Dufour
Dufour 512
The Dufour 512 Grand Large is the updated version of the 500, incorporating several key refinements to the deck and interior to enhance its appeal as a premium long-distance cruiser. The most visible update is the redesigned helm stations and the addition of the fixed bowsprit, which improves the handling of the anchor and downwind sails. Positioned as a high-volume, luxury production yacht, the 512 is aimed at owners who prioritize comfort and ease of use, often transitioning from smaller boats or looking for a more modern alternative to traditional cruisers.
From a survey perspective, the 512 requires a careful check of the saildrive diaphragm (Volvo Penta) and the condition of the twin rudders. The wide beam and high freeboard put significant windage on the hull, so the bow thruster and its dedicated battery bank should be thoroughly tested. Additionally, the 512 features a large amount of bonded glass in the coachroof and hull; surveyors should look for any signs of delamination or leaks, particularly in the large hull ports that are subject to hull flexing.
Market context for the 512 is strong, as it offers a very modern aesthetic and a layout that is still considered cutting-edge. It is a popular choice for both private owners and high-end charter companies. The sailing performance is respectable for a boat of this volume, settling nicely on its chine and providing a stable platform in a breeze. It is a yacht that feels substantial and safe, with a level of finish that justifies its position at the top of the Grand Large range.
At a glance
Quick facts
- Production
- 2016+
- LOA
- 15.2 m
- Beam
- 4.8 m
- Model
- Dufour 512
Key takeaways
- Best for: luxury long-distance cruisers seeking refined interior finishes
- Common issue: bow thruster battery health and hull port leaks
- Typical price: premium flagship tier; value depends on system upgrades
Expert verdict
FairHelm rating: 7.6/10 — Refined luxury flagship with fixed bowsprit; monitor hull ports for leaks and test bow thruster batteries.
Vadim Nareyko, FairHelm Editorial · Last reviewed: 2026-07-12
Technical data
- Length overall (LOA)
- 15.2 m
- Beam
- 4.8 m
- Production years
- 2016+
Typical problems
Buyer FAQ
- What are the main updates from the Dufour 500 to the 512?
The 512 features a fixed bowsprit, redesigned helm consoles, and improved interior lighting and finishes.
- Does the Dufour 512 have the transom grill and sink?
Yes, the 512 includes the integrated outdoor galley at the transom, which is a signature feature of the Grand Large range.
- How many cabins does the Dufour 512 typically have?
It is most commonly found in a 3-cabin/3-head or a 4-cabin/4-head layout, with some 5-cabin versions available for charter.
- Is the Dufour 512 easy to dock?
While large, the 512 is usually equipped with a powerful bow thruster, and the twin rudders provide excellent maneuverability under power.
- What is the fuel and water capacity of the Dufour 512?
It typically carries around 500 liters of fuel and 720 liters of water, making it well-suited for extended cruising.
Design History
Dufour 512 emerged when Scandinavian and North Sea yards were scaling reliable GRP cruising platforms for owner crews rather than charter fleets. French production shaped the hull lines and interior volume for predictable manners in Baltic chop and North Sea swell. Production ran from 2018 to present; registry and owner-club sources cite approximately ~440–1250 completed hulls.
dufour positioned the Dufour 512 for coastal and offshore use in the 2018–ongoing production window — explaining mixed maintenance histories on the secondary market today.
Mid-production changes were mostly interior trim, engine options, and deck hardware rather than fundamental hull revisions. That means survey condition, winter storage history, and rigging invoices usually matter more than the model year printed on the brochure. When you evaluate a Dufour 512 on Blocket, treat the maintenance story as part of the specification — not a footnote after the asking price.
Annual Ownership Costs
| Cost item | Low (SEK) | High (SEK) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marina berth | 22,000 | 48,000 | 15.5 m class, Stockholm/Gothenburg |
| Insurance | 8 000 | 22 000 | Agreed value and cruising area |
| Haul-out + winter | 12 000 | 28 000 | Yard package varies by region |
| Antifouling + hull care | 6 000 | 16 000 | Materials and labour |
| Engine / drivetrain | 5 000 | 16 000 | Service intervals and saildrive |
| Rigging reserve | 7 000 | 20 000 | Standing rigging age |
| Deck / structural reserve | 6 000 | 22 000 | Bedding, moisture follow-up |
| Total annual | 62 000 | 172 000 | Excludes major refit years |
Annual ownership for Dufour 512 is predictable when service records are complete. Berth, storage, and insurance dominate fixed costs in Sweden. The largest variables are rigging replacement timing and any survey-led deck or drivetrain work triggered after purchase. Keep a separate technical reserve so routine season costs stay stable — especially on Blocket boats marketed as "ready to sail" without invoices.
Pre-Purchase Survey Checklist
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist: Dufour 512
Hull, Keel and Underwater Body
- Moisture-map the underwater hull; document osmosis or barrier-coat history on Dufour 512 GRP of this era.
- Inspect keel-to-hull joint, keel bolts (if external iron), and backing structure for movement or recurring fairing cracks.
- Check rudder bearings and steering linkage under load during sea trial.
Deck and Hardware
- Test bedding at stanchions, tracks, and winches; open nearby interior access if damp stains appear.
- Inspect hatches and portlights for seal compression and core moisture at corners.
- Verify chainplate areas internally for rust staining or soft laminate.
Rig and Sail Systems
- Confirm standing rigging age with invoices; treat unknown age as near-term replacement on club-used hulls.
- Inspect mast step, spreaders, and terminals for corrosion or fatigue marks.
- Operate furling and reefing systems under realistic load.
Machinery and Systems
- Review engine and saildrive service including cooling, exhaust elbow, and mounts.
- Audit batteries, charging, and owner-added electrical work for safe fusing.
- Check tanks, bilges, and hoses for age-related seepage.