Sailboat Dufour 54 for sale

The flagship with that little bit extra: the Dufour 54

Not only is it the flagship of the current production range from the long-established shipyard in La Rochelle, but the Dufour 54 also occupies a somewhat special position amongst its 16-metre-long rivals. The collaboration with the long-established designer Umberto Felci has, in our view, produced its finest results in this yacht. Having already demonstrated most impressively in recent years, with the two medium-sized yachts the Dufour 44 and Dufour 48, just how much a boat benefits overall when both departments work hand in hand rather than separately, the Dufour 54 also demonstrates just how much fun the pair must have had in being allowed to explore unconventional approaches.

This puts them squarely in line with the brand positioning that has always made Dufour stand out as the ‘other’ French production brand. Dufour sailors are different; they make a point of projecting a touch of extravagance and ‘going against the grain’ to the outside world. However, this approach could well have backfired: when, in the 2000s, the shipyard decided to shift its focus from sailing yachts geared more towards performance to (much) greater emphasis on volume, holidays, luxury and, above all, to make them attractive to the then-booming charter market, it was by no means clear whether the brand would survive this transformation. Yet with the ‘Grand Large’ series, Umberto Felci began this transformation in relatively small steps, which has, for the time being, reached its peak in the present series and with the Dufour 54. When you look at the project as a whole, it really becomes clear what Felci, Ardizio and the shipyard have achieved here. But let’s now take a look at the yacht itself.

The combination of luxury, outdoor experiences and sailing performance

The concept behind the Dufour 54 is quite clearly defined: above all, this yacht is designed to please. Specifically, it is designed to please you, the owners, and your guests. Felci has opted for a rather ‘bulky’ shape – quite unusual for a yacht of this size – which, of course, provides plenty of space, particularly inside. By comparison, the Beneteau Oceanis 54 looks downright sporty and ‘racy’; Felci has fitted his 54 (as with all other current Dufours) with large black trims for the hull windows, which are intended to visually conceal the high freeboard to some extent. The appearance of the Dufour 54 is therefore rather voluminous compared to other 55-footers, which, surprisingly, is not reflected in the yacht’s weight: the Dufour 54 tips the scales at 16.5 tonnes. By way of comparison: the new Oceanis Yacht 54 also weighs 16.6 tonnes, the (smaller) Hanse 510 weighs as much as 17 tonnes, and the Bavaria C57, which is also slightly larger, comes in at 17.5 tonnes.

The fact that the “creative freedom” enjoyed by the designer duo Felci and Ardizio has paid off is particularly evident in the spacious cockpit of the Dufour 54, which is a veritable paradise for sun-worshippers, barbecue enthusiasts and lovers of outdoor holidays. Below deck, a modern, loft-style and even cosy world unfolds: we think it’s a brilliant mix, aimed particularly at owners who are looking for ‘something a bit different’.

A highlight in the bow area: the owner’s suite!

And with the Dufour 54, you can choose from two lovely layouts. Those who prefer a more classic style can enjoy a large island bed at the bow and take in the magnificent view of the water through the hull windows, as well as a beautiful view of the starry sky through the many skylights. Opposite the large XXL shower on the starboard side, on the port side, is a separate toilet and washbasin. Nevertheless, everything is arranged slightly offset and isn’t mirror-image, which makes the rather classic layout up here more exciting and, in a way, more varied. But that would still be a bit too ‘tame’ for a true flagship, as Dufour also offers the ‘Suite’ version.

