Dragonfly 32 Evolution Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Dragonfly 32 Evolution emerged in 2015 as the successor to the previous Dragonfly 32 Supreme, representing the next generation of Quorning's mid-sized performance trimarans. Its development is rooted in the extensive heritage of Quorning Boats, a company founded in 1967 by Børge and Bent Quorning, who were pioneers in European trimaran construction. The brand's design philosophy, deeply influenced by Jens Quorning (Børge's son and current CEO) and Senior Naval Architect Steen Olsen since 2002, focuses on creating high-quality trimarans that seamlessly blend performance, comfort, and safety.

The "Evolution" designation itself hints at refinements to optimize performance. This version features a taller rig and an updated wave-piercing float design compared to its "Touring" counterpart, enhancing its speed and efficiency. Quorning Boats is renowned for its "Swing Wing" system, which is integral to the Dragonfly 32 Evolution. This ingenious innovation allows the outriggers (floats) to be folded in, significantly reducing the boat's beam from 27.07 feet when sailing to just 12.63 feet when folded, facilitating easy berthing in standard marina slips or convenient road trailering. The hull construction relies on solid fiberglass, ensuring durability and a robust structure.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Dragonfly 32 Evolution is engineered for relaxed, comfortable, and upright sailing, minimizing heel, a characteristic highly valued in multihulls. Its design, featuring sleek and narrow hulls, allows it to slice smoothly through waves, contributing to both speed and a comfortable motion in a seaway. The boat's significant sail area of 936.46 square feet combined with a relatively light displacement of 7606 pounds suggests excellent performance, particularly in lighter air conditions, while still being robust enough for more spirited sailing.

As a high-performance trimaran, the Dragonfly 32 Evolution offers an exhilarating sailing experience. Its long waterline of 31.08 feet contributes to a theoretical hull speed of approximately 7.47 knots, though multihulls often exceed their theoretical hull speed due to their design. The "Evolution" version, with its taller carbon rig and enhanced wave-piercing floats, is specifically aimed at those seeking higher performance. Owners consistently report that the boat is fast and responsive, providing an engaging helm. The trimaran configuration, with its three rudders, offers precise control and maneuverability. While not directly comparable to monohulls using ratios like ballast-to-displacement, the Dragonfly 32 Evolution's design prioritizes stability and stiffness through its broad beam when deployed, allowing it to stand up to more wind and maintain high average speeds.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Dragonfly 32 Evolution is designed to be bright, friendly, and highly functional, typically finished in maple wood as standard, with options like elm wood available. With a generous maximum headroom of 6.33 feet, the main cabin feels spacious and inviting.

The layout provides comfortable sleeping accommodations for up to six persons. The main cabin typically features two larger, easy-foldable single berths, providing sleeping space for two. Forward, there is usually a V-berth, offering additional sleeping capacity. A well-appointed galley often includes a stove, sink, and refrigeration, while a dedicated head compartment with a marine toilet and sink ensures onboard comfort. Storage solutions are integrated throughout the cabin, designed for efficient use of space necessary for cruising. The overall impression of space is enhanced by thoughtful design and the extensive use of natural light.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Dragonfly 32 Evolution frequently highlight its unique blend of performance and practicality. They consistently praise its exhilarating speed and responsive handling, making for an enjoyable sailing experience. The ability of the "Swing Wing" system to fold the outriggers is a universally lauded feature, greatly simplifying marina docking and allowing for convenient trailering, expanding the boat's versatility and reducing berthing costs.

Common strengths noted by owners include the high-quality construction typical of Quorning Boats and the comfortable, upright motion in a seaway, which is a significant advantage over heeling monohulls. The boat's robust build and attention to detail are often mentioned as reasons for long-term satisfaction. While specific common weaknesses are less frequently detailed in broad overviews, the complexity of a folding multihull might imply more components requiring maintenance than a simpler monohull. However, the dedicated community of Dragonfly owners often shares insights and solutions, reflecting a strong support network for these distinctive trimarans.