How does the Dufour 325 GL compare with the Hanse 315, Dufour 34, 365 GL and Pogo 30 for solo sailing?

The Dufour 325 GL would be high on my shortlist for single-handed cruising, with manageable dimensions, a well-arranged cockpit and generous accommodation. I would favour the Hanse 315 for frequent tacking, the Dufour 34 Performance or Pogo 30 for more engaging sailing, and the Dufour 365 GL when living space justifies greater handling loads.

Dufour 325 GL strengths

The happy skipper's 20,000 miles show that his boat and equipment suit sustained solo use. They do not prove that every 325 will be equally easy to handle: steering condition, sail shape, reefing arrangements and autopilot installation all make a substantial difference.

At 9.80 m hull length, the 325 offers unusually generous accommodation for her size. The broad cockpit has long benches, while below decks a useful galley and two comfortable cabins suit weeks aboard rather than trips between weekend berths.

The cockpit layout works well for solo sailing. The genoa winches sit close to the helmsman, and the mainsheet traveller between the benches gives useful control. A tiller leaves more room; a wheel takes up cockpit space, although personal preference and the control layout matter more than steering type alone.

Check the steering first. Contemporary testers disagreed about her pointing and balance, but reported heavy tiller steering that gave little feedback on the boat tested. On a sea trial, distinguish bearing friction from sailing loads: check movement alongside, then sail upwind with sensible trim and an appropriate reef. Persistent effort means more fatigue for you and more work for the pilot.

Hanse 315 tacking advantage

First establish which Hanse 315 you mean. The mid-2000s boat derived from the Hanse 311 and the later design introduced in 2015 are different boats; their specifications and cockpit arrangements should not be mixed.

The self-tacking jib is the Hanse's clearest solo advantage. In a narrow channel, you can tack without releasing and grinding two genoa sheets. That cuts workload when navigation and traffic already need attention.

The 325 counters with a particularly spacious interior and excellent cockpit seating. Her overlapping headsail needs more handling during tacks, although accessible winches help. The Hanse's self-tacker also offers less sail area for light-air reaching than a generous overlapping genoa.

For repeated short coastal passages and frequent manoeuvres under sail, I would lean towards a well-equipped Hanse. For longer stays aboard with less tacking, the Dufour's accommodation carries more weight.

Dufour 34 and 365 GL

The 34 Performance would interest me if steering feel, upwind sailing and sail adjustment were central pleasures. It is the more performance-focused choice, but keel depth, sail inventory and deck equipment vary between boats. A tired racing mainsail and awkward reefing system can erase much of the attraction for a solo cruiser.