Dufour Atoll 43

The Dufour Atoll 43 is a well-regarded sailboat known for its unique design and versatility. Launched in 1998 and designed by Philippe Briand, this 43-foot monohull offers a rich blend of style and functionality, making it a favorite in the sailing community. Whether you're planning a relaxed day on the water or a long-term cruise, this boat has features that cater to various needs.

One of the standout aspects of the Dufour Atoll 43 is its "inside-out" layout, which places all main living and entertaining areas on deck around the cockpit. This design maximizes space and comfort, especially for charter use. With the primary living areas up on deck, you can enjoy panoramic views and the fresh sea breeze while lounging or dining.

In terms of accommodations, the Dufour Atoll 43 excels with comfortable sleeping quarters and spacious cabins. It's no wonder this model remains popular among buyers, especially in markets like Greece and Australia where it's regularly featured for sale. With a blend of robust specifications and thoughtful design, the Atoll 43 is a reliable and enjoyable option for sailing enthusiasts.

Key Takeaways

• The Dufour Atoll 43 features an "inside-out" design for optimal living space.
• It’s designed by Philippe Briand and built by Dufour Yachts.
• The boat is well-suited for both casual sailing and longer cruises.

Key Features

The Dufour Atoll 43 combines modern design with functional engineering. This vessel features a spacious layout, excellent sailing performance, and reliable construction materials for durability.

Model Overview

The Dufour Atoll 43, designed by Philippe Briand, is a 43-foot monohull sailboat. Created in 1998 by Dufour Yachts, it is known for accommodating up to eight people comfortably. The boat features four cabins and a salon, making it ideal for large groups or families. Only 40 units of this model were produced, adding to its appeal among sailing enthusiasts. Powered by a 62hp motor, the Atoll 43 can reach speeds of up to 8 knots, suitable for long-distance cruising and short adventures alike.

Design and Construction

The Atoll 43 is constructed with a fiberglass hull, which ensures longevity and durability. The boat’s beam measures 13.8 feet, providing ample space inside. It features a draft of 5.3 feet, offering stability and performance in various water conditions. Displacement is measured at 10,200 kilograms. The fiberglass construction contributes to its lightweight nature, while the sloop rig features a mainsail area, ensuring ease of handling. Twin 550-liter water tanks and a 500-liter fuel capacity make the Atoll 43 a reliable vessel for extended voyages.

Sailing Performance

The Dufour Atoll 43 is praised for its sailing capabilities. Its fractional sloop design allows for a balanced sail plan. The boat is considered stiff and stable, providing a steady sailing experience. With a BN of 1.6, it performs well in offshore conditions but might need reefing often. Its design ensures it can handle various wind and sea conditions efficiently. The sail area is optimized for both speed and stability, making it a versatile choice for cruising and racing. Equipped with a three-bladed propeller, the motor performance is robust, facilitating good maneuverability and reliable speeds.

Accommodations

The Dufour Atoll 43 offers ample space and comfort for its passengers. Its interior is well-designed, providing a practical layout and several comfort features that enhance the sailing experience.

Interior Layout

The boat includes multiple cabins to accommodate passengers comfortably. The front cabins are spacious, providing room for relaxation. The headroom throughout the interior is generous, allowing most people to walk around without feeling cramped.

There are two heads (bathrooms) on the Dufour Atoll 43, ensuring convenience for all on board. Single berths are also available, offering additional sleeping options. With high-quality materials used throughout, the interior exudes a feeling of luxury and durability.

Comfort Features

The Dufour Atoll 43 comes equipped with many features to enhance comfort. The cockpit is well-sized and protected, creating an ideal space for outdoor activities. Heating and air conditioning systems are often included to maintain a pleasant temperature inside.

The boat's water capacity is substantial, meaning less need for frequent refills during long trips. Additionally, it is equipped with a holding tank, which is essential for longer voyages to manage waste properly.

