Launched in 1994, this impressive 56-footer represents Dufour's commitment to creating serious offshore cruising yachts that blend French elegance with robust seaworthiness. Designed by the accomplished team of Philippe Harlé and Alain Mortain, the Dufour 56 showcases the refined aesthetic and thoughtful engineering that became hallmarks of mid-1990s European yacht design. With her substantial 38,500-pound displacement and generous beam of nearly 16 feet, this masthead sloop offers the stability and interior volume that discerning cruisers demand for extended passages. The fin keel and spade rudder configuration provides responsive handling while maintaining the directional stability essential for offshore work. Her impressive comfort ratio of 27.28 indicates exceptional motion characteristics in seaways, making her particularly well-suited for long-distance cruising where crew comfort becomes paramount. The hull's fiberglass construction follows proven methods that prioritize durability over weight savings, reflecting the era's philosophy of building boats to last decades. Her theoretical hull speed of nearly 10 knots suggests respectable passage-making ability, while the substantial 100-horsepower engine provides reliable auxiliary power for challenging conditions or tight marina maneuvering.
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What is the Dufour 56's comfort ratio?
The Dufour 56 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 27.28. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Dufour 56 safe for offshore sailing?
The Dufour 56 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.88. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Dufour 56?
The theoretical hull speed of the Dufour 56 is 9.92 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Dufour 56 weigh?
The Dufour 56 has a displacement of 38,500.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 56.00 ft.
Who designed the Dufour 56?
The Dufour 56 was designed by P. Harle/A. Mortain, first built in 1994.