Tamala  Dufour 525 (2007)

MORE DETAILS ON TAMALA

The Dufour 525 is the queen of Dufour’s Grand’ Large series, all of which are designed by Umberto Felci/Patrick Roséo and aimed at the cruising sailor in search of something a little fancier and more performance oriented. On this boat, that translates into a wide, teak-covered lounging area on the aft deck; a convertable transom; a roomy cockpit that can handle a crowd; a broad, low-profile coach roof; and an elegant uncluttered foredeck. This Dufour 525 was built in 2007, but was not even put in the water until 2010, so she is in fabulous shape.

Below, the horizontal moabi paneling and Wengé trim, set off by white upholstery and ceiling panels, create a pleasing atmosphere. Overall, the décor has an Asian flair to it, and it graces a saloon sized and outfitted for entertaining. This boat is the 3 cabin & 3 head layout, with a single bunk in the bow.

The cockpit on the 525 is well laid out for both sailing and entertaining with wide coamings, a drop-leaf centerline table and a large signature aft deck which creates a sundeck or a nice transition to the transom.  A large hatch on the sundeck opens down to enormous garage storage which is also accessible via the drop down transom.  The transom actually opens up with the aid of an electric motor to create a perfectly sized swim platform – one that will never increase your overall length in a pricey marina because it closes when not in use.

Down below, the boat is all about stylish angular lines and function.  She is equipped with 3 cabins and 3 ensuite heads, an L-shaped galley and crew’s quarters accessed via a hatch from the foredeck.  A very large nav station/office is at the foot of the companion way on starboard.  As on deck, the lines are clean, elegant and simple and belie a fantastic functionality. The main settee and the dining table are to starboard in the saloon; the table can be unfolded to create a gracious space for six to eight guests. There’s a bottle-storage locker in a cupboard next to a second settee on the port side. The galley, aft to port, has a three-burner propane stove with an oven and grill, a microwave, refrigerator, freezer, a double sink, a trash container, and plenty of storage space.

The navigation station, located to starboard at the foot of the companionway, is well appointed with a forward-facing seat, a full-size chart table, and plenty of storage space. A comprehensive electrical console contains all necessary circuit breakers, amp/volt meters, and fuel/water gauges.

The 525 Grand’large is a handsome, powerful, stable, and stiff yacht. The deck layout is configured so that it can be handled with a minimum crew, and the deep-V’d bow helps produce a very comfortable motion in any sort of seaway.