Deal on New Dufour?

[Transtec]

I have the opportunity to get into a new Dufour 45 or 44 at a great price. I have been liking these boats since I first sailed on a smaller Dufour years ago. The construction and design seem top end for a production boat.

The older boats are reputable but I don't hear much about the newer boats at least in the USA.

The Dufour is a handsome boat with a really nice interior. I believe they are good sailing boats but again, there is not a whole lot out there unless you visit a bunch of European Web sites where they seem very popular.

Or: Catalina 47 that I like a lot too??? Catalina is Catalina. Not a lot of guess work here.

[Giulietta]

CATALINA....an I don't know them.....I am European, though....understand????

[cardiacpaul]

How long have you been a "Skipper"?
One would wonder because you're considering Dufour & Catalina in the same post.

[Giulietta]

Originally Posted by cardiacpaul

How long have you been a "Skipper"?
One would wonder because you're considering Dufour & Catalina in the same post.

Since last Friday!!!! But still waiting on the license!!

I said I don't know the Catalina, and still prefer it.... Of course if we are talking about the old Dufours, then, ok I'm sorry....

But if you want I can say they're very good, only been sailing them since 1980

[captcalyx]

I sailed a new Dufour 45.5 from Finland, accross the Baltic and extensively in the Swedish archipelago last june. The boat sailed very well off the wind and to weather in breezes up to 25 knots. We were consistently in the 6-9 knot range with a balanced helm. Under power, docking, mooring or anchoring it also handled particularly well. Easiest boat to steer in reverse that I have sailed. There is quite a bit of freeboard so when manuevering in a blow, a bow thruster woud be a nice option. Below deck, the boat was nicely appointed although I didn't think the joinerwork or selection of materials was that competitive.
I was impressed enough to check out a new one when I returned to the US but I thought it was too pricey compared to a Beneteau.

[LungDoc]

The Dufour is a great boat! The 44 is more traditional and more of a racer. The 45 is more "European" with a lot of class. I have been on both.
The Catalina is a very mid-range boat... Believe me, I have owned two and have experience off-shore on them. They are stable, won't surprise you, but a very mediocre boat compared to a Dufour.

The Dufour moves along really well with very little effort in all kinds of sea conditions. That is what they are known for.

Please advise further regarding the available "deal".

Thanks

[Giulietta]

More pricey than a Beneteau??? Must be there...anyway...we must have different boats....maybe they do a good version for the US....maybe we get the crappy ones...who knows....

Signing out....