Lighting throughout the interior is designed to create a welcoming atmosphere, and the overall design ensures that every part of the boat feels cozy and accessible.

Specifications

The Dufour Atoll 43 is a well-designed sailboat known for its performance and stability. It offers both technical efficiency and robust engine capabilities.

Technical Specifications

The Dufour Atoll 43 features a length overall (LOA) of 43.00 ft (13.11 m) and a maximum beam of 4.66 m. Its draft measures 1.69 m, allowing for a blend of deep water capability and manageable shallow water navigation. The boat’s hull is made of fiberglass, providing durability and lightness.

It is a fractional sloop with a rig setup conducive to better handling and performance. The vessel's displacement stands at several thousand pounds, ensuring a stable and smooth sail. With a sail area designed for optimal wind capture, the boat's overall sailing experience is highly efficient.

Engine and Propulsion

The Dufour Atoll 43 is powered by a Nanni Diesel engine, capable of generating significant horsepower. This engine, with about 1300 hours of use, is known for its reliability and efficiency. The boat also features a Max Power bow thruster installed in 2010, enhancing maneuverability during docking and tight navigations.

Fuel tanks have a substantial capacity, holding up to 500 liters, ensuring extended sailing without frequent refueling. Additionally, the water tanks are 2x500 liters each, allowing for adequate water storage on long journeys. These specifications highlight the boat’s endurance and functionality for extended trips at sea.

Pricing and Purchase

The Dufour Atoll 43 boats exhibit varied pricing options influenced by factors such as age, condition, and location. Buyers can find listings from both private sellers and dealerships, making it important to explore different sources for the best deal.

Base Price and Options

The base price of a Dufour Atoll 43 can vary depending on the condition and year of the boat. For a used Dufour Atoll 43, prices generally range from 105,000 € to 130,000 €. These values can fluctuate with the boat's maintenance history and additional features or upgrades.

Price differences may also arise due to currency conversion rates. For instance, when purchasing from countries like Greece, buyers should convert Euros to their home currency and consider any resulting fees.

Market Availability

Currently, the Dufour Atoll 43 is available for purchase on several platforms. Notable websites like YachtWorld, boats.com, and Boat Trader list these boats. The number of available boats can change, with listings ranging from just a few to dozens depending on the market.

In 2023, site visits reveal only a handful of these boats being listed, suggesting limited availability. This scarcity highlights the necessity of quick decisions when a potential buyer finds an appealing offer. Additionally, some sites feature sponsored boats, which can provide enhanced visibility and potentially higher-quality listings.

Ownership and Maintenance

The Dufour Atoll 43 is a reliable boat for bluewater cruising, but ownership and keeping it in prime condition require consistent effort and expense.

Upkeep and Running Costs

Maintaining the Dufour Atoll 43 involves regular checks and timely repairs. The hull and sails need resealing and cleaning to prevent wear and tear. Sail balance is crucial for optimal performance, so adjustments to the rigging and sails are essential.

Annual maintenance costs can run between $5,000 to $10,000, depending on the extent of required upkeep. This includes anti-fouling, engine servicing, and inspecting the rig and other systems. Insurance, docking fees, and winter storage also add to the overall expenses.

Long-Term Value

The resale value of the Dufour Atoll 43 largely depends on its maintenance history. A well-maintained boat can retain a significant portion of its value. Regular upkeep not only ensures longevity but also makes the boat more appealing to potential buyers.

Market trends show that bluewater cruisers like the Atoll 43 tend to hold their value well. Key factors include the condition of the hull, sails, and engine. Keeping comprehensive maintenance records also boosts resale value.

Navigational Instruments

The Dufour Atoll 43 is equipped with a range of navigational instruments that ensure accuracy and safety at sea.

GPS: The primary navigation tool on the Dufour Atoll 43 is the GPS, which provides precise location data. It helps sailors plot their course and track their progress.

