WHY ARE PRODUCTION BOATS SO CHEAP?! Dufour Sailboats - Ep 265 Lady K Sailing

[@mostlysailingnz]

Justified criticism and an honest review pointing out shortcomings in a $500k boat is NOT a rant. Hope Dufour takes notice.

[@VidarrKerr]

It looks like the designers at Dufour were trying to put to use a ton of materials that were otherwise going to go to waste. I wouldn't doubt they were trying out design ideas, while putting all those materials to use, knowing that all of the materials could be upgraded on other builds. An upgraded millwork package could easily add a few hundred thousand to the price. I could easily redesign the interior, or just swap materials, and turn this into a $1 Million+ yacht. This would be a great way for a craftsman to get an out-of-price range sailboat in their price range and build it up.

[@sorim1967]

@@VidarrKerr for a fraction of the price, my 2006 Dufour 44 Perfornance was much better built with better materials throughout. And inflation has not been that huge since then.

[@zeitghost1321]

I know you're Canadian but you really didn't have to say you're sorey so much 😂

[@Noneofyourb908]

And Dufour is one of the more solid brands, jeaneau, beneteau, gib sea, hanse etc is of lesser robust quality

[@ndbbm5129]

I purchased a new Dufour 48 Cat, and took delivery in June 23. Just finished my first complete "owners" trip on her. 3 previous canceled due to mechanical issues and 1 sitting in a marina for 5 days waiting on parts. While on the trip I went through all the systems on the boat in my mind and realized that the only system that hadn't failed and needed repair or replacement was the stereo system.... I mean EVERY system! Gen, Nav, Rigging, watermaker, anchor, refrigeration ect etc every system. Cabinetry delaminating and pulling loose. I can go on.

[@hxhdfjifzirstc894]

Is there a Lemon Law for boats?

[@richardrose7382]

You’re right; for half a million bucks one expects more

[@CydeWeys]

Can't believe it costs over half a million to get a mere 41 foot boat with a bad quality interior, the kind you won't even find in new cheap production US housing.

[@KoDeMondo]

Buy an house instead or a good and solid camper truck!! This boat fashion mania It doesn't stand anymore, they sell a green dream for the rich Parisian posh. However, this frenzy that exists in pleasure boats disgusts me. Only two types of boats must go to sea, those for necessity, i.e. fishing boats and boats for the transport of goods. Everything else is just fluff... They have simply created a product to sell, to show but nothing more: sailboats, for those who really love sailing, should be made simply to sail under the coast and not risking people lives to be enabled for ocean navigation.

[@VidarrKerr]

@@KoDeMondo What? So traveling by ship is only for fishing and shipping goods? Thankfully you are not in charge of boats. Stick to "solid camper trucks" dude.

[@dantags8565]

I bought a 17 year old Oyster at 15% the cost of new, half the price of the brands you mentioned for the same size. I nearly doubled that cost in upgrading all systems new aircon, genset etc. The hull and joinery is flawless. I think it will last another 20 years. On top of that, the good folks at Oyster treat me like I just bought it when i need parts, advice, etc. Can't speak highly enough of the quality.

[@evinwhiteson4902]

I want a 20 year old oyster 62

[@yzScott]

I am doing similar with a Swan 59, right now. Mine has already had most of the systems recently updated. I do need to replace the genset soon and do the deck. I'll put a complete suite of North 3di Ocean sails and boom furler before we give up land.

[@DerHoasd]

Same with Sirius Yachts from Germany. In a video, the company owner actually said: “The boats are built to *last 100 years!*

[@cksailor]

Didnt oyster change hands in the last 10 years and there was a bunch of issues with teak decks? I'm looking at some deck saloon models but just cant be sure. I have come right up from 80's boats and now im looking at 2017 and newer 55-60 footers... thinking newer is just going to be better... Erg. Confusing market. Where are my high volume steel ketches with modern fit out!

[@jimblack5617]

Your show about the Dufour is very true. The same to say is the Jeanneau. The wife and I sailed on a 519 Jeanneau for a year in a time share with 3 other couples. We were requested not to check the bilge because every time you lifted up the floor soul it would chip the laminate. The same goes for the cabinets. We finally purchased our 4th sail boat in the 30 some years of sailing. Three of the boats were Hunters and one O'day. If we were going to live aboard we would probably preferer something more substantial. However we find that the 2000 to 2011 range of hunter is just the right combo of real wood and solid laminate. Thanks for your channel. It's very informative.

