DUFOUR 29
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 29.33 ft |
| LWL | 25.08 ft |
| Beam | 9.67 ft |
| Draft | 5.25 ft |
| Displacement | 7,250 lb |
| Ballast | 2,644.8 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.7 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 35.7 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 11.5 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 30.8 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 10.3 ft |
| FLforestay | 11.5 ft |
| Mainsail | 376.6 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 205.3 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 349 sq ft |
About the DUFOUR 29
Most DUFOUR 29's were exported to the US.
Designed by Michel Dufour and built by Dufour (FRA) from 1975–1984, the Dufour 29 is a classic French cruiser with a production run of ? hulls. Owner reports highlight a mix of structural concerns and extensive modernization, with the fleet showing significant investment in electronics and propulsion upgrades.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize a comfortable interior and manageable size, provided they are willing to address age-related structural maintenance.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 7250.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 2.0, the boat is moderately stable for coastal passages but lacks the heavy displacement and robust construction typically required for serious bluewater voyaging.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to other 1970s European fin-keel sloops like the Beneteau First 28 or Oyster 28, as they share similar displacement, beam, and masthead sloop configurations aimed at performance cruising.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(5 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° | 3.1 | 4.2 | 5.0 | 5.6 | 5.9 | 6.0 | 6.1 | 6.0 | 5.9 |
| 60° | 3.3 | 4.4 | 5.2 | 5.8 | 6.1 | 6.3 | 6.3 | 6.3 | 6.3 |
| 75° | 3.4 | 4.6 | 5.4 | 6.0 | 6.3 | 6.5 | 6.6 | 6.7 | 6.8 |
| 90° | 3.3 | 4.5 | 5.5 | 6.2 | 6.5 | 6.7 | 6.8 | 7.1 | 7.2 |
| 110° | 3.4 | 4.7 | 5.7 | 6.3 | 6.7 | 7.0 | 7.3 | 7.6 | 7.9 |
| 120° | 3.2 | 4.5 | 5.5 | 6.2 | 6.7 | 7.0 | 7.3 | 7.9 | 8.3 |
| 135° | 2.9 | 4.1 | 5.1 | 5.9 | 6.4 | 6.8 | 7.1 | 7.9 | 8.6 |
| 150° | 2.4 | 3.5 | 4.4 | 5.3 | 5.9 | 6.4 | 6.8 | 7.4 | 8.2 |
| Beat VMG | 2.0 | 2.7 | 3.3 | 3.8 | 4.0 | 4.1 | 4.1 | 4.0 | 3.8 |
| Run VMG | 2.1 | 3.0 | 3.8 | 4.6 | 5.2 | 5.8 | 6.2 | 6.9 | 7.5 |
Estimated Value
Low ConfidenceAsking price by model year
6 listings · boat years 1977–1987 · median $12,400
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 29.33ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
14 reported issues across 8 systems for the DUFOUR 29, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a DUFOUR 29? 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 14 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 29?
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Used sails that fit the DUFOUR 29
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