Dufour 500 Grand Large for sale

Yachting Address Review — Dufour 500 Grand Large

The Dufour 500 Grand Large is one of the most undervalued large cruising yachts on the European used market. At €219,000–€284,000 for a fully equipped 15.10-meter offshore cruiser, it offers a size-to-price ratio that modern yachts of similar length simply cannot match.

Produced between approximately 2011 and 2018, the 500 GL belongs to Dufour's celebrated Felci generation — the period that produced some of the finest yachts in the shipyard's history before its years of industrial challenges. It is a yacht built with serious intent, designed for long-distance sailing, and spoken of by owners with a loyalty that reflects genuine satisfaction in real-world use.

What 15 Meters of Grand Large Really Means

The Dufour 500 Grand Large is not a 15-meter yacht dressed up with a "Grand Large" label for marketing purposes. It is a true bluewater cruiser whose technical specifications are designed to meet the demands of serious offshore sailing.

Its 500-liter fuel capacity and 720-liter freshwater tanks provide autonomy measured in weeks rather than days. The 75 hp Volvo Penta saildrive engine is perfectly suited to maneuvering a yacht of this displacement in marinas and through prolonged calm conditions. Its offshore-oriented rig — fractional mast, lazy bag, and lazy jacks fitted as standard on well-equipped examples — allows a short-handed crew to handle the boat without excessive physical effort.

Several Dufour 500 GLs have completed circumnavigations, family Atlantic crossings, and extended Mediterranean voyages. There are few stronger endorsements of a cruising yacht than proven long-distance use.

Configurations: 3, 4, or 5 Cabins

The Dufour 500 GL was offered in several interior layouts, and this distinction is critical when evaluating a used example.

The 3-cabin version is the true owner's configuration. It features three large double cabins, each with its own private head, a spacious central saloon, a fully equipped galley, and abundant storage for long-term cruising. This is the layout that provides the highest level of comfort for crews of four to six people.

The 4- or 5-cabin versions are charter-oriented layouts. Cabins are smaller, storage space is reduced, and circulation areas are more constrained. These configurations prioritize guest capacity over individual comfort. On the used market, many of these yachts originate from Mediterranean or Caribbean charter fleets and therefore require the thorough inspections that any former charter yacht deserves.

The five-cabin example located in Lorient and advertised at €249,000 illustrates this segment well — a yacht offering impressive accommodation capacity, though less luxurious in detail than the owner's three-cabin version.

What the Market Reveals

The asking prices observed on this page — €219,000 to €284,000 for 2014–2015 examples — are remarkably consistent for a 15-meter cruising yacht of this generation. Depreciation has been substantial compared with original new prices, which typically ranged between €400,000 and €450,000 depending on equipment. As a result, the current market represents a rational buying opportunity for sailors seeking size and autonomy without entering superyacht territory.

The geographic distribution of available boats — Hyères, Le Lavandou, Martinique, and Liguria — is typical of true cruising yachts. Their owners travel extensively, and the boats tend to remain where their latest voyages ended.

The Martinique-based example priced at €284,000 is particularly interesting because it combines the highest asking price with a location that involves repatriation costs. A transatlantic delivery can cost between €8,000 and €15,000 depending on route, crew, and logistics, and this should be factored into negotiations.

Key Points to Check When Buying Used

The Volvo Penta 75 hp saildrive diaphragm seal is the first mandatory inspection item. On yachts that are now 10–12 years old, the seal may already require a second replacement if maintenance schedules have been respected. Always request documentation and invoices confirming the most recent replacement.

Standing rigging should be replaced on any 2014–2015 example whose cables have not been renewed within the last five years. On a 15-meter yacht, a complete replacement typically costs between €4,000 and €6,500 depending on rig specification and labor rates. For offshore sailing, this expense should not be considered optional.

Sails are often the most significant variable in the yacht's actual value. A new full-batten mainsail for a yacht of this size can cost between €12,000 and €20,000 depending on materials and sailmaker. Ask for the age of the sails and estimated sailing hours. A mainsail dating from 2014 without replacement has likely lost much of its original shape and performance.

Electronics on 2014–2015 yachts are generally outdated. First-generation Raymarine or Furuno systems are common. A comprehensive modernization package — including touchscreen chartplotter, radar, next-generation autopilot, and Class B AIS — can cost between €8,000 and €18,000 depending on the desired specification.

Former charter yachts, especially the four- and five-cabin versions, require particularly careful inspection. Pay close attention to winches, fairleads, clutches, and turning blocks, as these are the components most heavily used by successive charter crews.

The Comparisons That Matter

Compared with a Beneteau Oceanis 48 or a Bavaria C45 of similar age, the Dufour 500 GL is larger, better equipped for offshore cruising, and more spacious in its owner's three-cabin layout. Compared with a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 519, it offers comparable sailing qualities with a slight advantage in living space and accommodation.

Compared with a Hallberg-Rassy 44 or an X-Yachts 45, the Dufour is significantly less expensive but also less refined in construction quality and finish. Those brands operate in a different premium segment altogether.

Dufour 500 Grand Large Market Prices in 2025–2026

Indicative price ranges, May 2026 market. VAT included unless otherwise stated.

Our verdict: The Dufour 500 Grand Large is one of the strongest value propositions currently available on the French used sailing yacht market in the 15-meter category. For €219,000 to €284,000, buyers gain access to a capable bluewater cruiser, spacious accommodation, and construction from one of the best periods in Dufour's history. The conditions remain unchanged: a thorough pre-purchase survey, recently replaced rigging, sails in good condition, and a clearly budgeted refit reserve. For sailors willing to perform that due diligence, the rewards fully justify the investment.