[@KoDeMondo]

Buy an house instead or a good and solid camper truck!! This boat fashion mania It doesn't stand anymore, they sell a green dream for the rich Parisian posh. However, this frenzy that exists in pleasure boats disgusts me. Only two types of boats must go to sea, those for necessity, i.e. fishing boats and boats for the transport of goods. Everything else is just fluff... They have simply created a product to sell, to show but nothing more: sailboats, for those who really love sailing, should be made simply to sail under the coast and not risking people lives to be enabled for ocean navigation

[@nashonabo821]

​@@KoDeMondo Did you forget to take meds?

[@The-Opium-Den]

@@KoDeMondo People will still sail for fun whether production boats exist or not. You'd blow a fuse if somebody set sail in a wooden yacht they made for themselves, huh?

[@sailingpilots]

Great! Exactly what we found everywhere in our search for a boat to sail around the world. We have been extremely criticized for our opinion on the cheap finish of $500,000 production boats. But the fact is, the quality is staggering. And this was more than confirmed to us again at the boat show in Germany "Boot Düsseldorf 2024" .

[@callahanmachineworks3696]

I chartered a Dufour GL 380 in the Bahamas a few years ago and loved it... all but the interior. it was falling apart as you pointed out. At the time I just figured it was due to it being a 4-year-old charter boat. You are absolutely right about expecting more from a 1/2MM boat. Thanks for another honest assessment.

[@CPB111]

Im horrified too. The interior of a boat, especially at that price, should be solid wood. Laminate is a nightmare in moisture. Joinery should be quality. Seems like buying a used boat with good bones would be a wiser choice.

[@jayelwin]

Solid wood is the moisture nightmare. If “laminate” you mean plywood, plywood is way more stable in variably moist environments.

[@CPB111]

properly finished and maintained wood in 40 year old boats holds up beautifully. No way laminates hold up in the long run like that.@@jayelwin

[@jayelwin]

@@CPB111 if you look at the underlying construction of even the finest boats, you will find the beautiful wood is veneer on marine plywood. That is how Swan builds their interior furniture. Plywood is functionally superior to solid wood. There is no shame in the use of plywood.

[@blackhawkteam8625]

@@jayelwin not sure where you are coming from? Teak will last forever, plywood and laminates come apart with the slightest moisture penetration.

[@MarketingStrategies28]

No way

[@GNUBRAIN]

I've been a sailor for 50 years, since my teens. I love your straightforward evals and insights. I've owned 15 boats, mostly cruising sail, all wood except the last one. I'm now looking for my 16th, probably going to be a motor yacht, getting too old to single hand. But my heart s still a sailor and always hoping to find a motor sailer. I'm partial to ketches as I learned on a Dickerson 32, and prefer the split rig. Don't understand why they're so rare in the States. Your videos are always informative and entertaining; by all means rant away, what's boating about if not passion.

[@daviddecker1994]

On top your your rant. In Gran Canaria they are famous for arriving in need of rudder drive bearings needing service. Same with Elan boats. Wish we could attach photos to show them in the yard before the ARC. Thanks for calling them out.

[@funkygrib1]

This is the information we need to see ! Ferrari are the most beautiful cars in the world but probably would`nt cut it as a daily driver 🙂

[@Sonnell]

Share more such info if you can! Thanks!

[@sndspderbytes]

I have a dufour 27 made in 1974. Haul 327 out of 334. It's a great little boat.

[@sndspderbytes]

Then again I paid $1000 dollars for my Dufour 27 and it was ready to sail with older but still dune electronics auto pilot, it sails good.. No way would I spend more than $100000 on any boat . I would never have bought a dufour if it wasn't so cheap and ready to sail with a great selection of sails. Ir us rugged for its size.

[@bobdailey9533]

Love the Rant!

[@terryroth9707]

I, for one, never thought I would see Tim go off like this. Tim's right, though.

[@skwerldeath]

I sure don’t mind the Rant. You made some very solid points. I appreciate the time and effort you put into these videos for us.

[@ianscott3180]

I agree to an extent. Some years ago a friend and myself had sailed small keel boats for years and decided to get together to buy a larger boat boat on a budget. We bought a tired ex charter First 501 in Saint Martin. We brought her back to the UK and did some serious hard work on her. We replaced a few things and added new sails. At the end of the day we had a 52 foot boat that neither of us could have afforded. She served two families, four en suite cabins, well for years both in Northern Europe and the Med. Yes, I would love a Hallberg or an Oyster but in the real world they were totally out of reach.