First, the toilet compartment is converted into an on-board office, which the skipper can also use as a make-up and dressing room. The XXL shower room on the starboard side disappears completely, creating a huge space. Ardizio positions the bed – now completely freestanding on three sides (and thus a ‘genuine’ island bed) – with its headboard directly beneath the large starboard hull windows, meaning you sleep exactly across the direction of travel. Opposite is a two-seater sofa for getting dressed, with plenty of storage space to the left and right. Here, too, there’s a fantastic view through the hull windows. The bathroom has been moved right to the front, against the collision bulkhead for the sail load. This is where the two bathrooms of the 4-cabin version are usually located. A truly stylish layout with outstanding space and an unbeatable sense of spaciousness. However, using this suite whilst sailing can be rather difficult depending on the yacht’s position, particularly when the yacht is sailing with the bow to starboard. Furthermore, the bathroom at the bow is subject to greater pitching than if it were situated more centrally. We feel that this ‘Owner’s Suite’ layout is better suited to time spent in harbour or at anchor. In our view, anyone wishing to use the Dufour 54 as a cruising yacht would be better off with the classic layout. Nevertheless, it’s a brilliant idea that is sure to find its fans.

Buy a Dufour 54 – Hull, design, construction & sail plan

Robustly built for sailors with a more agile approach

Although the Dufour 54 tends to fall into the luxury category of production yachts, it appeals to active sailors. The rig can carry up to 144 square metres of sail area when sailing close-hauled, which, combined with the 2.40-metre standard keel (or 2-metre flat keel), promises some excellent sailing performance. By way of comparison: the Oceanis 54, which is regarded as an exceptionally well-sailing yacht, carries just over 135 square metres, whilst the Bavaria C57 (although this boat is slightly larger) is no slouch either, with 153 square metres. Hanse enters its 510 into the race with 125 square metres, although this sail area is perfectly adequate for the hull, which is only 15 metres long.

As it is too large, the hull of the Dufour 54 is, once again, laminated using the traditional hand-lay-up method. The vacuum infusion technique used on the smaller Dufours would be too labour-intensive and expensive here. The deck of the 54 continues to be manufactured using this modern process. Unlike with the smaller yachts, Felci has given the Dufour 54 a slightly higher ballast ratio, namely just under 30 per cent. In the smaller models, this figure is often as low as 27 per cent. The reason for this may be that, with the Dufour 54, he cannot integrate the chines as prominently, as he does not wish to exceed the maximum beam of 5.25 m. This makes the Dufour 54 more stable in terms of weight than its smaller sisters, which also has a positive effect on its genuine offshore capabilities and suitability for round-the-world voyages.

Buy a Dufour 54 – Why is it ideal for active sailors? A closer look at the cockpit layout

Most yachts in the luxury segment – many as small as 46 feet – try as far as possible to keep the guest area of the cockpit free of lines. The idea is that the helmsman, skipper or trimmer will find all the winches and the entire running rigging at the stern of the yacht, enabling them to sail the yacht from there. The cockpit area is then entirely dedicated to lounging and relaxation.

Not so with Dufour: as with the smaller models, the Dufour 54 in the ‘Ocean’ version features the classic layout and arrangement of winches in the cockpit: two working winches on either side of the companionway, two sheet winches and two further gennaker sheet winches on the coaming aft. So, if you like, the whole family can sail the boat, just as people used to do in the old days. Those who prefer the ‘Easy Sailing’ approach can also fit the Dufour 54 with just a self-tacking jib and a furling mainsail. In that case, two winches are sufficient, though you shouldn’t expect too much sailing fun. More on the cockpit later.

All the information for skippers and sailors

The Dufour 54 is designed for one thing above all else: your relaxation

From this perspective, you should also take a look at this yacht. Everything on board seems to have been positioned and designed to serve this single purpose. Despite its sailing performance, the yacht is, of course, fully ‘electrified’ with electric winches and offers a full range of features to simplify manoeuvring this large yacht: As well as a tunnel-mounted bow thruster, a retractable version is also available. Those who want to be absolutely sure should order the stern thruster (also retractable) at the same time, as this is particularly useful in narrow and small harbours.

