DUFOUR 31
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 30.83 ft |
| LWL | 23 ft |
| Beam | 10.5 ft |
| Draft | 5.67 ft |
| Displacement | 9,600 lb |
| Ballast | 3,696 lb |
| Material | 30’ 8”9.35 m |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.4 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 41.2 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 11.97 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 36.9 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 10.2 ft |
| FLforestay | 12 ft |
| Mainsail | 408.5 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 225 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 382.6 sq ft |
Accommodation
| Cabins | 2 |
| Berths | 6 |
| Heads | 1 |
| Water | 42.3 L |
| Fuel | 23.8 L |
| CE category | About84 500€(2020) |
Engine
| Volvo Penta | MD11C23 hpSee all 23 parts → |
| Volvo Penta | MD2B25 hpSee all 17 parts → |
About the DUFOUR 31
Not to be confused with the DUFOUR 3800 AKA DUFOUR 31 FRERS (1980). Tall Rig- I: 41.20' J: 11.97' P: 36.90' E: 10.20' Shallow draft: 4.75' One owner reports Volvo MD2B as original engine. It has been further reported that the Volvo Penta MD11c/d was the most commonly installed engine throughout the model run.
Designed by Michel Dufour and built by Dufour, the Dufour 31 is a classic 1973-era cruiser with a production run of 900 hulls. This model represents a significant chapter in Dufour's history, offering a balance of performance and comfort that has kept it relevant in the secondary market.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize a comfortable interior and manageable handling over extreme bluewater endurance. Its moderate displacement and fin keel make it well-suited for protected waters and shorter offshore passages.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 9600.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 1.98, the Dufour 31 is designed primarily for coastal cruising rather than serious offshore passagemaking. Its fin keel and moderate ballast ratio suggest it is best kept within sight of land or in well-protected waters.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats from this era include the Beneteau First 30 and the O'Day 30, which share similar dimensions and target the same market of affordable, performance-oriented coastal cruising. These models offer similar masthead sloop rigs and interior layouts, making them direct competitors for buyers seeking a 30-foot classic.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(18 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° | 4.3 | 5.1 | 5.7 | 6.0 | 6.2 | 6.3 | 6.3 |
| 60° | 4.6 | 5.3 | 5.9 | 6.2 | 6.4 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 75° | 4.8 | 5.6 | 6.1 | 6.4 | 6.5 | 6.7 | 6.9 |
| 90° | 4.7 | 5.6 | 6.2 | 6.5 | 6.7 | 6.8 | 7.1 |
| 110° | 4.8 | 5.7 | 6.3 | 6.6 | 6.9 | 7.2 | 7.5 |
| 120° | 4.6 | 5.6 | 6.2 | 6.6 | 6.8 | 7.1 | 7.6 |
| 135° | 4.1 | 5.1 | 5.9 | 6.4 | 6.6 | 6.9 | 7.4 |
| 150° | 3.5 | 4.4 | 5.2 | 5.8 | 6.1 | 6.4 | 6.8 |
| Beat VMG | 2.8 | 3.4 | 3.8 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 4.3 |
| Run VMG | 3.1 | 3.8 | 4.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 6.0 | 6.5 |
Estimated Value
Low ConfidenceAsking price by model year
6 listings · boat years 1975–1980 · median $21,500
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 30.83ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Featured YouTube Videos
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
13 reported issues across 6 systems for the DUFOUR 31, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a DUFOUR 31? 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.
Volvo Penta MD11C
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Used sails that fit the DUFOUR 31
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…