[@jerylabrams8408]

Finally, someone is calling them out the production S/V manufacturers. There is absolutely no way I would ever entertain owning these distasteful vessels! We have a custom Durbeck, manufactured in Bradington Florida 1970! She is incredible workmanship. Love your channel! 👍The Rant was heard!

[@richardwheeler103]

I used to love the Beneteau 393 and Hunter 41 but over a few years I haved slowly morphed towards the comfort, safety (I'll be single-handing a lot), beauty and build quality of older boats like Passport, Cabo Rico, and Bristol.

[@valerieb.4912]

Bristol Lover here !

[@dougutubeify]

Wow. I've never been aboard the latter three. I've always loved the both the 393 and the 41. It must be in the ride? Or the build quality?

[@keridavis7730]

We just bought a 1985 Catalina 36 MkII and love it! She sails beautifully. Sure we had to replace a few things, but other than that the interior is beautiful and roomy. That was one of the reasons we picked this boat.

[@svsalserenity4375]

Another one here !!!!

[@svsalserenity4375]

Hmmm looks like you are loving true "bluewater" boats takes a few 1000 miles in the ocean to figure out that comfort is not 4 heads on a 45 foot boat with hull windows .

[@trapman2000]

As a carpenter by trade, all the interior comments was like having a stick poke my eyeballs!! Totally unacceptable quality control at the price point!!

[@davidressler4292]

always good to hear you. Sounds accurate by our observation, we were looking at them in Annapolis this year.

[@WojciechP915]

You are spot on about the absence of color. In the plastic industry we refer to this as "natural" meaning no colorant has been added. Looks like natural uhmwpe instead of some kind of curable resin or phenolic.

[@jamesmerriam1125]

I'll stick with my Ericson 39. If I work hard I may spend 10% of the cost of the Dufour once it is fully renovated. Plus i get the fun of sailing it while i am fixing it ;)

[@theboatguysshow1841]

I a short while ago, owned the largest Dufour Dealership in North America with 6 locations. Coming from Tartan C&C, Beneteau, Jeanneau, Catalina and so forth, I came upon a Dufour and it was pure passion. It was a must, drop everything. It was the only brand that we dealt with on the sailboat side for all the right reasons. Dufour has been vacuum bagging their decks for decades. That's just had they did it. Other manufacturer's bragged about had they applied that process but when talking to the Dufour engineer's, it was nothing special that's just how it's done. The experience in a nutshell was like a Dufour owner would look down the companionway and say "that's where I sleep and that's where I eat, Let's talk sailing". I have not been on that side of the business for about 20 years so I am not sure what they are doing now. I find that these days, most production sailboats look like they came out of an Ikea showroom. I represent Hanse now and still can not believe that the 460, a truly magnificent boat, is 3/4 million dollars! Wow. As a Broker/ Dealer in the late 70's early 80's, I sold the original C&C, Cape Dory and J/Boat. The amazing C&C 40 was about $72,000 in the water. I have saved clients as a consultant, not a broker, tens of thousands of dollars buy evaluating pre-owned boats that provide the same exact life on the water that a new boat would. I have had and do have clients that want a new boat, pay mostly cash and that's all there is to it. But, new boat prices have gotten ridiculous, and that's coming from someone who sells them!!

[@waltobringer2928]

Its really good to see you again! Out of your "Rant" the thing that I absolutely agree with the most is the uneven floor. Safety first!

[@LadyKSailing]

Yes! Thank you!

[@remiaubry2412]

It's OK to rant. Sometimes, it creates change. Love your intro tune. Keep up the good work.

[@KoDeMondo]

The true rant it should be to raise attention and awareness that no one should be allowed to sail in open ocean with any of this sailing boat ANY!!

[@ejdd3442]

​@@KoDeMondoI can see you do not like sailing; does this mean scuba divers should avoid diving, race car drivers should refrain from racing cars, mountain climbers should steer clear of mountains, and private pilots should avoid flying planes? Let us know fisherman.