The Dufour 54 is most commonly configured as a ‘Performance’ variant, featuring plenty of sail area, high-quality laminate cruising sails and the standard deep keel, ideal for sailors aiming for long-distance voyages with good daily mileages. In that case, this yacht could well be your companion on a round-the-world voyage or a sabbatical at sea. Conversely, you could tailor the yacht entirely towards luxury and use this large vessel as a floating loft and swimming paradise for family and friends. The highlight: Felci and Ardizio have managed to accommodate not just 4 but a full 5 cabins, making this yacht an attractive prospect for charter operations too. Up to 10 guests can then enjoy their own beds in the cabins and 4 fully equipped bathrooms.

No dinghy garage: an advantage or a disadvantage?

A major drawback when purchasing the Dufour 54 could be the lack of a dinghy garage. The designers have opted not to include one on this yacht in favour of spacious aft cabins. This is likely to significantly reduce the boat’s practicality for genuine long-distance cruising. Even for holiday use, this could be a deal-breaker for potential buyers: as a result, the dinghy must always be stowed on the foredeck (which is neither stylish nor attractive). One simply expects something different from a 55-foot yacht.

On the other hand, many owners of yachts with a garage often complain about the significant loss of space. The aft cabins, in particular, often lose out on space in a garage layout. Whether this is a deal-breaker for you, or whether you don’t attach that much importance to a dinghy in your sailing plans, is something you’ll have to decide for yourself. In any case, the Dufour 54 is currently the only 55-footer on the market that can be purchased without a dinghy garage in the stern.

Flagship model as an electric version

Like all other Dufour models, the shipyard’s flagship is also available with an (almost) diesel-free propulsion option. In this case, the 80 HP diesel engine (which is also available in a 110 HP version) is replaced by a 50 kW pod drive. This is powered by a modern lithium battery bank with a capacity of either 38 kilowatt-hours or a substantial 54 kilowatt-hours. Of course, the range is nowhere near as great as that achieved by the diesel version with its 450-litre fuel tank. However, if you’re more interested in coastal cruising or even luxury daysailing, the electric version of the Dufour 54 could well be of interest.

Should the batteries ever run low before you’re back connected to the marina’s shore power, the Fischer-Panda generator ensures fast and efficient recharging. Hence the term ‘almost’ diesel-free. In addition, you can fit the Dufour 54 with the rigid GRP T-top – up here, there’s space for powerful 1.1 kW peak solar panels, which ensure constant recharging in sunny regions. Incidentally, this also applies to the batteries on a ‘standard’ yacht.

Sun protection with a handy added bonus: the large T-top

Speaking of T-tops: as well as the classic sprayhood-bimini combination, the Dufour offers a version with a fixed bimini that can certainly be described as a success. This T-top is always a matter of personal taste, as hardly any manufacturer manages to make these parts look truly attractive, unless the hull lines are designed from the outset to incorporate the T-top seamlessly. For example, Allures, the manufacturer of aluminium blue-water yachts, has succeeded in designing a truly well-executed fixed bimini for the new Allures 47 Horizon. We would also describe the one on the Dufour 54 as ‘well-executed’. From a skin cancer prevention perspective, and indeed in general, the importance of effective sun protection on sailing yachts is undeniable – and if you then combine the Dufour 54’s GRP T-top with solar panels, the result is a well-rounded, practical solution.

Buy a Dufour 54: comfort, below deck

From a luxury owner’s yacht to a charter hit: the Dufour 54 is versatile

As described at the outset, the Dufour 54 is not only superbly equipped as a luxury yacht for private owners, but can also be gradually configured to accommodate an increasing number of crew members thanks to four different cabin and bathroom combinations. Unlike with other manufacturers, the yacht does not seem to lose much of its appeal the more cabins need to be incorporated. Of course, a 5-cabin yacht can never convey the same sense of space and comfort as a 3-cabin model, but we feel that, in particular, the decision to incorporate the bathrooms of the two forward cabins into the saloon in the yacht’s 4-cabin variant is a real benefit. Even though forward toilets always run the risk of becoming unusable once the sea state reaches a certain height – because the up-and-down motion simply becomes too unpleasant – genuine offshore use seems rather unlikely to us in the case of dedicated charter yachts.

