Dufour 37 Review: The Interior Design Overachiever (2026)
The Dufour 37 brings the brand's signature interior quality to a compact 37-foot package. Felici Yacht Design interiors with integrated furniture, hidden storage, and materials that feel premium rather than plastic. Two or three cabins. Less common in charter fleets than Beneteau or Jeanneau equivalents, but worth seeking out. Charter: €1,600-2,600/week. New from €158,400; used 2002–2026 examples run €40k–€233k depending on year and survey.
Quick Verdict
The Dufour 37 is the yacht to charter when you've spent a week aboard a standard 37-footer and thought: there must be something better below decks. There is. Felici Yacht Design's integrated furniture, ambient LED lighting, and materials that actually feel warm under your hand put this boat a clear step above the Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 and Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 380 in fit and finish. The hull does its job. The interior does more than its job.
This is a couples' boat first, a small-family boat second. The two-cabin layout is generous; the three-cabin version is tight. On the water she's competent rather than thrilling, and finding one in charter fleets requires more homework than walking into any marina and pointing at a Beneteau. If your week revolves around evenings in the saloon and mornings in a quiet anchorage rather than VMG targets, the Dufour 37 rewards your priorities.
10.77m
LOA
Length (35ft)
3.77m
beam
Width
2-3
cabins
Sleeps 4-6
€1,600-2,600
/week
Charter price
Specifications
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| LOA | 10.77 m (35 ft) |
| Beam | 3.77 m |
| Draft | 1.90 m |
| Displacement | 6,800 kg |
| Engine | Volvo Penta D1-20 / 28 hp |
| Sail area (main + genoa) | 60 m² |
| Water tank | 300 L |
| Fuel tank | 180 L |
| Cabins | 2 or 3 |
| Berths | 4–6 |
| Heads | 1 or 2 |
| New price (base) | €155,000–205,000 |
| Charter price/week | €1,600–2,600 |
Under Sail
To be direct: you don't buy or charter the Dufour 37 for her sailing performance. She's adequate. In 12–15 knots of true wind she'll make 6.2–6.5 knots on a beam reach, which puts her somewhere between the Oceanis 38.1 and the Sun Odyssey 380. She neither disgraces herself nor pulls ahead. The 60 m² sail plan is conservative for 6,800 kg of displacement, and in anything below Force 3 you'll be reaching for the engine sooner than you'd like.
Upwind, she points to around 38–40 degrees apparent on the standard 1.90 m keel. Respectable, not sharp. The helm feel is neutral, bordering on numb in flat water. Put her in a lumpy sea and there's some weather helm to work with, which at least tells you what the rig is doing. Tacking is uncomplicated, the genoa tracks are well-placed, and the self-tacking jib option removes one job from a short-handed crew.
Where she does surprise is downwind stability. The moderate beam and relatively low centre of gravity keep her well-mannered under asymmetric spinnaker in 18 knots. No sudden rolls, no drama. She rewards conservative sail plans and punishes ambition less than some wider-beamed competitors. For a charter week, that's exactly the right personality.
Living Aboard
Step below and everything changes. This is the Dufour 37's party trick, and it's a good one. Dufour's collaboration with Felici Yacht Design shows immediately: the saloon furniture is integrated, not bolted-on modules. Curves where competitors have angles. Storage compartments built into the sofa bases with soft-close hinges. The joinery is consistent throughout, no rough edges, no visible fasteners where they shouldn't be.
The galley sits to port in an L-shape, with solid Corian-style worktops, a two-burner hob, and an oven. Fridge capacity is around 130 L, adequate for a couple over a week but tight for a family of four without provisioning every two days. The nav station opposite is compact but functional, with enough space for a 12-inch tablet and a proper chart.
The two-cabin layout is the one to seek. The forward owner's cabin has a genuine island berth at 1.98 m × 1.52 m, with storage lockers on both sides and a hanging locker to starboard. The aft cabin, tucked under the cockpit, is tighter but still sleeps two adults without claustrophobia. The three-cabin version squeezes a second aft cabin into that space, and the compromise is felt immediately. Berth widths drop below 1.30 m and you'll hear your neighbour breathing through the thin partition.
