Over the last four years, the French builder Dufour, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary, has reinvented their brand with interesting and roomy new designs from the wizards at Felci Yachts.
The new 37 and 41 were given hulls with hefty beams, very full sections forward and a hard chine that runs all the way aft. This combination results in interior spaces the likes of which Dufour has never offered before.
The all new 44, which was introduced earlier this year, takes that theme and runs with it. The 44, which measures out to 45 feet with the bowsprit, has a 40-foot waterline and 14 feet, six inches of maximum beam. The ample volume forward makes room for either twin double cabins in the fore peak or a massive master stateroom.
The saloon is cavernous and the living spaces have been pushed all the way out to the hull, unobstructed by mid-level cabinets. With hull glazing, the boat seems truly spacious and full of natural light.
Interestingly, the galley can be an in-line design along the starboard side, across from the dinette, or it can be built in forward of the dinette where it sits athwartships. This second galley option will be the choice of both avid cooks and families that will be sailing offshore and cooking in bouncy weather.
With twin quarter cabins, each with a private head, the 44 will cruise six comfortably and will make a fine live-aboard home for a couple or a family of four. Read more here.
