DUFOUR 4800
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 34.94 ft |
| LWL | 27.56 ft |
| Beam | 11.15 ft |
| Draft | 6 ft |
| Shoal Draft version | 4.92 ft(1.5 m) |
| Displacement | 12,125 lb |
| Ballast | 5,180.9 lb |
| Material | 17.5 |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 7.0 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 45.6 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 14.57 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 38.7 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 11.8 ft |
| FLforestay | 14.6 ft |
| Mainsail | 519.1 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 310.7 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 528.2 sq ft |
Accommodation
| Berths | 6 |
| Heads | 5 |
| Water | 68.7 L |
| Fuel | 23.8 L |
| CE category | N/A€ |
About the DUFOUR 4800
First called DUFOUR 35 (VALENTIJN) in the US. Also called DUFOUR V35. Standard (shown here) and 'offshore/racing' layouts. Some boats delivered with Perkins diesel. Tall (masthead) Rig: I: 45.60' J: 14.57' P: 38.70' E: 11.80'
Designed by Johan Valentijn and built by Dufour Yachts (FRA) from 1981–1984, the Dufour 4800 is a 34.94 ft masthead sloop with a displacement of 12125.0 lb. While the exact hulls built count is unknown, this model represents an early entry in Dufour's lineup, characterized by a fin keel and a comfort ratio of 25.35.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize interior volume and ease of handling over heavy offshore endurance. Its moderate displacement and beam of 11.15 ft make it manageable for couples or small families seeking a comfortable, stable platform for inshore and nearshore sailing.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 1.94 and a displacement of 12125.0 lb, the Dufour 4800 is best suited for coastal and protected waters rather than extended bluewater passages. Its relatively light displacement and fin keel design prioritize speed and handling over the heavy seakeeping characteristics required for serious offshore voyaging.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats from this era include the Beneteau First 343 and the O'Day 36, which share similar dimensions and a focus on performance-oriented cruising. These models are comparable due to their similar LOA, fin keel configurations, and target market of active coastal cruisers.
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° | 4.6 | 5.5 | 6.1 | 6.4 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.4 |
| 60° | 4.9 | 5.8 | 6.4 | 6.6 | 6.7 | 6.7 | 6.7 |
| 75° | 5.1 | 6.0 | 6.5 | 6.8 | 6.9 | 7.0 | 7.1 |
| 90° | 5.1 | 6.0 | 6.6 | 6.9 | 7.1 | 7.3 | 7.5 |
| 110° | 4.8 | 5.9 | 6.6 | 7.0 | 7.3 | 7.5 | 7.8 |
| 120° | 4.7 | 5.8 | 6.5 | 6.9 | 7.3 | 7.6 | 8.1 |
| 135° | 4.3 | 5.3 | 6.2 | 6.7 | 7.1 | 7.4 | 8.1 |
| 150° | 3.6 | 4.7 | 5.5 | 6.3 | 6.7 | 7.0 | 7.7 |
| Beat VMG | 3.0 | 3.6 | 4.1 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.3 |
| Run VMG | 3.2 | 4.0 | 4.8 | 5.5 | 6.1 | 6.6 | 7.2 |
Estimated Value
Low ConfidenceAsking price by model year
6 listings · boat years 1981–1982 · median $35,000
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 34.94ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
7 reported issues across 4 systems for the DUFOUR 4800, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a DUFOUR 4800? 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 7 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 4800?
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 — is it one of these?
Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.
Used sails that fit the DUFOUR 4800
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…