After the 455, here is the Dufour 460 . A new sailboat designed again by the Felci firm, which shows the dynamism of the shipyard in La Rochelle. Launching a new boat is not a project without consequences and it takes 1.5 years of maturation before the boat goes from project to public presentation.
The 460 was designed as a small 500 (or even a small 560) and not as a large 410. This new yacht follows the codes of the brand for its large yachts with a rear deck fitted out as a barbecue area (as on the large yachts) and a galley installed against the front bulkhead (just under the mast).
On the layout side, efforts have also been made to have 2 forward cabins of good size, a compromise often difficult in a 45-footer. But this yacht is also available in an owner's version with a single large forward cabin (3 cabin version).
The cleverly designed chart table slides along the starboard side to provide a navigator's seat facing the road or to enlarge the saloon by pushing the chart table aft.
In terms of hull design, this 45-foot yacht is particularly wide (4.50 m) with a chine to offer more stability of form and magnify the interior volume.
An instructive factory visit...
We were allowed to visit the yard to see the 460 on its production line. At the beginning of July, the yacht was enclosed, but not yet decked. We were able to discover the fittings of this number one, the one that will be presented in Cannes and at the Grand Pavois in La Rochelle in September 2015. We can already tell you that it will be a 3 cabin versionâeuros¦ But wanting to keep some secrets, the yard did not allow us to make pictures.
We discovered the amazing bow and stern thruster system that Dufour is testing for the first time. It consists of a jet turbine installed in the center of the boat with a water intake under the hull (through a strainer) and which is connected to the bow of the boat by large pipes connected to through-hull fittings (about 50 mm in diameter). Two other pipes lead to the stern for the stern thruster. Thus, the Dufour 460 will have a stern thruster and a bow thruster without having to create a large tunnel laminated throughout the hull. In addition, maintenance is made easier, because the turbine can be serviced without having to take the boat out of the water, just by closing the hull valves.
Tests of these thrusters have already been carried out on a charter yacht in Croatia and have shown the system to be effective and reliable. We can't wait to validate the crabbing motion of the Dufour 460!
Features:
Architects: U. Felci / BE Dufour
Overall length : 14,15 m
Hull length : 13,50 m
Length at the waterline : 12,54 m
Hull width : 4,50 m
Light displacement : 13 670 kg
Weight of ballast : 2 850 kg
Draft : 2,20 m (1,95 in option)
Diesel capacity : 250 l
Water capacity: 530 l
Engine power: 55 hp (75 hp optional)
Surface of the mainsail : 52,80 m²
Surface of the genoa : 47,00 m²
Jib area (self-steering): 37.30 m²
