DUFOUR 27
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 27.16 ft |
| LWL | 20.34 ft |
| Beam | 9.15 ft |
| Draft | 5.16 ft |
| Displacement | 5,842 lb |
| Ballast | 1,983.9 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.0 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 34.02 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 10.33 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 28.87 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 9.19 ft |
| FLforestay | 10.3 ft |
| Mainsail | 319 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 175.7 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 298.7 sq ft |
About the DUFOUR 27
Dimensions from builders brochure and original sail plan. Aux. power: Renault Couach or Volvo MD-6A Opt. deep keel: 5.83'/1.78m
Designed by Michel Dufour and built by Dufour between 1972 and 1979, the Dufour 27 is a compact masthead sloop with a production run of 320 hulls. This data-driven synthesis highlights its status as a classic European cruiser with a distinct maintenance profile centered on deck integrity.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors seeking a manageable, lightweight vessel with a 5842.0 lb displacement that is easy to trailer and dock.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low capsize ratio of 2.04 and a comfort ratio of 21.13, the Dufour 27 is primarily designed for coastal cruising rather than heavy offshore passage-making.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats from this era include the O'Day 27 and Pearson 26, which share similar dimensions and roles as popular, trailerable coastal cruisers with fin keels.
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 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 | 24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 2.9 | 3.9 | 4.7 | 5.3 | 5.6 | 5.8 | 5.9 | 5.9 | 5.8 |
| 60° | 3.1 | 4.2 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.8 | 6.0 | 6.1 | 6.1 | 6.1 |
| 75° | 3.2 | 4.3 | 5.2 | 5.7 | 6.0 | 6.2 | 6.3 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 90° | 3.2 | 4.4 | 5.3 | 5.9 | 6.2 | 6.4 | 6.5 | 6.7 | 6.8 |
| 110° | 3.2 | 4.5 | 5.4 | 6.0 | 6.3 | 6.6 | 6.8 | 7.3 | 7.6 |
| 120° | 3.1 | 4.3 | 5.2 | 5.9 | 6.3 | 6.6 | 6.8 | 7.4 | 8.0 |
| 135° | 2.7 | 3.9 | 4.8 | 5.5 | 6.0 | 6.3 | 6.7 | 7.2 | 7.9 |
| 150° | 2.3 | 3.3 | 4.2 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 6.0 | 6.3 | 6.8 | 7.3 |
| Beat VMG | 1.8 | 2.5 | 3.1 | 3.5 | 3.9 | 4.0 | 4.1 | 4.0 | 3.8 |
| Run VMG | 2.0 | 2.9 | 3.6 | 4.3 | 4.8 | 5.2 | 5.6 | 6.2 | 6.7 |
Estimated Value
Low ConfidenceAsking price by model year
5 listings · boat years 1973–1978 · median $14,000
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 27.16ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
10 reported issues across 4 systems for the DUFOUR 27, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a DUFOUR 27? 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 10 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 27?
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Used sails that fit the DUFOUR 27
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