- Price: from 4 000 euros
- Built from 1980 to 1983 in 150 copies
In 1980, the Dufour T7 is a little revolutionary alongside its big brothers 1800, 2800 and other wise and classic cruisers. This integral dinghy does nothing like the others. He started his career with a Mini Transat, just to validate the concept... A success on all fronts: Daniel Gilard, again, takes his Petit Dauphin on the third step of the podium (A Dufour T7 truncated at the back to get him into the 6.50 class).
The public is therefore easily convinced of the reliability and robustness of this small sailboat. With 300 copies, this model is not a best seller - although it has only been offered for sale for three years. In addition to its very reduced draught, this model adopts a central cockpit which makes it possible to centre the weight of the crew as well as possible and to have two distinct cabins, one more when sailing with children.
For a used purchase, however, be careful to inspect the sometimes tired accommodation. This is due to the woodwork, which does not withstand prolonged humidity.
The only downside of the two cabin configuration is that the well motor is particularly cumbersome in the raised position (during navigation and at grounding). Some owners did not hesitate to mount a chair on the transom. It's much more convenient, but the engine controls are far from the helmsman. But offshore, what does it matter?
The diagnosis of Bateaux.com
The self-steering jib is well suited for sailing in good breezes and solo sailing. But the rail in front of the mast is useless if the boat is equipped with a genoa furler. The architect Jean-Louis Noir had planned a self-orientating drift. But the site has had difficulties in tune-up. In any case, lift it up downwind: the Dufour T7 is then capable of beautiful flights
The benefits
- One sailboat for multiple programs
- Central cockpit and two separate cabins well suited for family cruising
- Ease of operation
Disadvantages
But what does he miss?
A slightly more slender rig to operate the self-steering jib in all conditions
The equivalent today?
No model on the market offers two deckhouses and a central cockpit... that's the whole point of the T7!
