Dragonfly 28 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing experience of the Dragonfly 28 is frequently described as "fingertip control," behaving more like a responsive racing dinghy than a traditional 28-foot cruiser. Because of its trimaran configuration, the boat maintains an incredibly flat profile, rarely heeling more than 5 to 10 degrees even when pressed. This stability allows for high-speed passage making; the Yachting Monthly review notes that the boat can easily reach speeds into the high teens, with the "Performance" version capable of exceeding 22 knots in the right conditions.

The boat is available in three primary variants that dictate its handling characteristics: the Touring version (standard aluminum rig), the Sport version (taller 13.6m carbon mast), and the Performance version. The latter, introduced around 2017, features redesigned wave-piercing amas (outriggers) that are approximately 2 feet longer and provide 20% more buoyancy than the original floats. Sail Magazine highlights that these updated amas allow the boat to "fly" the central hull with significantly more security in rough seas, reducing the risk of pitch-poling while maintaining a deeper, 1.70-meter draft with the centerboard down for excellent upwind tracking.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Despite its performance-oriented exterior, the interior of the Dragonfly 28 is remarkably commodious. The cabin offers 1.85 meters of standing headroom and can accommodate up to five adults. The layout includes a V-berth forward, two foldable settee berths in the main salon, and a surprisingly large double berth tucked under the cockpit sole. Blue Water Sailing notes that the interior feels like a "compact deck saloon," thanks to the panoramic windows that provide a view of the horizon from the dinette.

The variations between models are primarily technical rather than structural. The Touring model is aimed at family cruisers who prioritize ease of handling with a smaller sail plan, while the Sport and Performance models utilize high-tech Elvstrøm EPE sails and carbon fiber masts to maximize power. All versions share the same high-quality Danish joinery, featuring a functional galley with a two-burner stove and a separate heads compartment with a privacy door—a rare luxury in a trailerable multihull of this size.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Dragonfly 28 has earned significant acclaim in the European sailing circuit, particularly for its dominance in shorthanded racing. In the 2018 Silverrudder Challenge, a grueling single-handed race around the island of Funen, a Dragonfly 28 Performance set a course record of 15 hours and 13 minutes, finishing four hours ahead of the fastest monohull, an XP-44. The model was also awarded the 2018 Polish Yacht of the Year in the special yachts category and has been a staple in international boat shows from Düsseldorf to Annapolis as a benchmark for trailerable multihull design.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

While Quorning Boats is known for exceptional build quality, the complexity of a folding trimaran requires specific maintenance focus:

• Swing Wing Hinges: The stainless steel pins and bushings in the folding mechanism should be inspected for play or "slop." If the boat has been kept in a folded position for extended periods in saltwater, these can bind if not properly lubricated.
• Trampoline Integrity: The trampolines are essential for safety and deck space. Buyers should check the tensioning lines and look for UV degradation in the mesh, especially on boats kept in southern climates.
• Centerboard and Rudder Cables: The 28 uses a kick-up system for both the rudder and centerboard. The lifting cables and the "uphaul/downhaul" cleats are high-wear items that should be checked for fraying to avoid docking mishaps in shallow water.
• Outboard Lift Mechanism: The 15hp Honda outboard is typically mounted on a bracket that tilts the engine clear of the water. Ensure the lifting mechanism operates smoothly and that the fuel lines are protected from the folding amas.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Dragonfly 28 benefit from a very active and technical community. The Dragonfly User Group is a prominent resource where owners share DIY maintenance tips and organizing rallies. Technical support remains strong through the factory in Denmark, which maintains an extensive archive of manuals and specifications for older hulls.

The Verdict

The Dragonfly 28 remains one of the few boats on the market that truly delivers on the promise of "racing on Saturday and cruising on Sunday" without the need for a permanent marina slip.

Pros:

• Exceptional Speed: Capable of 20+ knots, outperforming almost any monohull in its size class.
• True Portability: The 2.54m folded beam makes it legally trailerable without wide-load permits in most jurisdictions.
• Shallow Draft: With the centerboard and rudder up, the boat draws only 0.40m, allowing for beaching and exploring thin water.

Cons:

• Price Premium: As a high-end Danish build, the entry price and resale value are significantly higher than comparable monohulls.
• Complexity: The folding wings and multi-hull structure require more maintenance than a simple fixed-keel boat.
• Limited Storage: While it sleeps five, internal storage for long-term provisioning is tight for a crew of that size.