[@KoDeMondo]

@@ejdd3442 Sailing is a Modern Trend Sailing has become more popular in recent times, partly due to increased wealth, the desire for authentic experiences, and its portrayal as a status symbol. While sailing has a long history, its use as a competitive sport and leisure activity (vela sports) is pretty recent. Sailing is also very dangerous, especially with changing weather conditions and for inexperienced sailors. The lack of strict third-party control in boat construction. While safety regulations exist, there's not a rigorous system to guarantee standards are always met throughout the building process. This creates potential risks for buyers relying on the builder's reputation and their own thorough inspection of the vessel.

[@KoDeMondo]

@@ejdd3442 sailing was an activity born for fishing and trade, also for exploration and war purposes. Today is just a status symbol.. Let's called a modern trend. A place where people throw away money they don't need. In future with high cost of living this cardboard boat will become empty shelvev full of Seagull poop.

[@KoDeMondo]

@@ejdd3442 no worries mate just wanted to highlight few important points on about sailing. Sailing is a dangerous sport, it's a very recent sport before people used to sail for fishing, exploration and commerce In modern times all this has turned into an activity where everyone has become an expert sailor but in reality the sea is large and with many pitfalls. Those who go to sea should do so only with full knowledge of the facts, without endangering their lives and the lives of other people. Outside of this premise I would like to highlight. Recently boat builders were born, but these do not have any type of approval. the boats are built according to projects and materials that no one tested/approved during construction. There is no type of inspection or audit that certifies the construction. So the whole process of construction of these modern boats are left to the shipyard. Among other things, these shipyards used materials such as fiberglass which are quite recent and even if they offer excellent characteristics of durability and construction they present enormous risks Today these builders build increasingly lighter boats and performing without keeping an eye on the safety of the occupants. The marinas are full of these boats often forgotten by their owners it is a business that unfortunately has often caused accidents loss of money and lives

[@JK-pk7nj]

Wish that other boat reviewers were as honest with their opinions instead of just trying to sell someone else's stuff. Thanks for posting and hope the manufactures listen to this. " Who hasn't won boat of the year?". Fantastic stuff man.

[@stevenmoore4078]

I agree. While looking at boats in Annapolis, I was shocked by the surface finishes and fit quality of boats costing in the mid-six figures. While the dark teak might be dated, I understand trying to make the interiors brighter and more airy. But, the Ikea look doesn't appeal to me.

[@rosswohlert8792]

You nailed it! Looks like a doctors office…

[@kevio6868]

even worse...a dentists office

[@kekesaisai]

The only thing dufour maters is to please the market, and if the number of sales goes up for a steady while, it means they are answering the market . It’s very much the only logic any builder should have. Cannot please everybody, but please the mass. Marketing and product is the mix

[@KoalityofLife]

No worries about the "rant". I consider it more of an informative description of a very expensive boat, at least very expensive for me. Not that I could ever afford a new boat but I keep hoping one day I get a chance to go sailing. Thanks for the video. :)

[@billbergquist4722]

Well that was a nice rant and I totally agree. Looks a bit sterile and cold. I'll stick with my 40 year old whatever for now.

[@charleslassiter6082]

truely an eye-opener thanks for sharing, love the channel its so helpful as we are about to make a leap into sailing and buy our first yacht, looking at a amel 53 or Hallberg-Rassy as wishing to start cruising the pacific

[@robhow7962]

Good points here that I don't hear from the big sailing content creators who rely on manufacturer's advertising. Island Packet seems to still have American carpenters and woodworkers who build quality stuff.

[@royanisi1251]

Tim, long-time follower and fan of your channel, first-time commenting here. I have watched over 200 of your videos, and I have learned a lot. Thank you for your expertise and insight. We will be in a market for a sail boat in not too distance future and I can't wait to bring you on as our consultant. 🙏

[@drwindsurf]

Rants are educational as long as they aren't what the channel turns into. Thank you for another excellent video

[@PatrickMcKnight]

Aw man, I think we could be long-lost brothers. You said "tell me who hasn't won a BOY award.." and I immediately said Irwin. Any Irwin fans out there who 1) would be willing to admit such a thing and 2) have a "neglected" favorite that ought to have won such an award? Hilarious. Thanks and thank you for helping resurrect Practical Sailor. I love the publication and enjoy your contributions. Thanks greatly. I'm sure I can search but if you haven't done an honest evaluation of the latest catamarans (aka floating condos with a sailing feature), I think you could look no further than the sliding doors placed in the salons. Yeesh! Thanks again for the great work.

[@LadyKSailing]

Thank you for watching!

