Dufour 512 Grand Large for sale

Yachting Address Review — Dufour 512 Grand Large

The Dufour 512 Grand Large is the yacht you buy when you realize that 15 meters of quality cruising yacht for €269,000 on the used market is an opportunity that does not come around very often.

Built between 2014 and 2018, the 512 GL represents the pinnacle of Dufour's Felci generation — a large cruising yacht carefully designed for long-distance sailing and comfortable living aboard, during a period when the La Rochelle shipyard was still fully in control of its industrial expertise. It is a step above the 500 GL in both size and accommodation, and the used market reflects this with prices ranging from €269,000 to €380,000 depending on condition and equipment.

Why Is There a €100,000 Difference Between Two 2017 Models?

This is the first question any serious buyer asks when looking at this page, and it deserves a precise answer because the difference is not simply a matter of negotiation or advertising. It reflects genuine and cumulative differences.

Equipment levels are the first factor. Some owners invested heavily when the yacht was new and during the first years of ownership: reverse-cycle air conditioning (€8,000–€12,000), watermaker (€6,000–€9,000), diesel generator (€8,000–€12,000), solar panels with MPPT regulators (€4,000–€8,000), electric mainsail furling systems (€4,000–€6,000), or a Code 0 sail on a furler (€3,500–€6,000). A fully equipped 512 GL can easily carry €40,000–€60,000 worth of additional equipment compared with a basic version.

Condition and maintenance history are the second factor. A carefully maintained owner's yacht with only 500 engine hours, recent sails, renewed rigging, and complete documentation does not have the same value as a former charter yacht with 2,000 hours, worn sails, and inconsistent maintenance. Both may be from the same model year, but only a detailed inspection will reveal the difference.

Location also matters. A yacht based in Martigues or Antibes is immediately accessible to a French buyer, whereas an example located in Roland Marina involves delivery and transfer costs that must be considered.

What the Dufour 512 GL Offers Compared with the 500 GL

The 512 Grand Large directly succeeded the 500 GL, gaining only ten centimeters in length on paper. The real difference lies in the redesigned interior architecture.

The saloon is noticeably brighter than that of the 500 GL. Larger hull windows and enlarged deck hatches provide significantly more natural light, addressing one of the few criticisms owners occasionally expressed about the earlier model. The galley has been repositioned for improved ergonomics at sea, facing inward rather than being arranged perpendicular to the yacht's centerline, reducing the risk of falls in rough conditions. Forward and aft cabins were also slightly enlarged in the three-cabin configuration.

The cockpit is another improvement. It is approximately twenty centimeters longer, features a larger central table, and offers a wider swim platform. For a crew of six to eight people, the additional space is noticeable in everyday use.

Versions and Layouts

The 3-cabin, 3-head version is the benchmark owner's layout. It features three large double cabins, each with a private bathroom. This configuration delivers the highest level of onboard comfort and remains the most desirable option for private ownership.

The 4- or 5-cabin versions are primarily charter-oriented. They offer greater accommodation capacity but less personal comfort. These yachts generally have higher usage levels and their interiors often reflect a more intensive operating history.

The €380,000 example listed on this page is a three-cabin owner's version. It represents the highest-quality configuration available and the asking price is justified if a professional survey confirms the advertised condition.

Key Points to Check When Buying Used

The Volvo Penta 75 hp saildrive diaphragm seal should be the first inspection item. On 2016–2017 yachts approaching nine years of age, the seal may already be due for its second replacement. Always request invoices and documentation confirming the most recent service.

Standing rigging on 2016–2017 models is approaching the ten-year mark, which is widely considered the appropriate age for preventive replacement before undertaking serious offshore passages. A complete replacement on a 512 GL typically costs between €5,000 and €7,500 depending on specification and labor rates.

The mainsail furling system, often fitted to well-equipped examples, is a genuine comfort feature for short-handed sailing. However, it must be carefully inspected and tested under load. A malfunctioning furling system on a 15-meter yacht can quickly become a major issue offshore.

The sails on 2016–2017 examples are now eight to nine years old, an age at which cruising sails begin to lose a significant portion of their original shape. Ask about sail age, sailing hours, and the condition of any additional sails such as a Code 0.

Dufour 512 Grand Large Market Prices in 2025–2026

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

Our verdict: The Dufour 512 Grand Large is one of the most rational 15-meter yachts currently available on the French used market. It combines the solid construction of Dufour's finest production period, genuine long-distance cruising comfort, and pricing that remains accessible compared with equivalent yachts from premium Scandinavian builders. For sailors who want to travel far and live comfortably aboard without stepping into 20-meter yacht budgets, it is a buying opportunity that is difficult to ignore. As with all large used yachts, the formula remains unchanged: a thorough survey, a realistic refit budget, and patience in finding the right example.