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Dufour 390 Grand Large

2018–present · designed by Umberto Felci (hull); Dufour in-house (interior) · built by Dufour Yachts

Mid-2010s mid-size cruiser in Dufour's Grand Large line — successor to the 385 GL. Continues the Felci performance-flavored cruising hull. Modernized interior with the Dufour "cockpit lounge" layout, increased beam-aft, larger swim platform. Single spade rudder standard with twin-spade rudder as an option on later hulls. Aimed at coastal cruising and charter use; the design language has shifted toward more form-stable hull and increased interior volume vs the 385 GL.

This is a general read on the Dufour 390 Grand Large class — informed background, not a verdict on any individual boat. Condition, refit history, and how a particular hull was sailed and stored matter far more than class reputation. Use it to know what to look for; for a read on a specific listing, run a free FairKeel report on that boat.

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At a glance

Hull form: Fin Keel
Ballast: Bolt On Iron
Rudder: Spade
Mast step: Deck Stepped
Hull construction: Fiberglass
Production: 2018–present
Built in: France (La Rochelle)

What the Dufour 390 Grand Large is known for

Felci hull form gives strong light-air performance + balanced helm — continues the Dufour design DNA.
Modern construction + updated interior ergonomics (cockpit lounge, walk-through transom) make it a competitive contemporary cruiser.
Volvo D2-50 is a current-generation engine with full parts and service support globally.

Known trade-offs

Charter-fleet pedigree common; verify hours and condition before pricing as owner-spec.
EU-spec parts pricing in US used market. Dufour US dealer support thinner than Beneteau / Jeanneau.
Dufour ownership has passed through corporate parents (Bavaria, Fountaine Pajot) — parts support may be uneven across era and region.

Age-related quirks to expect

Single suspended/spade rudder with twin helm wheels; no twin-rudder option verified in opened specs Low all (architectural)

30/40hp diesel range listed in opened specifications; confirm exact Volvo variant by hull tier Low 2018-present

Saildrive boot rubber — 7-10 year service item; 2018-2019 hulls now in first replacement window Medium all (architectural)

Cockpit lounge layout — large fold-out aft seating; check linkage + sealing Low all

Charter-spec 3-cabin layout vs owner-spec 2-cabin Low all (option)

Systems to check before you buy

Saildrive (Volvo D2-50 lower unit + boot rubber) priority: coastal, liveaboard

Opened specs list a 30/40hp diesel range but do not verify D2-50. Boot rubber seal 7-10 year service item; 2018-2019 hulls now in first replacement window. Confirm service record.

Engine (30/40hp diesel range; verify variant) priority: coastal, liveaboard

Opened specs list 30/40hp diesel power. Heat exchanger, raw-water pump, impeller, mounts, and saildrive/drive service are standard wear items. Service-friendly installation. Check hours and service history.

Standing rigging priority: coastal, offshore

Deck-stepped mast on 5-12 year-old hulls. Original rig within typical service interval (15-20 year) for most hulls but 2014- 2016 hulls approaching first major rig inspection.

Charter-history wear pattern priority: coastal, liveaboard

Significant charter-fleet uptake. Verify hours per year — owner 80-150 vs charter 400-700. Wear in cushions, winches, head fittings, joinery.

Hull-deck joint + deck core priority: coastal, offshore, liveaboard

Modern hull-deck joint and (mostly) cored decks. Moisture-meter survey at stanchions, genoa tracks, chainplates, mast step. Newer hulls than the 385 GL but still subject to standard sealant- degradation patterns by year 15+.

How it fits your plans

Coastal: Designed for it. Felci hull with form-stable updated geometry gives strong all-around coastal performance. single spade rudder keeps the underwater package simpler than twin-rudder boats.
Offshore: Possible with prep but not designed for it. Production-grade build, saildrive vulnerability, charter wear histories are limiting factors.
Liveaboard: Workable for a couple. Tankage modest (~55 gal fuel / ~90 gal water typical). Owner-spec 2-cabin trades a berth for storage and a dedicated workshop / utility space.
Racing: Not the primary intent.
Weekending: Designed for it.

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