[@MavericAvi8or]

Perfectly justified rant Sir! The inside of that boat is a track can! It looks like a remediated grow op!

[@corbotindustries]

there was so many pictures and explanations this is in line with what i come to Lady K Sailing to watch

[@dalesingleton1543]

I agree. 1/2 mill? Buy used and you will have plenty left over for repairs.

[@jaapBooij-rz1id]

Your opinion is spot on considering the price - quality subject. It is insane , even to see, the prices of a new 26 footer. I went for an almost free 28 footer. From 1977 . The conclusion is there is no way of “ budget “ sailing. But it is a lot of fun restoring and working on it and ofcourse the satisfaction of saving a boat from the scrap yard.❤❤

[@ThatGuy-cw8gb]

Love the rant! Wouldn’t spend that much on that boat even if I had it. Not a fan of the mahogany caves but I really hate generic waiting room furniture more.

[@GreatCreative]

This is a rant with benefits. We now know more of what to scrutinize when boat shopping. So, thanks for the rant.

[@mitchrc3]

Their sales manager is going to have a zoom call about you. : )

[@LadyKSailing]

here's hoping

[@AngusJohnson-ei1kk]

Don't it suck to be the sales manager

[@kevio6868]

​@@LadyKSailing This type of review is necessary Tim. Never sell out....thick as a brick brother

[@kekesaisai]

It’s not 500k usd neither

[@0718dm]

@@LadyKSailing Contact them directly and ask why. ... I find it a joyous event creating a bite of misery for companies that create sub-standard products...

[@mojoneko8303]

Not sure how my wife and I survived sailing the coast of Alaska for months at a time for 20 years in the 80's and 90's on our 29' Columbia sloop. I spent a year doing a complete overhaul of that boat. I used a map, compass and clock for navigation. There was no gps back then or sat weather. Those were good times. Thanks for the video

[@michaelpaolini7753]

Fun rant pointing out areas go take note of on a boat. As a guy who worked in broadcasting, your presentation is entertaining !

[@reality1984.]

Tim don't apologize, just call it straight. Respect

[@o-r-i-o-n]

My jaw dropped when you started showing some of those high-end boats. I could live full-time on one of those and be completely comfortable.

[@kimmowich]

When I see you sitting there on your brown 70s furniture, I can certainly understand why you're out of step with anything that seems modern. You're old school, and that's perfectly fine. I simply can't help but smile. It's like sitting and listening to my old grandfather grumble about all the newfangled nonsense.

[@xenn4985]

And you offer zero counter arguments. Curious...

[@kekesaisai]

He did. Age. I rest my case. Most comments below that video are from 50+ and very possible 60+ … buyers are younger and younger and guess what, they prefer ikea furniture than this youruber’s interioir

[@xenn4985]

@@kekesaisai Thats not an argument bozo. You have no case, just a gutteral groan escaping your crust covered lips.

[@hanskristianl]

I own a Dufour Classic 38 built in 2002, solid build quality and proper construction in the interior that is holding up great after 2 atlantic crossings. Helped out a harbour neighbour last year in a 2008 dufour 40, panels was starting to peel and build quality was really lacking. It made me rethink my brand choice for my next boat when i decide to upgrade.

[@LadyKSailing]

Wow! Good info thank you!

[@ryanking4559]

I worked for a boat yard that sold these boats a couple of years back. Always was surprised how cheaply they were put together, and how many little issues they had out of the box that we had to fix before customers took delivery. Also remember a 2012 that had teak decks that had completely lifted and bowed in dozens of spots. The boat was only 5 years old or so at the time, and they had just glued paper thin planks to the stamped gelcoat anti skid underneath. Being a Canadian boat, the first bit of water that got in there started lifting the boards up the first winter... I told myself then I'd never own one from this side of the millennium. Now I hear that brokerage dropped the Dufour line all together over increasing headaches and complaints from customers.

[@hoot9612]

Nowadays these boats are made mostly for charter companies so that they could be sailed every week by a new crew of happy newly-IYTed skippers (myself included) somewhere in the mideterranean, 5 nm off the shore at max - half a sunday sailing (or in many cases the sails aren't even set), the rest part of the day anchored in a beatiful bay for swimming and boozing. Thus a cheap, easy to fix and replace interior... And many other compromises and cheapenings in the production.

