interior: The interior of the Dufour 2800 is well-designed and offers a surprising amount of space for its size. It typically features a V-berth in the forward cabin, a saloon with a folding table, a small galley with a sink and stove, a navigation station, and a head compartment. The boat can accommodate up to six people for overnight stays.
4. Sailing Performance: The Dufour 2800 is known for its good sailing performance, thanks to its efficient hull shape and well-balanced rig. It has a fractional rig with a large mainsail and a genoa, which allows for easy handling and good upwind performance. The boat is also equipped with a spinnaker for downwind sailing.
5. Construction and Quality: Dufour Yachts is known for its quality construction, and the Dufour 2800 is no exception. The boat is built to high standards and is known for its durability and seaworthiness.
6. Market and Availability: As the Dufour 2800 was produced for almost a decade, it is relatively easy to find used models on the market. The availability and price may vary depending on the boat's age, condition, and location.
Overall, the Dufour 2800 is a well-regarded sailing boat that offers a good balance between performance, comfort, and affordability. It is suitable for sailors looking for a small cruiser-racer that can handle coastal cruising and club racing with ease.