Incidentally, this is an opportunity for those of you who are looking to buy an affordable second-hand yacht from a charter company: we believe that, in some cases, the charter layout of a Dufour may be more to your liking than the multi-cabin models from other manufacturers.

Beautiful furniture-making with truly stylish design ideas

Although perhaps born out of necessity – these small ‘remnant cabins’ that Ardizio has retained in some layout variants (perhaps for reasons of stability and structural integrity?) – on closer inspection they actually represent rather smart, new and fresh ideas. For example, the starboard bathroom in the saloon can be transformed into an on-board office or navigation desk: the door frame and part of the bulkhead remain in place, though neither the bulkhead itself nor the door is obstructed. Luca Ardizio echoes the resulting triangular shape in the furniture opposite, sometimes even inverting it. The same applies to the former shower room, which becomes a make-up corner in the owner’s suite. Luca Ardizio seems to love hexagons – something we’d already noticed on the Dufour 44 and 48 – and here he incorporates them once again in the form of these ‘open’ compartments.

The woodwork and quality of the joinery on board the Dufour 54 are impressive. Beautiful, slightly thicker veneers. Often solid wood edging and genuine square-edged timber. The fittings on the doors and the hinges look more upmarket than those found on many competitors’ models. It’s a matter of taste, but it really adds to the cosiness: you can even lay a carpet in the saloon. The only thing missing now is a fireplace …

Two galley options for even greater freedom

Also seen on the Dufour 44 and 48, the ‘front pantry’ comes into its own on board the Dufour 54. The galley is positioned directly against the main bulkhead, behind which the owner’s quarters are situated. It extends across the entire width of the yacht and is situated directly above the keel: here, at the yacht’s pivot point, the least amount of motion is felt. This is something the ship’s cook will come to appreciate greatly, particularly on ocean voyages. Alternatively, you can position the galley on the port side; however, in the multi-cabin variants, this comes at the expense of the cosy sofa in that area.

Plenty of chill-out areas and sun lounges on deck

You’ll spend most of your time on deck. And the cockpit is often the heart of life on board. We feel that Dufour could have fitted its flagship with slightly more stylish and substantial cockpit tables. These do indeed look a bit cheap. However, both can be lowered independently and, with the addition of cushions, transformed into large play areas or chill-out zones. Whilst at the stern the large wet bar with plancha grill, fully stocked fridge and sink becomes an outdoor kitchen, the teenagers head off to where there’s still some peace and quiet: the ‘Skylounge’ at the bow of the Dufour 54 is truly the highlight on board. Provided, of course, that you’ve ordered the custom-made, ultra-comfortable sun loungers with adjustable backrests and integrated drink holders. Under a sunshade, this is the spot where you’re guaranteed to start relaxing!

Summary and conclusion

Could the Dufour 54 be your next yacht?

This flagship has rough edges – in the truest sense of the word. Umberto Felci and Luca Ardizio have succeeded in creating a flagship worthy of the Dufour brand image and values. This yacht will appeal to both owners and charter fleet operators, although – as with any boat – there are compromises to be made here and there. As far as the Dufour 54 is concerned, in our view this is primarily the lack of a dinghy garage or suitable davits. Otherwise, it offers a modern, fresh and varied design, particularly below deck, which stands apart from the mainstream – it is therefore likely to appeal once again to owners looking to buy ‘something a bit different’.

Buy a Dufour 54 – What we particularly like about it:

• A good balance between weight and sail area: it’ll sail well.
• Lots of options, and lots of lovely solutions: both inside and out.
• We particularly like the unique ‘Owner Suite’.

Buying a Dufour 54 – Here’s what you need to look out for:

• No dinghy garage or storage solutions for a dinghy.
• The ‘Owner Suite’ is not really suitable for long-distance or offshore sailing.
• A classic winch layout with lines in the guest area.

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