First Look :: Dufour 382 Grand Large

We love this shot of the new Dufour 382 Grand Large because it really sets the tone for what this new model is–modern, beautiful, and pointed directly into the future. The Dufour design and construction teams have already had huge success with the bigger models like the 500 and the 560, but the 382 is no less impressive. In fact, since it’s harder to maximize the space on a smaller boat than it is on a larger one, this new performance cruiser in the mid-30-foot range may be even more impressive.

Talk about big boat features on a smaller boat. The 382 boasts the superior visibility and the ease of a walk-through transom that dual helms make possible. The helms also have fantastic helm seat extensions that are as brilliant as they are comfortable.

The cockpit is also finished out with just the right amount of teak decking while the coach roof mounted traveller provides just the right amount of control when the wind pipes up. Don’t you just want to be there in this photo?

Meanwhile, it’s wonderfully spacious below. I mean, how’s this for an interior lay out on a 36-footer? Head room is well over 6 feet. There’s room for 4-6 around the table. The double doors into the forward cabin make the space feel even bigger. And the woodwork is stunning.

Clever features like the small but effective nav station, and even the elegant lighting show how much effort was spent to ensure that the interior lay out delivers every comfort and convenience.

And the 382 is also incredibly versatile.

As you can see, the interior is available in many different configurations and you even get a choice of wood finish. This kind of “customization” is actually pretty rare on a boat of this size. But we believe choice is important and it makes all the difference in the world.

These large deck “windows,” in addition to many opening ports and hatches will insure the accommodations will always be light and airy.

Every yacht designer will tell you that effective, and easy-to-access stowage is at a premium on sub-40-footers and good storage is also the first to be sacrificed when design decisions get made. And that’s what makes the 382 so impressive. Simply put, the stowage is awesome. In fact the entire accommodation plan is awesome.

If you’re in the market for a mid-sized performance cruiser that’s way bigger and sexier that you’d imagine, you should take the 382 for a test sail. It just might be the boat that’ll covert you from a boat “shopper” to a boat “buyer.”

Click here to see the entire Dufour fleet.