It has been another bumper year for the boatbuilding industry. Sam Jefferson casts his eye over the latest launches in the last calendar year
DUFOUR 41
The latest launch from French manufacturer Dufour is the 41. Like all of its recent launches she comes from the drawing board of Umberto Felci and the boat is particularly notable for its impressive volume. Despite measuring in at 39’3”, the boat manages to shoehorn in three cabins and three ensuite heads. Not a bad achievement. All this is done by giving the boat generous beam (4.3m/14’ to be precise) carried well aft. This beam is the same as on its much larger Dufour 430. Couple this with relatively full bow lines – at least above the waterline – and you have a recipe for high volume. Aside from this, the 41 looks like a classic Felci design – dramatic on the water with a decently dimensioned rig. As mentioned, the classic layout will feature twin aft cabins with ensuite heads, plus a large master forward also with ensuite.
⬤ dufour-yachts.com
JEANNEAU 55
Part of the Jeanneau Yachts range, this is a big, luxurious boat with a number of significant innovations regarding the interior layout. The boat differs significantly from its rivals in this sector as it offers twin guest cabins with their own ensuites set at the aft end of the cockpit just before the companionway. This means you have guest accommodation which is completely separated off from the main saloon. This offers both owner and guest a high level of personal privacy and sets the boat apart from its rivals.
⬤ Jeanneau.com
HANSE 510
Hanse began a revamp of its range last year with the launch of the new Hanse 460 and has followed on with its new 510. Like the 460 it breaks with Hanse’s go-to designer Judel/Vrolijk and switches to the Berret/Racoupeau team who have worked extensively with French manufacturers Beneteau and Jeanneau in the past. The new boat is strikingly modern in its looks and features a high volume hull with plentiful beam carried right aft, and twin rudders. Hanse is aiming to up the quality of the product somewhat with its latest generation and this means a somewhat more plush interior. As you’d expect there is also masses of accommodation space, making this an ideal fast cruiser.
⬤ Inspirationmarine.co.uk
ELAN IMPRESSION 43
Slovenian boatbuilder Elan has enjoyed something of a split personality for many years now; on the one hand it turns out quite flashy cruiser/racers and on the other it produces solid, reliable cruising yachts as part of its Impression range. The new Impression 43 is definitely the latter and this Rob Humphreys design is big