[@DerHoasd]

And that is exactly the problem: sailing is degenerating from something wonderful, special, a high art to a mass (sport), which it is not. Every week - as soon as it gets a little windier or a thunderstorm passes through - a mayday can be heard on VHF 16. This shows that, in addition to good skills and a certain humility, experience is the most important thing at sea. If you “only” want a beach vacation, you can have it much cheaper and more comfortable on land with a pool than at sea!

[@toddwever4916]

I got on one at the Annapolis boat show. Talk about cheap stuff, i broke a door knob opening a door on a brand new boat. They are constructed inside like a double wide trailer.

[@scottcol23]

Rant away! I always love hearing what you have to say.

[@lewisgardner6354]

I was just on a Dufour 390 in the Bahamas and was amazed at the cheapness of the build. Fuses! Fuses! in the 21st century!! Totally inadequate battery bank! Cushions straight from the 1960s! No remote mic on the VHF. Unprotected touchscreen nav that could totally F you over... Strange instrument layout, compass all alone to port. Sailed nice but I'd think you would get more for the $$$$$$$.

[@evanparmenter]

I am not a sailor (yet) but Tim, I have watched more than enough of your videos to know that you could practically throw a dart at a listing page and get a better quality, prettier boat for a whole lot less cash!!

[@BuckeyeChuck11]

Rant all ya want!!! Its good for All of us!

[@colrodrick8784]

Hi Tim My comment. Yeah nah as we say in Oz. I’m keeping my non existent spare $500k in my mortgage where my wife and kids will appreciate it staying. Btw thanks for your help in buying a boat. We have watched all your videos and were so knocked over when you were asked to come aboard our most revered boating publication. Onya Tim

[@waykiwayki]

I viewed some vids on this boat....and also couldn't believe the Ikea style office vibe....the led light around the main v-berth....omg....and the big white "wall" there.......they say they had a designer......should make him walk the plank.....in cement.

[@GilouTube]

Right on. I would just go to the manufacturer website if I didn't wanted a critical, unbiased and objective review. Thanks and keep up the good work ✌.

[@koborkutya7338]

Am so happy for you Tim, it obviously did you well to vent in this place :) I like you did, you are normally so enthusiastic to find the good side of every boat and be happy about them, if you don't "throw off the chain" sometimes (as my biker friends say in my language) it wouldn't look real.

[@erickrueger6464]

You are spot on, There is a place in the market for most of the major production built boats. My 30 year old Beneteau First 265 is well built, has a high quality interior . Today's boats, all interiors are nothing more than Ikea looking and Ikea quality wood interiors. I don't think the quality is there anymore on these boats. I spent 20 percent more and ordered a proper sea boat, I ordered a Hallberg Rassy 340. I know it is going to strand the test of time for years to come.

[@YTMegiddo]

Not that I’m ever going to buy one of these new boats… but looking at all the new ones at Annapolis Boat Show I was in shock at the price and nothing but squeaky IKEA furniture.

[@SiliconScribe]

Been watching this channel for ages, dude has lost weight - but I love the "soory" makes me chuckle

[@GlendoveerEngineering]

Having delivered a 54 from uk then ark for atlantic almost everything broke and I was lucky to survive in Rodney Bay where I hope the owner did not charter but simply scap. The only thing that held together was the Hull. Well done doufour for that at least

[@petercarley9260]

good video, appreciate this. I can't imagine dropping half a milly on this, but I'm definitely not the target market! I wouldn't call FP the Mercedes of cats. always enjoy your POV, keep up the good work!

[@blahdiblah2169]

You explained the plastics very well. Thank you.

[@ralphw1804]

I agree, the Dufour and many newer sailing yachts have Uber cheap interiors. You have to go to Italian Yachts and Swan Nautor yachts (to mention a few) for quality interiors.

[@stratolestele7611]

I'm a guitar player (mostly electric), and a boater. The decline in quality is happening in all sectors. Yes, there are the outliers who make a good/superb product, by hand, but nowadays, it's the inverse. Quality is now the outlier.

[@fredrampey1173]

Rant on! Dufours are, in my experience, fast and flakey. At Antigua Sailing Week, the Dufours swept the podium, but the deck/hull joint leaked on our sail home to Guadeloupe and nearly sank the boat. Modern boat interiors are all Euro-tacky. This one looks especially cheap and chintzy, but none of them merit a 1/2 million $ IMHO. Good stuff, Tim

[@williamwoolcock]

I used to have a 76 DuFour 31. Loved it, but it seemed to oil can around the bow, But loved the boat, It was named Ana Veja. He named it after his mother and wife, then left them back in France.

