Trade-A-Boat – August 2019

TRADEABOAT.COM.AU | 117

PRELOVED | 2008 DUFOUR 365 GRAND LARGE

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE The longitudinal galley

allows several cooks to work; A Dufour 365 GL using the genoa,

with its larger sail area; Rich teak enhances the comfortable

saloon and the large table can seat six

“The Grand Large

cruisers are intended

to have wide appeal,

as epitomised by this

365 GL”

SLEEK HULL
Classic lines with just enough rake and sheer, plus
sufficient waterline length to avoid the topsides
dominating the shape make the 365 GL a
handsome boat with, I think, timeless appeal.
The shape has a long hard chine aft and deep
forward sections with a contemporary slightly
raked bow and blunt transom, to maximise the
34-foot waterline well.
The hull is hand-laid monolithic GRP (below
the waterline and foam above) and has an inner
moulded grid laminated for stiffness.
The outer gelcoat layer of cloth is impregnated
with NPG (neopentyl glycol) resin, as barrier
against osmosis.
This is important in older yachts, but of course
a full survey should be commissioned by any
serious buyers.
The deck is injection-moulded foam, for
insulation and weight-saving.
There’s a single deep spade rudder on a
stainless shaft and sail drive gearbox with folding
propeller for the 30 horsepower Volvo.
Engine access is via the lifting companionway
and is conventionally laid out with most service
points on the Volvo diesel within reach.
Keeping things upright is an L-shaped cast iron
keel which won't snag when coastal cruising –
something the 365 GL looks eminently suited for.
The ballast ratio is modest at only 23.96 per
cent, but like many modern designs stability
comes from the wide beam and volume, while
a sail area-displacement ratio (SAD) of 14.76
means the 365 GL is fairly lightlycanvassed, so
won't overpower the new owner.