DUFOUR 2800
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 27.08 ft |
| LWL | 22.14 ft |
| Beam | 9.61 ft |
| Draft | 4.8 ft |
| Displacement | 6,064 lb |
| Ballast | 1,984.2 lb |
| Material | 27’8.23 m |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.3 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 33.92 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 10.89 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 28.54 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 9.84 ft |
| FLforestay | 10.9 ft |
| Mainsail | 336.3 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 184.7 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 314 sq ft |
Accommodation
| Cabins | 1 |
| Berths | 2 |
| Heads | 5 |
| Water | 34.3 L |
| Fuel | 10.6 L |
| CE category | 20.4 |
Engine
| Volvo Penta | MD7A13 hpSee all 14 parts → |
About the DUFOUR 2800
Successor to the DUFOUR 27 in 1978. This was the second most popular Dufour of all time, with 1,300 being built over a 6 year period. A sportier version, the CS Club Special had a deeper keel. A lifting keel model was also available. (2800 refers to the displacement of 2800 kg.)
Designed by Michel Dufour and built by Dufour between 1977 and 1984, the Dufour 2800 is a compact masthead sloop with a production run of 1300 hulls. This data-driven synthesis highlights a well-maintained fleet with extensive owner-reported upgrades, particularly in sails and canvas, while flagging specific structural and mechanical wear points common to this era.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors seeking a manageable, lightweight vessel with a high sail area-to-displacement ratio (15.68) for responsive performance. Its compact dimensions and moderate draft make it ideal for harbor hopping and trailerable transport rather than heavy offshore passage-making.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low displacement of 6064.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 2.11, the Dufour 2800 is primarily designed for coastal and protected waters rather than serious bluewater cruising. Its fin keel and moderate ballast ratio suggest adequate stability for nearshore use, but owners should exercise caution in heavy offshore conditions.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats from this era include the Beneteau First 27 and O'Day 28, which share similar displacement and beam characteristics for coastal cruising. The Dufour 2800 distinguishes itself with a slightly lighter displacement (6064.0 lb) and a more performance-oriented hull form compared to heavier displacement cruisers of the late 1970s.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(9 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° | 3.4 | 4.5 | 5.3 | 5.8 | 6.0 | 6.1 | 6.2 | 6.2 | 6.2 |
| 60° | 3.6 | 4.8 | 5.5 | 5.9 | 6.1 | 6.3 | 6.3 | 6.4 | 6.4 |
| 75° | 3.8 | 4.9 | 5.7 | 6.0 | 6.3 | 6.5 | 6.6 | 6.7 | 6.8 |
| 90° | 3.7 | 4.9 | 5.6 | 6.1 | 6.3 | 6.5 | 6.7 | 7.0 | 7.2 |
| 110° | 3.5 | 4.8 | 5.7 | 6.2 | 6.5 | 6.8 | 7.0 | 7.4 | 7.7 |
| 120° | 3.4 | 4.7 | 5.6 | 6.2 | 6.5 | 6.8 | 7.1 | 7.8 | 8.3 |
| 135° | 3.0 | 4.2 | 5.2 | 5.9 | 6.3 | 6.7 | 7.0 | 7.7 | 8.8 |
| 150° | 2.5 | 3.6 | 4.6 | 5.5 | 6.0 | 6.4 | 6.7 | 7.3 | 8.2 |
| Beat VMG | 2.2 | 3.0 | 3.6 | 4.0 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.3 |
| Run VMG | 2.2 | 3.1 | 4.0 | 4.8 | 5.4 | 5.9 | 6.2 | 6.8 | 7.4 |
Estimated Value
Low ConfidenceAsking price by model year
20 listings · boat years 1976–2019 · median $9,995
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 27.08ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Featured YouTube Videos
Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
13 reported issues across 7 systems for the DUFOUR 2800, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a DUFOUR 2800? 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 13 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
Engine Parts & Maintenance
The engines most commonly fitted to this model. “All parts” opens the engine's full catalogue; each part links to a matching listing on 
or 
matched to its part number.
Don't see your engine listed? Search all engines → to find parts for the exact engine fitted to your boat.
Prices are reference figures — confirm the current price on Amazon. Always confirm fitment against your engine's model and serial before ordering. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Used sails that fit the DUFOUR 2800
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…