LED ambient lighting strips run along the ceiling edges and beneath the galley counter. At night the effect is warm and genuinely attractive. The fabrics, darker tones with a linen-weave texture, hide wear well and don't carry that plasticky sheen you associate with high-rotation charter boats. This is where the premium over the Oceanis 38.1 goes, and it's money well spent.
The main head, forward to starboard, has a separate shower stall rather than the usual wet-room compromise. It's narrow , you'll bump elbows , but the separation keeps the toilet and vanity dry. On the two-head version, the aft compartment is a wet room and noticeably smaller.
Looking for a Dufour 37?
We know this market and where the good ones are — new or used, wherever she happens to be. Tell us what you're after and we'll find you the best option.
On Deck
The cockpit is where the Dufour 37 returns to earth. At 3.77 m beam there's less cockpit width than the Oceanis 38.1 at 3.99 m, and the Sun Odyssey 380, narrower at 3.70 m, makes better use of what it has. The twin helm stations are adequate, each with a small instrument pod, but sightlines forward are partially blocked by the sprayhood when it's up. This is a common trade-off at 37 feet. Know it before you book.
Winches are Harken 40.2 self-tailing as standard, two on the coamings and two on the coachroof for halyards. They're appropriately sized for the rig and won't leave you grinding endlessly. All lines lead aft, which keeps the coachroof clear for sunbathing. The mainsheet traveller sits on the cockpit sole, a Dufour signature that frees up the companionway entrance but requires a longer reach from the helm.
The transom opens to a wide swim platform with a fold-down ladder. It's one of the better platforms in this size class: flat, broad, and close to the waterline. A hot-water cockpit shower is standard on most charter-spec boats. The bimini and sprayhood combination covers the cockpit well, though early production models have a gap between them that lets rain through. Boats built from 2023 onwards addressed this with an optional connector panel.
Anchor handling is straightforward: a vertical windlass with a chain locker that drains properly. If a bowsprit is fitted for an asymmetric, it adds roughly 0.6 m to the LOA. Check your marina slot measurements before you arrive.
The Engine Room
The Volvo Penta D1-20 produces 28 hp, which pushes 6,800 kg of boat to around 6.5 knots under power. That's enough. In reverse she handles predictably, though the small three-blade folding prop doesn't generate much immediate thrust. Allow extra distance when Med mooring stern-to.
The trade-off that matters most to charter sailors: Volvo Penta's service network in the eastern Mediterranean is thinner than Yanmar's. In Croatia and Greece, Yanmar parts are stocked at most chandleries. Volvo Penta parts may require a wait or a courier from a larger port. For an owner this is manageable; for a one-week charter it's a real risk. If you're chartering in Croatia or Greece, ask the charter company what spares they hold on base.
A bow thruster is optional at around €4,500 fitted. Many charter-spec boats have one, and given the small prop's modest reverse authority, it's worth confirming at booking. The electrical system is a single 12V bank with two 115 Ah AGM batteries as standard. Shore power is 230V with a 25A charger. There's no watermaker option from the factory, so the 300 L tank is your lot. Plan provisioning accordingly.
✓ Strengths
- •Best-in-class interior quality at 35 ft , Felici design is visible and tangible
- •Integrated furniture with hidden storage throughout
- •Premium materials that age better than typical charter-spec fittings
- •Two-cabin layout genuinely comfortable for couples
- •Excellent swim platform and transom design
✕ Trade-offs
- •Less common in charter fleets , harder to find than Beneteau or Jeanneau
- •Volvo Penta engine has a weaker service network in the eastern Med
- •Sailing performance is average for the class, not a highlight
- •Premium pricing: 10-15% more than equivalent Oceanis or Sun Odyssey
- •Three-cabin layout is cramped , stick with two cabins if possible
Charter Market
Finding a Dufour 37 in charter requires patience. The brand has a smaller fleet presence than Beneteau or Jeanneau, and the 37 sits in a segment where charter operators tend to default to the Oceanis 38.1 or Sun Odyssey 380 for bulk orders. You'll find them in quality-focused independent fleets, particularly around Split and Trogir in Croatia, the south of France, and occasionally the Ionian.