Chartplotter: Integrated with the GPS, the chartplotter displays electronic charts, aiding in route planning and monitoring.

Autopilot: The autopilot system allows the boat to maintain a set course automatically. This is especially useful during long trips and when crew members need to attend to other tasks.

Radar: The onboard radar helps detect other vessels and obstacles, even in poor visibility conditions. This is crucial for avoiding collisions and navigating safely.

Depth Sounder: This instrument measures the water depth beneath the boat, helping to avoid running aground in shallow waters.

Wind Instruments: The Dufour Atoll 43 includes devices to measure wind speed and direction. This information is essential for adjusting sails and optimizing performance.

These instruments ensure the Dufour Atoll 43 remains a well-equipped and reliable yacht for both novice sailors and experienced mariners.

Customer Experience

Dufour Atoll 43 owners often talk about the boat's after-sales support and the vibrant community of Dufour Owners. These elements play a crucial role in shaping the overall customer satisfaction.

After-Sales Support

Owners of the Dufour Atoll 43 have praised the after-sales support provided by Dufour Yachts. Many mention that the company offers timely and reliable assistance. Whether it's about spare parts or technical advice, customers feel well-supported.

To address specific concerns, Dufour also provides detailed manuals and guides. This helps new owners understand and maintain their boats effectively. The availability of these resources underscores Dufour's commitment to customer satisfaction.

Customer feedback channels are efficient, and the company's response time is generally quick. This ensures that issues are resolved promptly, contributing to a positive ownership experience.

Community and Events

The community of Dufour Owners is active and engaging. Forums like Cruisers & Sailing and SailNet Community are popular among owners. These platforms allow boat owners to share experiences, advice, and stories, fostering a sense of camaraderie.

Events and meet-ups organized by the Dufour Owners group add to the community vibe. These gatherings are opportunities for owners to connect, exchange tips, and enjoy sailing together.

Local and international sailing events also see participation from Dufour owners. Being part of such a community enhances the overall sailing experience, making boat ownership not just about the vessel but also about the friendships and shared adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Dufour Atoll 43 is a well-regarded sailboat known for its unique design and balanced performance. Below are common questions about its specifications, reviews, market price, issues, suitability for cruising, and manufacturing origin.

What are the specifications of the Dufour Atoll 43?

The Dufour Atoll 43 is a monohull sailboat designed by Philippe Briand. It has a length overall (LOA) of 43 feet (13.1 meters). It features a spacious layout with a party upstairs, sleep downstairs configuration, making it ideal for social gatherings and comfortable living.

Where can I find reviews of the Dufour Atoll 43?

Reviews of the Dufour Atoll 43 can be found on forums like Cruisers & Sailing Forums and SailNet Community. These forums offer insights from owners and sailing enthusiasts who share their experiences and opinions about the boat's performance and amenities.

What is the current market price for a used Dufour Atoll 43?

The market price for a used Dufour Atoll 43 varies depending on the year, condition, and location. A 2001 model with a single owner and no charter history might be listed for sale. Detailed listings and pricing information can often be found on classified sections of sailing forums and websites.

What are common problems or issues with the Dufour Atoll 43?

Sail balance is a notable consideration for the Dufour Atoll 43. While all yachts require attention to sail balance for optimal performance, the Atoll needs a bit more care in this area. By ensuring proper sail balance, owners can achieve better performance and handling.

Are Dufour Atoll boats considered suitable for blue water cruising?

Dufour Atoll 43 boats are generally considered suitable for blue water cruising. Their sturdy design and thoughtful layout make them capable of handling the demands of long-distance sailing. Owners often appreciate the boat's ability to provide comfort during extended voyages.

In which country are Dufour Atoll 43 boats manufactured?

Dufour Atoll 43 boats are manufactured in France. Dufour Yachts, the company behind the Atoll 43, has a reputation for producing quality sailboats that combine performance with comfort and style.