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The Dufour 48 arrives on the pontoons with a clear brief: to gain in space without losing the logic of a true cruising yacht. With a cockpit designed for living aboard and a very wide hull, the unit is aimed at both owners and charterers. And as an option, the ODSea hybrid version puts the question of energy, silence and autonomy at the heart of the program.
Dimensions and hull, with marked chines
The Dufour 48 has an overall length of 15.29 m and a beam of 4.85 m. The standard draught is 2.35 m, with a 1.75 m version available to reduce program and navigation zone constraints.
This size translates into a chine silhouette and full bow shapes. On board, the effect is most noticeable at the front, with the owner's cabin boasting a volume that, a few years ago, was more common on longer units.
A deck layout designed with the crew in mind
The cockpit adopts two tables, with the idea of retaining an easier central passageway when the dinette is "in place". Depending on configuration, the tables can also be used to create sunbathing areas with cushions.
The optional hard top changes the way the boat is used. Protection is noticeable upwind and downwind, and the roof windows make it easier to read the sails from the cockpit. The cut-out of the hard top is designed to allow easy movement without bending, while keeping an eye on the trim.
At the stern, we find the classic Dufour layout: a retractable platform and a cockpit galley with plancha and sink. A davit configuration makes it possible to raise a tender to a high position, which is useful if the tender is heavy or has a rigid bottom.
In terms of appendages, Dufour remains with a single rudder. The manufacturer emphasizes maneuverability in port, as engine thrust has a direct impact on the scoop. From a practical standpoint, a wider passageway and a step make it easier to move between helm stations and side decks, at the cost of less direct access to certain sheeting winches from the helm, which can be important when sailing with a small crew.
A highly maneuverable sail plan
A self-tacking jib comes as standard, with the overlapping genoa as an option. The sail area is given as 64 m² for the mainsail and 42 m² for the self-tacking jib, with a 107% genoa at 53 m² depending on configuration. The twin-spreader aluminum mast is supplied by Z Spars.
Cyclops Marine's load cells are an interesting addition to the system, allowing the tension on the mainsail tackle and shrouds to be displayed at the helm station, with the possibility of alerts. For a yachtsman, it's a simple way to objectify a setting, avoid pulling too hard, or check that you're not out of range when the wind picks up.
An ODSea hybrid version with pod and hydrogeneration
The hybrid version on display is based on an ODSea architecture developed by Jool, part of the Fountaine Pajot group. The principle is clear: a lithium battery rated at 36 kWh, a 25 kW electric pod for propulsion, and a generator that takes over when the battery level drops below a threshold, set at 20%, to avoid the anxiety of "all-electric" cruising.
The hard top can be fitted with integrated solar panels, rated at 1,500 W, on a non-slip surface. The system also features hydrogeneration: the water-driven propeller recharges the batteries when the boat is under sail, a mechanism familiar from electric pods.
To keep things factual, diesel versions are also available. The standard engine is rated at 57 hp, with an 80 hp option. Hybrid is therefore not an obligation, but a program choice.
Features: lots of volume!
The Dufour 48 is aiming high in terms of accommodation. The owner's layout features a large forward cabin with island bed, and a split bathroom with toilet on one side and separate shower on the other. At the stern, two cabins and shower rooms complete the layout.
Depending on the options, the boat can have up to five cabins, with up to four bathrooms, Pullman-type solutions or bunk beds. A multifunctional space can also replace a cabin, with a storage volume, a workshop, and even the integration of a washing machine-dryer on the model visited. An "office" option is mentioned for those who miss the chart table, even if the trend is towards tablet and laptop navigation.
In the square, the hexagonal table is designed to seat several people more easily without blocking access.
A basic budget in line with the market, but plenty of options
In terms of budget, the Dufour 48 is offered at ?422,450 inc. A ready-to-go unit with a few essential options comes in at around ?500,000 inc. VAT. The highly-equipped, hybrid-powered version we visited, billed at ?91,500, is available for a budget of around ?860,000 inc.
