doufour 485

The 2008 Dufour 485 Grand Large, designed by the renowned Italian studio Umberto Felci together with Patrick Roséo for the French shipyard, represents one of the most successful and iconic models of the golden age of the Grand Large range. This vessel is certified in Class CE A (Ocean), specifically designed for long offshore cruises, combining generous volumes with excellent nautical performance.

Quality of Construction

The construction of the Dufour 485 reflects the solid tradition of the transalpine shipyards combined with modern lamination technologies:

• Hull and Deck: The hull is made of monolithic fibreglass (full stratification) below the waterline to ensure maximum structural strength and impact resistance. The deck and emerged areas of the hull, on the other hand, exploit the sandwich technique with a balsa or infusion-moulded core, a solution that lightens the structure in the high points, lowers the centre of gravity and offers excellent thermal and acoustic insulation inside.

• Hull-Deck Liaison: The junction between the hull and deck is structured with a mechanically bonded and bolted "livet diritto" system, topped by a solid wooden (or aluminium) fanga rail that guarantees perfect watertightness and torsional rigidity to the stresses of the open sea.

• Appendages and Ballast: The bulb is paired with a fin that, depending on the version, offers a standard draft of 1.90 metres or a deep version of 2.25 metres. The ballast uses stainless steel reinforcement plates inside the hull.

• Interiors and Woodwork: The 2008 interiors are distinguished by the abundant use of solid wood and traditional finishes (often in warm and dark tones typical of the period), preferred to plastic laminates now more widespread. The woodwork is robust and designed to last over time, with handholds strategically positioned for safe descent even in rough seas.

Qualità Veliche e Comportamento in Mare

Despite the impressive maximum draft of 4.70 metres and a significant displacement of around 15 tonnes, Umberto Felci has managed to design an incredibly agile hull:

• Wave passage and stability: The hull shape features a wide stern that remains high in the water, reducing hydrodynamic resistance in port tack. The boat demonstrates a smooth and safe passage over the waves, without suffering from hard structural impacts ("slamming"), maintaining excellent course stability.

• Sail area and performance: The rig is 9/10 fractional. With a total sail area of around 113 m² (divided between a 54 m² mainsail and a generous 140% genoa of around 59 m²), the Dufour 485 is able to exploit even the lightest Mediterranean breezes. In moderate winds, it maintains constant averages of 7-8 knots under sail.

• Manovrabilità e conduzione: La risposta al timone con la sua profonda pala singola è precisa e immediata. La stabilità di forma generata dal baglio compensa un rapporto di zavorra più contenuto (circa il 25%), riducendo lo sbandamento iniziale a favore del comfort dell'equipaggio. Molti esemplari includono un bompresso retrattile integrato a prua che semplifica l'uso del Gennaker o del Code 0 direttamente dal pozzetto, rendendola una barca ideale anche per una conduzione in equipaggio ridotto (short-handed).