Dufour 1800 vs Surprise
How do the Dufour 1800 and Surprise compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Dufour 1800 
Surprise | Dufour 1800 | Surprise | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 25.1 ft7.65 m | 25.1 ft7.65 m |
| Waterline length | 21.9 ft6.68 m | 21.6 ft6.60 m |
| Beam | 8.9 ft2.71 m | 8.1 ft2.48 m |
| Draft | 4.3 ft1.30 m | 5.3 ft1.60 m |
| Displacement | 3,969 lb1,800 kg | 2,756 lb1,250 kg |
| Ballast | 1,653 lb750 kg | 1,102 lb500 kg |
| Sail area | 252 ft²23.4 m² | 286 ft²26.6 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 16.08 | 23.28 |
| Displacement / Length | 168 | 121 |
| Comfort ratio | 14.6 | 11.5 |
| Capsize screening | 2.25 | 2.32 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.3 | 6.2 |
Dufour 1800 vs Surprise: the short version
- The Dufour 1800 and Surprise are close in length (25.1 ft7.65 m vs 25.1 ft7.65 m ).
- The Dufour 1800 is heavier, displacing about 44% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Surprise carries the more powerful rig (23.3 vs 16.1), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Dufour 1800 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Dufour 1800 rates better for offshore work (2.25 vs 2.32).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.