Dragonfly 800 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The story of the Dragonfly 800 is intertwined with Quorning Boats' pioneering efforts in the European multihull market. Having discovered the concept of trimarans in America, the Quorning brothers established their yard in Skærbæk, Denmark. While the company saw a significant breakthrough in its boat development in 1980, the Dragonfly 800 series began production in 1986, solidifying the brand's distinctive path, builder article]. Over two decades, approximately 400 units of the Dragonfly 800 were built, cementing its status as one of the most remarkable successes in the category of small, transportable trimarans.

A defining feature of the Dragonfly 800, and indeed the entire Dragonfly series, is the innovative "Swing Wing" system. This ingenious design allows the trimaran's outriggers (or amas) to be folded in, significantly reducing the boat's beam from 19.85 feet to a more manageable 1.15 feet (when folded), making it convenient for berthing in standard marina slips or for road trailering [2, 8,. The Dragonfly 800 was offered in different configurations, including both cruising and racing versions, and evolved through "MkII" and "MkIII" iterations during its production run, with the MkIII launching around 1987. The boat is also equipped with a fractional rig, which simplifies tacking and is a benefit for cruisers.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Dragonfly 800 was designed to offer sailing performance "beyond all expectations" for a boat of its size, emphasizing safety and minimal heeling. Owners can expect an easy sailing experience, even when single-handed. In light wind conditions, specifically 5 to 8 knots, the boat is noted for its ability to sail at or near the speed of the wind when reaching and upwind.

However, like any performance multihull, proper handling is crucial. The Dragonfly 800 is classified under CE-standards in category C, and sailors are advised that the boat can capsize if not handled correctly. Anecdotal reports suggest that when overpowered, the main hull can begin to lift, and the rudder may cavitate, leading the boat to round up. There has been at least one instance of a Dragonfly 800 capsizing in rough weather, with winds around 25 knots while sailing with a full main and spinnaker.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its role as a "pocket trimaran" with a length overall of just over 26 feet, the interior of the Dragonfly 800 is designed for functional, if compact, cruising [3,. While detailed interior layouts are not extensively publicized in readily available information, the boat is known to feature an interior cabin with sufficient amenities for basic overnighting and weekend trips. Onboard, the Dragonfly 800 typically includes a 9-gallon water capacity and a 4-gallon fuel capacity, catering to essential cruising needs. The emphasis of the design leans more towards its exhilarating sailing capabilities and the versatility offered by its folding "Swing Wing" system, rather than extensive interior luxury.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Dragonfly 800 frequently commend its solid construction, echoing Quorning Boats' general reputation for building "very well made" vessels designed for longevity when properly maintained 3, 22, builder article. The boat's responsive handling and robust build are also commonly appreciated characteristics, consistent with the brand's overall design philosophy.

However, some specific issues have been noted. There was an reported instance of a "bad batch of resin" leading to delamination in several rudders, although this problem was reportedly rectified by the importer. Despite its inherent stability as a trimaran, owners should be mindful of its performance capabilities, particularly in strong winds, as instances of capsizing have occurred when the boat was pushed aggressively in challenging conditions. Overall, the Dragonfly 800 is generally regarded as a well-built, high-performance trimaran that rewards experienced sailors with a unique and versatile sailing experience.