[@MrBertHeylen]

We looked at the 41 and 44 at Boot Dusseldorf and the difference was huge. Somehow the 44 was much better finished, but there were also more options on that boat. More luxury . Maybe they should apprentice with neighbours Amel sometime? The 41 highlighted its electric drive, maybe a reason?

[@masewoods8337]

Whew, I am in love with the idea of the 44, I'm glad you shared this. Feel free to mention any insights you got about that boat. I keep imaging a hinge on the salon table to have fold on top of itself in half. Would that open the floor space in front of the settee even more in noticeable ways?

[@SVAdAstra]

Thanks for the rant! And where are the handholds? I know cats don't heel (until they capsize) but they do still sway.

[@yxxtower]

20 years in the Caribbean on 3 boats and the biggest turn to cost savings by manufacturers was the recession of 2008. We have have certain criteria after our second boat, a Beneteau 393 when she came off a wave mid passage and snapped the forward cabin shelf in half. To sail properly and safely and comfortably you need weight. If the wind doesnt knock you around the swells will. Dufour i hear is in line to provide Sunsail/Moorings with some monohulls and from talking to the maintenance crews, they are worried. Our present boat is a 45 Freedom, heavy enough, no rigging to come down, furniture that is solid and can be re-finished and sails like a fish in water. I insist on Yanmar propulsion, will not entertain volvo or volvo saildrives and prefer a straight slab reefing into a stackpack. The simplest are the easiest. And yes, most Caribbean passages are usually less than a day, but when you scare your partner with weather helm, rounding up, going to the mast to unkink the inmast furler, poop the swim transom and have bouts of heel that bury the toe rail, you will not be long for making that final voyage. Yanmar, weight and slab reefing.

[@javierechevarria1548]

I agree 100% with your comment about pricing and value. $500k is a lot of money, the yacht builders not always deliver the right value for money. Look at RM Yacht, at Saffier, … they are also ridiculously expensive. Thank you for educating us.

[@jeffyork3178]

Love your take on the interior the lack of quality is evident even on video. Love your channel look forward to your videos

[@wanderingwithjenny671]

OMG, Tim!!! I love this video. Rant away sir. As always, great reviews and speaking the truth.

[@ryoung6911]

You hit one of my pet peeves about production boats: characterless interiors! For performance, I would love to move up to a modern production hull, but I can't part with my1997 Beneteau full of solid cherry. And btw, 110 gal of water on a 36 footer.

[@rocketappliantist4969]

I loved this video. I would love to watch more like it. I'm not sure if I'd consider it ranting but whatever it is I like it.

[@glenntepe1]

You are wrong… I have a 2015 dufour 382 gran large… she sails amazingly!!! I have no issues with her fit and finish. Amazing boat!!

[@mamchi]

Did you use any other brand? I have a motor boat and planning to switch to a 36 ft sailing boat. I have been looking at Hansey, Dufour and Jeannaue.

[@AdamBrusselback]

In the RV world, quality has gone down the absolute drain in the past 5 years with their fit and finish. I wouldn't be surprised if the boating world was similar.

[@kenmix6974]

Hi Tim, This is not a rant. This is an honest opinion that I agree with. Most of the new boats seem to be going for the sterile condo look. It doesn't even look like the inside of a boat. If that is what they are going for, they got it. Maybe they rushed this boat to get it to the show. Maybe it's for the charter market. How many boats do the charter companies buy compared to selling to individuals? One thing I noticed, there are a lot of deadlights in the hull. That's going to be a lot of fun to replace someday as you pointed out about Jeanneau hulls. Love the videos. Keep it up. Hope to see you out there someday.

[@HaralabosLioumanis]

Let it out, !!!! Truth always wins . Never apologize for straight talk.🌋🏝

[@richardduval9237]

Flashing this is what the french industries are in. No more real sailing boats. I used to sail down to St-Laurent to Gaspé on a Jeanneau Arcadia 1984. She was able to sail in almost all weather and sea conditions. But today I wont go anywhere on a french boat execpt to go south and around the yacht club on a sunny sunday afternoon.

