French yacht builder Dufour introduced the 3800 as part of their mid-range cruising lineup, targeting sailors seeking a balance between performance and comfort for extended coastal adventures. This 38-footer represents Dufour's commitment to accessible cruising boats that don't compromise on sailing characteristics. Built with Dufour's signature approach to interior volume maximization, the 3800 offers generous accommodation spaces while maintaining respectable sailing performance. The design emphasizes ease of handling, making it suitable for couples or small crews embarking on weekend getaways or longer coastal passages. Its moderate displacement and well-balanced sail plan provide predictable handling characteristics that inspire confidence in various weather conditions. The cockpit layout prioritizes safety and comfort, with thoughtfully positioned winches and controls that allow efficient sail handling without excessive crew movement. Below decks, the interior follows Dufour's practical European styling, maximizing natural light and creating an inviting living space for extended cruising. While not intended for serious offshore passages or racing applications, the 3800 excels as a versatile coastal cruiser. Its combination of French construction quality, reasonable maintenance requirements, and comfortable accommodations makes it an attractive option for sailors seeking reliable performance without the complexity of higher-performance designs.
No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.
What is the Dufour 3800's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Dufour 3800 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 17.11. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Dufour 3800's comfort ratio?
The Dufour 3800 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 20.55. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Dufour 3800 safe for offshore sailing?
The Dufour 3800 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.1. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Dufour 3800?
The theoretical hull speed of the Dufour 3800 is 6.73 knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Dufour 3800 weigh?
The Dufour 3800 has a displacement of 8,360.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 30.67 ft.
Who designed the Dufour 3800?
The Dufour 3800 was designed by German Frers, first built in 1980.