DUFOUR 56
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 56 ft |
| LWL | 54.75 ft |
| Beam | 15.83 ft |
| Draft | 8 ft |
| Displacement | 38,500 lb |
| Material | 53’ 6”16.3 m |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 9.9 kn |
Accommodation
| Berths | 6 |
| Water | 179.6 L |
| CE category | About406 000€(2020) |
About the DUFOUR 56
Available with center or aft cockpit.
The Dufour 56 is a 56.0 ft masthead sloop designed by P. Harle/A. Mortain and built by Dufour, with production records indicating a build year of 1994. This vessel represents a specific era of French cruising yacht construction, characterized by a displacement of 38500.0 lb and a beam of 15.83 ft.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and those seeking a spacious, comfortable liveaboard experience, given its high comfort ratio of 27.28 and popularity for bow thruster additions (33 mentions) which aid in tight marina maneuvering.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 38500.0 lb and a low capsize ratio of 1.88, the Dufour 56 offers moderate offshore stability, though its fin keel and relatively light displacement for its length suggest it is better suited for protected waters than heavy ocean passages.
- Comparables:
- Comparable vessels include other late-1990s European cruising sloops with similar displacement and beam, such as the Beneteau 573 or Jeanneau 53, which share the same emphasis on interior volume and coastal cruising comfort.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(1 certificate)
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° | 3.7 | 5.3 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 8.1 | 8.6 | 8.9 | 9.1 | 9.1 |
| 60° | 4.1 | 5.7 | 7.0 | 7.9 | 8.5 | 8.9 | 9.2 | 9.4 | 9.5 |
| 75° | 4.4 | 6.0 | 7.3 | 8.2 | 8.8 | 9.2 | 9.5 | 10.0 | 10.2 |
| 90° | 4.4 | 6.2 | 7.6 | 8.6 | 9.2 | 9.5 | 9.7 | 10.2 | 10.8 |
| 110° | 4.5 | 6.3 | 7.8 | 8.8 | 9.5 | 10.0 | 10.5 | 11.2 | 11.8 |
| 120° | 4.4 | 6.2 | 7.7 | 8.7 | 9.4 | 9.9 | 10.5 | 11.7 | 12.6 |
| 135° | 3.9 | 5.5 | 7.0 | 8.1 | 8.9 | 9.5 | 10.0 | 11.2 | 12.7 |
| 150° | 3.2 | 4.6 | 5.9 | 7.1 | 8.0 | 8.8 | 9.3 | 10.2 | 11.2 |
| Beat VMG | 2.3 | 3.3 | 4.2 | 4.9 | 5.4 | 5.8 | 6.0 | 6.2 | 6.1 |
| Run VMG | 2.8 | 4.0 | 5.1 | 6.1 | 7.0 | 7.6 | 8.1 | 9.0 | 9.8 |
Estimated Value
Low ConfidenceAsking price by model year
9 listings · boat years 1994–2021 · median $443,656
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 56ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
6 reported issues across 4 systems for the DUFOUR 56, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a DUFOUR 56? 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 6 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 56?
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.
Already know your engine? Search all engines → to find its exact parts.
Used sails that fit the DUFOUR 56
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…