Dufour 56 for sale

Yachting Address Review — Dufour 56 and Dufour 56 Exclusive

The Dufour 56 is a name that spans the entire history of Dufour Yachts over three decades — from the prestigious cruising yacht of the 1990s to the modern luxury cruiser that now claims its place among Europe's leading yacht builders.

A 1994 Dufour 56 offered at €99,000 and a 2025 Dufour 56 Exclusive priced at €652,000 are not two prices for the same boat. They represent two eras, two philosophies, and two completely different markets. Understanding that distinction is essential before beginning your search.

Three Generations Under the Same Name

The original Dufour 56 (1990s–2000s, 17.06 meters) was the prestigious flagship cruiser of the final years of Dufour's classic era. The 1994 example listed on this page at €99,000 — described as a "prestigious sailing yacht" with "exceptional interior volume" — perfectly illustrates this niche market. These yachts have often sailed extensively, some completing circumnavigations, and their polyester hulls have generally aged remarkably well when properly maintained. At €99,000 for a 17-meter yacht, it represents an opportunity for knowledgeable enthusiasts willing to undertake a significant refit project. It is not a turnkey purchase.

The Dufour 56 Exclusive (2014–2021, 16.30 to 17.70 meters depending on configuration) belongs to the Felci generation — the flagship bluewater cruiser built during the peak collaboration between Dufour and naval architect Umberto Felci. It became the centerpiece of the Dufour range during that period and remains the most common version available on today's brokerage market. Models from 2017 to 2021 priced between €365,000 and €529,000 form the core of the current market.

The current Dufour 56 Exclusive (since 2022, 16.30 to 17.15 meters) is the updated version, retaining the same overall concept while introducing modernized cockpit and interior architecture in line with Dufour's post-2020 renaissance. New yachts from 2024–2025, priced between €572,000 and €652,000 including VAT, represent the entry point into this contemporary flagship yacht.

What "Exclusive" Really Means

The "Exclusive" designation is not simply a marketing label. It reflects a level of customization and finishing that sets this model apart from Dufour's standard production yachts.

The 56 Exclusive has always been available with a broader range of interior customization options than the rest of the Dufour lineup. Owners could choose between various wood finishes — light oak, dark oak, teak depending on the period — as well as customized flooring, ceiling treatments, bespoke furniture, and premium Corian or stone surfaces in galleys and bathrooms. As a result, two yachts from the same model year can have dramatically different interior atmospheres.

This customization directly affects the brokerage market. Unique interiors can create significant value differences between otherwise similar yachts, but they can also make resale more difficult if the customization is overly personal. A 56 Exclusive with a classic light-oak interior will generally sell more easily than one featuring burgundy upholstery and imitation marble countertops, even if the latter was significantly more expensive when new.

What the Felci-Generation 56 Exclusive Offers

At 16.30 to 17.70 meters, the 2014–2021 56 Exclusive was designed for uncompromising offshore cruising. Its 150 hp Yanmar engine — considerably more powerful than the 75–80 hp engines found in smaller models — provides excellent maneuverability in large marinas and reliable propulsion during extended periods of calm weather.

Its owner-focused three-cabin layout is among the most generous in its size category. Forward and aft cabins provide genuine adult living spaces, with full-size double berths, substantial storage capacity, and comfortable headroom. On the most highly specified versions, the aft owner's cabin includes a fully private en-suite bathroom. Some yachts are also equipped with a separate skipper cabin, allowing complete separation between owner and crew areas.

The cockpit is spacious and practical, featuring a central dining table for eight guests, twin helm stations, and direct access to the swim platform. On examples equipped with an integrated gas barbecue — a feature mentioned in several listings — life at anchor reaches a level of comfort that few production sailing yachts can match.

Why Prices Range from €365,000 to €578,000 for 2017–2018 Models

The wide price range reflects genuine differences in three key areas.

Equipment comes first. Watermakers, diesel generators, reverse-cycle air conditioning, solar panels, electric in-mast furling systems, Code 0 sails on furlers, and full teak decks can easily represent €80,000–€120,000 of additional investment. The Ligurian example offered at €578,000, featuring a teak deck and complete Raymarine electronics suite with dual displays, demonstrates how these upgrades continue to influence resale values.

Usage history is another major factor. A privately owned 56 Exclusive with 600 carefully documented engine hours commands a very different value than a former Palermo charter yacht with 2,500 hours and limited maintenance documentation. The Sardinian ex-charter listed at €365,000 and the owner-operated Ligurian yacht at €578,000 perfectly illustrate this difference.

Sails and rigging condition also play a critical role. On a yacht of this size, a new 100 m² mainsail can cost between €18,000 and €28,000 depending on specification and sailmaker. A yacht with recently replaced sails and standing rigging will naturally command a substantial premium over one requiring immediate replacement.

Key Points to Check When Buying Used

The 150 hp Yanmar engine should be accompanied by a complete maintenance history. This powerful engine requires regular and meticulous servicing. On charter yachts with more than 2,000 hours, a thorough mechanical inspection is essential before purchase.

The teak deck, present on many well-equipped examples, is both an aesthetic asset and a recurring maintenance item. On 2016–2018 yachts, the teak is now approaching 8–10 years of age. Caulking seams may be deteriorating, and some planks may begin lifting. A complete teak deck replacement can cost between €20,000 and €35,000 depending on the area involved.

The standing rigging on 2016–2018 yachts is now approaching or exceeding ten years of service. Preventive replacement is strongly recommended before undertaking offshore passages. Owners should budget between €8,000 and €13,000 for a complete replacement on a 56 Exclusive.

The sail inventory — including mainsail, genoa, gennaker, and Code 0 — can represent €30,000 to €60,000 worth of equipment depending on specification. The age and condition of every sail should be documented before arranging a viewing.

Dufour 56 Market Prices in 2025–2026

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

Our verdict: The Felci-generation Dufour 56 Exclusive (2014–2021) is one of the most accomplished large cruising yachts currently available on the European brokerage market in the 16–17 meter segment. It delivers yacht-level comfort, genuine offshore capability, and solid construction quality at prices that remain competitive compared with premium Nordic brands of similar size. The essential condition is a thorough pre-purchase survey and a realistic refit budget based on the condition of the chosen yacht. For sailors looking to step into serious long-distance cruising without entering the financial world of superyachts, it remains one of the most coherent and attractive propositions available today.