[@jeffreymontelione4496]

Agreed thumbs down for the interior at that price tag. A justified rant. I know you don’t like Dufour because this is not your 1st rant about Dufour. I can tell you that some of their older boats, especially the Classic range, were built solid and fast. I enjoyed seeing an earlier post to your video from someone with Dufour Classic 38 having made 2 Atlantic crossings with her. I also sail a Dufour Classic 38 and grin ear to ear every time I fly past many of the boats you praise on your channel.

[@jeffreymontelione4496]

I have been researching the Beneteau First 44 as a possible next boat. Do you have an opinion?

[@krumple8560]

Rant on! I think most folks come here for the honest opinions that you provide.

[@DerHoasd]

I was the owner of a Beneteau Oceanis 50 family (built in 2012), which was serviced by a charter company. All the technicians said: Your Oceanis is a tanker - rock solid and the only boat in the flotilla that can still take a beating. Despite its solid quality, I sold it after four years because I could no longer stand the way charter guests were running the boat down.

[@chadperkins1000]

I grew up sailing my dad's 35 Dufour. It was from the early 80s and it was a tank. Even when you stepped on the deck, it did not move. Solid glass hull, heavy and well built. I recently went to a boat show and the new Dufours I thought were junk compared to what I was used to. Come to think of it,, most of these production boats seemed really thin skined when it came to the hulls. I do remember all of the floor boards not fitting right on the Dufour. I also thought those telescopic Davits are going to have issues.

[@fidelreino]

Truths about freshwater plastic boats at the price of high altitude boats. Bravo for so much truth

[@mikestokes2543]

You are amazing sir! Exceptional review + humour.

[@LadyKSailing]

Thank you kindly!

[@benrusi2289]

YES, love the rant! Also love the Dufour until this episode!! Good on Y!

[@Solstice42]

100% Agree with you on the price vs quality issue. 100% Disagree with the color choice rant - given that my significant other is part of making choices, and in my case, she, being European, loves the European look -- and therefore so do I - compromise ;-) -- clean and simple. the Fountaine Pajot interior design is perfect! In fact, boat companies should consult with Sailing Uma team on interiors. BTW, I subscribed to Practical Sailer today -- thanks to you and your future involvement!

[@bboyd2034]

Yes agreed... Maybe it was the first out of the factory and the next ones will be better? Good review....

[@withloyaltyandhonor]

It's cool you'll say what you feel and think, and own it.

[@cmorgan4515]

Rant on Brother it is a good one to rant on , i"am with you . GOD bless Scot'S AND RANTS

[@chriscoffman8340]

Great video. Compare this to a Catalina and there is no comparison- Catalina hands down!!

[@jaekn]

That interior looks way better than most of the dark, washed out looking colors and various strange patterns of interiors in 70s and 80s boats. I appreciate how bright it feels which is important in a cabin. However, there's no escaping how cheap it looks for the price you pay.

[@MikeStJohn-so4sl]

As the owner of a Sparkman Stevens Swan in which I have done 5 Atlantic crossings I have seen a lot of these boats being repaired in the Canaries, Cape Verdes, Caribbean and the Azores. I will stick with my old girl from the 70s. Last crossing from St Martin to Plymouth, 2 force 9s and 2 force 10s….broke nothing….

[@matthewkabbash]

I enjoy listening to this rusty scupper. Great value 👍 n the product. The cow hell gets me every time. Life needs more cow bell

[@tigertrap2269]

Have you ever done a good vs bad comparison between a catamaran and a monohull? Your reviews are awesome!

[@Sloggett1000]

Awesome video! Thanks for ranting, as I do respect your professional opinion. I would not be opposed to you doing more rants as these are the opinions of someone who looks at boats all day. Thanks lady k!

[@davemurphy2020]

A few years ago there was a to program called euro trash, then there was a plethora of companies, every day items, trains that were prefixed with the word euro. Now it is recognised as a mark representing the race to the bottom. The price goes up the quality comes down, euro.

[@jumpleadsx2]

Im in the market for a boat. Id very much prefer to buy a solid quality boat like an HR43, but there are 2 main obstacles, price and design. Newer boats have bigger cockpits and swim platforms, and for me thats a must have. The cheap ikea interior is a real problem.

[@mindebrolis9582]

Man, thank you. We love you, thanks for staying transparent (colorless? 😅)

[@ashleypierce8500]

Can't disagree. Kinda feels like the decision makers are a wee bit greedy on the margins.

[@ejdd3442]

Informative Thank You, I agree with your observations and love the IKEA Dentist office analogy!!!