Expect to pay €1,600–2,000 per week in shoulder season (May, October) and €2,200–2,600 in July and August. That's €200–400 more than a comparable Oceanis 38.1 in the same location. The premium reflects both the boat's specification and its scarcity. Factor in typical extras, outboard dinghy, end cleaning, linen, and budget €2,200–3,200 all-in for a peak-season week.
For a broader view of what charter yachts cost across the Med, see our 2026 charter price guide.
Used Market
The current-generation Dufour 37 launched in 2021, so the used market is still young. Ex-charter examples from 2021–2022 with 800–1,200 engine hours are appearing at €130,000–155,000. Private boats with lower hours and fuller spec sheets command €155,000–185,000. The predecessor, the Dufour 360 (2014–2020), is the more accessible entry point at €100,000–145,000 depending on year and condition.
On a used Dufour 37, check the Volvo Penta's service history carefully: impeller changes, coolant flushes, injector condition. Examine the integrated furniture joints for any signs of delamination, particularly around the galley where heat and moisture converge. The transom hinge mechanism should open and close smoothly; replacement parts are specific to Dufour and not available off the shelf. On ex-charter boats, inspect the gelcoat around the bathing platform and stern for impact damage from careless docking.
The Dufour 360 is worth considering for buyers on a tighter budget. It shares the Felici design philosophy, though materials and lighting are a step below the 37. The 360's Yanmar 3YM20 engine at 21 hp is less powerful but benefits from wider parts availability throughout the Med. Both models are covered in our full Dufour brand guide.
The Verdict
Choose the Dufour 37 if interior quality matters most and you want a 37-footer that feels a class above the fleet standard
Best for: Couples, small families who value evening comfort, sailors stepping up from budget charters
Choose another yacht if you need widest charter fleet availability, maximum sailing performance, or the cheapest weekly rate at 37-38 ft
Best for: First-time charterers (try the Oceanis 38.1 for availability), racing-minded sailors (Sun Odyssey 380 has sharper helm feel)
Dufour 37 price: new, used by year, and what moves it
New from €158,400 (2026, base price ex-VAT). Used prices below run by year and build era — the spread inside each band comes down to spec, charter history and how the boat surveys.
Dufour 37 Used Market Snapshot (2026)
| Years | Typical price (used) | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| 2025–2026 | €158,000–€185,000 | Current production generation (launched Cannes 2022); foam-cored infusion hull; three rig/equipment packs (Easy, Ocean, Performance) with significant price spread; 9.99 m 'compact' version (30 hp Volvo Penta saildrive) vs 10.77 m full-length version (40 hp) — listings do not always distinguish clearly; check which hull length and engine spec is fitted. |
| 2023–2024 | €166,000–€233,000 | Earliest used examples on market; 2024 ex-charter units appearing at ~€166,000 (Croatia); private 2024 at €233,000; model still in early-market phase with minimal depreciation — used prices track close to new; verify Z-Spar deck-stepped mast condition and large hull window seal integrity on these first-generation hulls. |
| 2022–2023 (launch year hulls) | €175,000–€200,000 | First production year; hull #1–early series built before full production ramp; infusion construction debuted on this model; single rudder retained from Dufour 360 predecessor; check self-tacking jib car track wear and bowsprit platform hinge condition; Volvo Penta D1-20 (19 hp) on base spec — very underpowered against wind/current, upgrade to 30 hp or 40 hp strongly recommended. |
| 2018–2022 (Dufour 360 predecessor) | €80,000–€140,000 | Dufour 360 (direct predecessor to Dufour 37); produced 2018–2022 with original new price ~€127,100; 10.73 m, Umberto Felci design, backstay-free fractional rig; check mast partner and chainplate area for stress cracking; early 360s had reports of opening in chainplate sealant; different model from the 37 but frequently listed alongside it on brokerages. |
