1998 Dufour Classic 45 for Sale
PUNGA – PROVEN OFFSHORE CRUISING YACHT
A proven transatlantic cruising yacht with extensive Mediterranean cruising history, thoughtful upgrades, exceptional storage, and just three private owners from new. Never chartered.
Asking Price: €70,000 (reduced)
Indicative (Italian) VAT-paid equivalent: ~€85,400
PUNGA is a well-maintained 1998 Dufour 45 Classic, set up for coastal cruising and offshore passagemaking. Widely regarded as one of the most respected French production cruising yachts of her era, the Dufour 45 Classic combines responsive sailing performance with a comfortable cruising layout and exceptional storage capacity.
She is a proven cruising yacht with a three-cabin, two-head layout, generous storage and the balanced sailing qualities that have made the Dufour 45 Classic a respected choice among cruising sailors. Together, these features make life aboard comfortable and make her well suited to extended cruising.
Built in France, PUNGA retains her original Dufour manufacturer-issued CE certification and documentation. She has had just three private owners from new and has never been chartered.
For buyers looking for a liveaboard or extended cruising platform, PUNGA offers the space, storage and self-sufficiency that make day-to-day life aboard straightforward.
Powered by a reliable Volvo Penta MD22P diesel with approximately 2,000 engine hours, PUNGA has a documented cruising history spanning the U.S. East Coast, an Atlantic crossing via the Azores, and extensive Mediterranean cruising from Portugal to Southern Italy. Her documented cruising history makes her especially attractive to owners seeking a yacht proven in real cruising conditions rather than one equipped only for coastal use.
Since arriving in the Mediterranean in 2021, she has cruised every sailing season before being professionally hauled and stored ashore for the off season, significantly reducing UV exposure, marine growth and general wear while allowing regular inspection and maintenance.
Mediterranean Cruising Advantage
PUNGA is US-flagged and currently in Temporary Admission (TA) status. Having entered the Mediterranean in 2021, she retains substantial remaining Temporary Admission time for eligible non-EU owners, allowing many more years of Mediterranean cruising before any importation decision would typically be required.
For buyers considering permanent EU importation, this Dufour retains her original Dufour-issued CE certification and documentation, and the broker can provide guidance on the importation process and associated costs.
Cruising Equipment
She is equipped for straightforward cruising and offshore self-reliance. The onboard setup includes a Hydrovane windvane self-steering system, a Raymarine navigation suite with chart plotters, autopilot and AIS, and an upgraded solar charging system producing approximately 800W for greater energy independence underway and at anchor. Together, these systems support greater independence underway and at anchor.
On Deck
On deck, an electric windlass, Delta and Plow anchors, para-anchor, full blue Sunbrella cockpit enclosure with Isinglass panels, bimini, a 4 × 6 m (13 ft 1 in × 19 ft 8 in) boom awning, sprayhood and deck shower provide comfort and confidence in a wide range of cruising conditions. Included in the sale are a West Marine PHP 310 inflatable tender with Mercury 5hp outboard.
Interior
Below deck, PUNGA offers the layout and volume that have made the Dufour 45 Classic popular with cruising owners. She has three double cabins, two heads, a generous saloon with an additional berth, and a dedicated navigation station. Both heads are now fitted with single-button electric-flush marine toilets, and a 10,000 BTU self-contained air-conditioning unit was installed in 2026.
The galley includes a two-burner stove, oven, stainless steel sink and Isotherm ASU refrigerator/icebox, with over 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in) of headroom and teak joinery throughout.
A particular strength of the Dufour 45 Classic is her storage capacity, with abundant lockers, cupboards and dedicated stowage throughout the boat. That makes her well suited for liveaboard use, extended cruising, or carrying spare parts, provisions and gear for longer passages.
Safety & Sail Inventory
Prepared with offshore safety in mind, PUNGA is equipped with an EPIRB, MOB recovery system, radar reflector, multiple electric and manual bilge pumps, fire extinguishers and lifejackets. The rig has been professionally maintained, including a mast-down inspection and forestay replacement in 2021, followed by a further standing rigging inspection in 2026.
Her sail inventory includes a mainsail, genoa, an unused North Sails inner-stay jib purchased in 2026, and an asymmetrical cruising spinnaker, offering a versatile setup for both coastal and offshore cruising.
Summary
Combining the well-known sailing qualities of the Dufour 45 Classic with careful private ownership, cruising upgrades, a strong maintenance history and a proven transatlantic cruising record, PUNGA represents an exceptional opportunity to acquire a capable, well-equipped offshore cruising yacht, equally suited to Mediterranean cruising, Atlantic passagemaking and extended liveaboard use.
Currently berthed at Nautica Ranieri in Bari, PUNGA is available for immediate inspection and ready for her next owner. Seller is willing, by separate agreement, to deliver the yacht to Montenegro or another mutually agreed location to facilitate a non-EU closing.
Viewings are welcomed by appointment.