Frequently asked questions
General FAQ
Learn more about the characteristics of trimarans
Trimarans offer greater stability, faster speeds, and more outside space compared to monohulls. They also provide a combination of the stability of a catamaran and the ability to handle heavier seas, making them ideal for cruising.
Trimarans are safe because their three-hull design provides exceptional stability, reducing the likelihood of heeling or capsizing even in rough seas. They also offer easy handling, allowing the skipper to maintain better control in various conditions. This stability, combined with spacious and secure decks, makes trimarans particularly safe for kids, giving them room to move around freely without the risk of sudden tilts or unpredictable movements.
If you were to hit a log, a rock or an unidentified object under water, the centerboard and the rudder would kick up. Both foils are secured with a spring loaded cleat. Like the hulls, the foils also have a neutral buoyancy.
You wouldn’t have the structural damage of a daggerboard or a fixed keel.
If you sailed past the obstruction, you can just push down the cleat on its spring loaded push ball to resecure the mechanism, pull down the down line for the foils and keel sailing. We still advice you to have a visual inspection as soon as possible, but at least, you will have minimal dammage and you will be able to sail to safety.
Dragonfly are build with a sandwich construction. If you were to take a piece of the hulls and throw it in the water, it would float.
Technical FAQ
There are no hard questions for us. Here's our answers for all technical sailors
Dragonfly trimarans are known for their innovative Swing Wing technology, which allows the amas to be folded inwards, making the boat easier to dock and trailer. This feature makes Dragonfly trimarans more versatile than other multihulls.
Dragonfly trimarans also stand out for their unique blend of tradition and innovation. Historically, these boats were built using traditional wooden construction techniques, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail. Today, Dragonfly continues to honor this legacy by incorporating beautiful woodwork into their modern designs, blending the warmth and elegance of wood with advanced materials and technologies.
Dragonfly trimarans can achieve impressive speeds, with the potential to hit up to 20 knots in ideal conditions. Their exceptional stability and minimal need for sail adjustments ensure a smooth and enjoyable sailing experience.
Many owners transitioning from monohulls find that increasing their average speed from 5 knots to 10 knots is more than adequate, especially considering the predominantly light winds in Canada. This combination of performance and convenience makes Dragonfly trimarans a great choice for exploring further with confidence and efficiency.
Maintenance for a Dragonfly trimaran is comparable to other high-quality boats. Regular checks on the rigging, hulls, sails, and systems are necessary, but the high-quality materials used in Dragonfly trimarans mean they are built to last with proper care.
Primarily, a preventer is a control line used when sailing downwind to prevent the boom from accidentally swinging to the other side.
It also serves another purpose: adjusting the leech profile of the mainsail. Unlike the DF25, the DF28, 32 and 40 don’t have a traveler, which allows for a larger and safer cockpit. When easing the mainsheet to sail at a lower angle than close-hauled, the top of the mainsail may open up. To keep the power in the leech, the preventer can be used to pull the boom down.
Once you’re familiar with it, the preventer can be attached or removed from the boom in less than 15 seconds.
For novice sailors, the preventer isn’t necessary when sailing on a reach or broad reach, as the Dragonfly will still perform well. However, we strongly recommend using it when sailing directly downwind for additional safety.
For a visual explanation, watch this video.
Soon to be New Owner FAQ
Before an owner buy his new DF, we often get these questions...!
When the Dragonfly amas are folded, the main hull is lifted, and the amas are deeper in the water. This helps the DF to not catch in the wind and also increases traction in the water. The two amas become like two extra centerboards in the water. It is effortless to approach a slip. If you are familiar with a monohull or catamaran, make sure you don’t overreact with the engine throttle. Trimarans weight less than half the weight of a monohull. They don’t carry momentum. You don’t need to catch them with all your weight at the dock. The docking approach should be nice, slow and easy.
Since the Dragonfly can fold its amas in just 2 minutes, it easily fits into any standard slip. Even better, its shallow draft allows you to moor in spots within the marina that monohulls, catamarans, and even powerboats can’t access.
While trimarans can be more expensive upfront, their performance, comfort, and resale value justify the investment.
Dragonfly trimarans are designed with durability and longevity in mind. They are constructed using high-quality materials from reputable suppliers.
Because of this superior and tougher build quality, the maintenance costs for a trimaran are often lower over time compared to other boats. You’ll spend less on repairs and replacements since the components are built to last, allowing you to enjoy more time on the water with fewer maintenance interruptions. Investing in a trimaran means investing in a boat that is designed to withstand the elements and provide reliable performance year after year, ultimately saving you money on upkeep and allowing you to sail more.
With fewer than fifty Dragonfly trimarans built each year, demand far exceeds supply. This limited availability contributes to their strong resale value, making them a sound investment. To track pricing, you can visit our demo/used section, check the manufacturer’s website, or browse Yacht World to see how well these boats hold their value over time.
Dragonfly are very maneuverable and efficient in the water. They can easily be single-handed. For maneuvers, try to not oversteer by keeping the rudder within 30 degrees of the centerline.