| 2008–2012 (Dufour 37 classic) | €54,000–€135,000 | Older distinct model called Dufour 37 (11.19 m, 3.85 m beam) predating the current generation; Volvo Penta sail-drive engines of that era prone to bellows and seal deterioration; check osmosis on gel coat, standing rigging age, and electrical rewiring history; entirely different design from 2022 Dufour 37 — buyer should confirm build year carefully. |
| 2002–2007 (Dufour 37 classic early) | €40,000–€70,000 | Oldest Dufour 37-named hulls on the market; Yanmar or Volvo inboard diesel typical; expect osmosis treatment required, aging standing and running rigging, outdated electronics; galvanic corrosion on saildrive legs common; survey essential before purchase. |
| New | from €158,400 | Base price ex-VAT — ask us for current delivery slots |
The current-generation Dufour 37 (2022-onward) holds value exceptionally well in its early years — used 2023–2024 listings are priced within 5–15% of new equivalents, with one French market analysis noting that meaningful depreciation of 15–20% is not expected until the 2022–2023 hulls reach 4+ years of age (around 2026–2027). The model's strong charter demand in Croatia, Greece, and the Mediterranean, combined with Dufour's brand recognition and Boat of the Year 2022 award, support above-average residual values compared with similarly sized production competitors.
The Dufour 37 is actively deployed in Mediterranean charter fleets (Croatia, Greece, Italy), and ex-charter units are already visible on Boat24 at a discount of approximately €15,000–€30,000 below comparable private-owner boats of the same year (e.g., 2024 ex-charter listed at €166,000 in Croatia versus private 2024 units at €195,000–€233,000); buyers should budget for worn upholstery, higher engine and saildrive hours, accelerated wear on winches and blocks, and verify whether any remaining charter management contract encumbers the vessel.
How these prices compare across sizes and types → · Could this boat pay for itself in charter? → · What to check on a used Dufour 37 →
Looking for a Dufour 37?
We know this market and where the good ones are — new or used, wherever she happens to be. Tell us what you're after and we'll find you the best option.
FAQ
How does the Dufour 37 compare to the Beneteau Oceanis 38.1?
The Dufour 37 has a noticeably better interior — Felici Yacht Design furniture, premium materials, and ambient lighting. The Oceanis 38.1 offers wider beam (3.99 m vs 3.77 m), a Yanmar engine with better Med service coverage, and far greater charter fleet availability. The Oceanis is typically €200-400 cheaper per week. Choose the Dufour for living aboard quality, the Beneteau for availability and value.
Is the Dufour 37 good for beginners?
Yes. She's well-mannered under sail, stable downwind, and the all-lines-aft layout simplifies sail handling. The 28 hp Volvo Penta provides adequate power. A bow thruster, if fitted, helps with Med mooring. The main beginner consideration is charter availability — the Dufour 37 is harder to find than a Beneteau or Jeanneau equivalent.
Should I choose the 2-cabin or 3-cabin Dufour 37?
The two-cabin layout is strongly recommended. It gives a genuine island double forward (1.98 m × 1.52 m) and a comfortable aft cabin. The three-cabin version squeezes berths below 1.30 m wide in the aft cabins and loses storage space. For four adults, the two-cabin version is more liveable.
What is the charter price for a Dufour 37?
Expect €1,600-2,000 per week in shoulder season (May, October) and €2,200-2,600 in peak summer (July, August). All-in costs including extras typically reach €2,200-3,200 for a peak week. This is 10-15% more than a comparable Oceanis 38.1 or Sun Odyssey 380.
What replaced the Dufour 360?
The Dufour 37 replaced the Dufour 360 from 2021 onwards. It brought updated Felici Yacht Design interiors, LED ambient lighting, improved transom platform design, and the switch from Yanmar to Volvo Penta engines. The hull lines were refined for slightly better light-air performance.
