DUFOUR 24
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 24.1 ft |
| LWL | 19.58 ft |
| Beam | 8.2 ft |
| Draft | 3.8 ft |
| Displacement | 3,000 lb |
| Ballast | 1,170 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 5.9 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 25.3 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 8.4 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 23.6 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 9.2 ft |
| FLforestay | 8.4 ft |
| Mainsail | 223.5 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 106.3 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 180.6 sq ft |
About the DUFOUR 24
Designed by Michel Dufour and built by Dufour Yachts (FRA) from 1975–1979, the Dufour 24 is a compact fractional sloop with 720 hulls produced. Its lightweight displacement of 3000.0 lb and high SA/D ratio of 16.58 reflect a design prioritizing performance and ease of handling over heavy offshore comfort.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend racers who value agility and easy single-handed handling, supported by the high frequency of Furlex furling systems and bow thruster additions in the fleet.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low D/L ratio of 178.42 and a capsize ratio of 2.28, the Dufour 24 is best suited for protected coastal waters rather than extended bluewater passages, as its light displacement offers less motion comfort in heavy seas.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to other late-1970s European performance cruisers like the Beneteau First 23 or O'Day 23, the Dufour 24 shares a similar LOA of 24.1 ft and fractional rig configuration aimed at active, short-cruise enthusiasts.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(2 certificates)
Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.
Polar Diagram
Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC
Racing Ratings
Triple Number
ORC Measured
Sail Areas (ORC)
Speed Table (kn)
| TWA \ TWS | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 3.9 | 4.6 | 5.2 | 5.5 | 5.7 | 5.7 | 5.8 |
| 60° | 4.1 | 4.9 | 5.4 | 5.6 | 5.8 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| 75° | 4.3 | 5.1 | 5.5 | 5.8 | 6.0 | 6.2 | 6.5 |
| 90° | 4.3 | 5.1 | 5.6 | 6.0 | 6.2 | 6.3 | 6.7 |
| 110° | 4.3 | 5.2 | 5.7 | 6.0 | 6.4 | 6.7 | 7.0 |
| 120° | 4.2 | 5.1 | 5.6 | 5.9 | 6.3 | 6.6 | 7.2 |
| 135° | 3.8 | 4.7 | 5.4 | 5.7 | 6.1 | 6.4 | 7.0 |
| 150° | 3.3 | 4.1 | 4.9 | 5.5 | 5.8 | 6.1 | 6.7 |
| Beat VMG | 2.5 | 3.0 | 3.4 | 3.7 | 3.9 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Run VMG | 2.8 | 3.6 | 4.3 | 4.9 | 5.4 | 5.7 | 6.3 |
Estimated Value
Low ConfidenceAsking price by model year
9 listings · boat years 1976–1977 · median $15,660
Each dot is one listing · hover for details · dashed red line marks the median · obvious data-entry outliers (top & bottom 2.5%) excluded.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 24.1ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
8 reported issues across 7 systems for the DUFOUR 24, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a DUFOUR 24? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 8 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your DUFOUR 24?
We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.
Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar, Bukh, Perkins — is it one of these?
Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.
Used sails that fit the DUFOUR 24
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…