Built from 1973 to 1976, this compact French cruiser represents Michel Dufour's approach to creating an affordable yet seaworthy small yacht during sailing's popular boom years. At just under 24 feet overall, the Dufour 1300 packs surprising capability into a trailerable package that appeals to both novice sailors and experienced skippers seeking a manageable coastal cruiser. The boat's fin keel with rudder on skeg configuration provides good directional stability while the masthead sloop rig keeps sail handling straightforward. With a displacement of 2,866 pounds and ballast ratio delivering solid stability, this design strikes a practical balance between performance and comfort for its size class. The fiberglass construction typical of Dufour's era has proven durable, with many examples still actively sailing today. Best suited for coastal cruising and day sailing, the 1300 offers enough interior volume for weekend adventures while remaining light enough for trailer launching. The relatively high comfort ratio suggests Michel Dufour prioritized seakindliness over pure speed, making this an excellent choice for sailors who value stability and ease of handling. For those seeking an entry into cruising or a simple coastal companion, the Dufour 1300 delivers French sailing heritage in an accessible package.
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What is the Dufour 1300's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Dufour 1300 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 20.43. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Dufour 1300's comfort ratio?
The Dufour 1300 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 12.62. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Dufour 1300 safe for offshore sailing?
The Dufour 1300 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.44. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Dufour 1300?
The theoretical hull speed of the Dufour 1300 is 5.69 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Dufour 1300 weigh?
The Dufour 1300 has a displacement of 2,866.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 23.88 ft.
Who designed the Dufour 1300?
The Dufour 1300 was designed by Michel Dufour, first built in 1973.