Dufour 450GL
PRICE £130,000-£185,000 YEAR 2012-2016
Dufour 450 was built using the vacuum infusion process to ensure the integrity of the moulding. The hulls were solid beneath the waterline, foam-cored above and had a balsa sandwich deck. The method also ensured a smooth GRP finish to the deck-head below, removing the need for liners and increasing headroom.
Three- and four-cabin layouts were available, although in the latter the two forward cabins are a little cramped. Both have two heads.
Her generous beam is carried well aft allowing for two comfortably proportioned aft cabins, which are bright and well ventilated thanks to ports and hatches.
A large dinette seats six to eight easily and the mainly linear galley has a return containing a fridge with top and front access. This facilitates use at sea by offering the cook additional support as well as creating a more fiddled worktop area. A handy wine rack is below the floor too. Hull portlights increase the light below and allow seated occupants to glimpse views outside.
Her cockpit is wide and comfortable, with the twin wheels and drop-down transom giving excellent access to the water. Her side decks are wide, well organised and clutter-free, and all sail controls, including the German mainsheet, are led back within reach of both helming stations.
She has a fractional Z-spar rig with a surprisingly large 140% furling genoa. The mainsail is semi-battened as standard and small enough to handle with ease, assisted by lazyjacks and a zip-bag.
Under sail she is powerful yet stiff, her wide beam adding a lot to stability. She tracks straight off the wind and points well upwind without too much spray or drama, particularly the deep keel version. Tacking is rapid and cockpit-adjustable headsail cars help when shorthanded. An integral bowsprit is a great aid to flying an asymmetric, too.