High Performance cruising – Dufour 460 GL

by • December 9, 2015 • HomeMosaic, older, YachtsComments Off on High Performance cruising – Dufour 460 GL2711

The latest design from this French yard was launched at Cannes Yachting Festival in September 2015. It features a number of innovative features, including bow and stern jet thrusters. These are an alternative to conventional bow thrusters that work by pumping a high-speed jet of water out of nozzles at each end of the boat.

They have a number of advantages over traditional systems, including easier installation, less bulk and improved reliability. In addition, the small diameter of the nozzle compared to a thruster tunnel means they can be mounted closer to the ends of the boat, increasing the leverage.

Below decks three and four cabin accommodation options are offered. There are also two alternatives for the galley – this can be either in a conventional linear arrangement on the starboard side of the saloon, or across the full width of the yacht just abaft of the main bulkhead at the forward end of the saloon.

Three cabin versions have a well-proportioned owner’s cabin forward, with a luxury toilet and entirely separate shower en suite. The four-cabin variant has two smaller double cabins in this area, each with their own en suite facilities.

All layouts have mirror image double aft quarter cabins, which are of spacious proportions. There are also two further heads compartments in this part of the boat.

On deck the cockpit has the now ubiquitous twin wheels, with a lifting helm seat that gives access to the wide fold-down bathing platform.

Forward of the wheels is a substantial central table with twin folding leaves. The benches each side of this have comfortable padded cushions and backrests, with the port side one opening out to create a large lounging area if required.

In terms of sail handling, the main traveller is located on the coach roof ahead of the main hatch, with the main sheet handled by the companionway, while other lines are led to the primary winches near the wheel.

An optional small self-tacking jib takes much of the effort out of tacking, even when short tacking in relatively confined waters. A built-in bowsprit allows furling Code 0 and asymmetric spinnakers to be set with ease, while also providing neat anchor stowage.
Overall length 14.15m
Hull length 13.50m
Waterline length 12.54m
Beam 4.50m
Draught 1.95 or 2.2m
Displacement 10,760kg
Ballast 2,850kg
Fuel Tank 250 litres
Water Tank 530 litres
Mainsail 52.80 sq m
Genoa 47 sq m
Self tacking jib 37.30 sq m

Pin It

Comments are closed.