Dragonfly 800 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Dragonfly 800 is a high-performance multihull that prioritizes speed and stability over the heavy displacement of monohulls. Weighing approximately 1,100 kg, the vessel is remarkably light for its 8-meter length, resulting in a high sail-area-to-displacement ratio that allows it to sail at wind speed in light conditions (5–8 knots). Reviewers at Practical Sailor noted that the boat tacks with surprising agility for a multihull, pivoting cleanly on its retractable centerboard.

Handling varies significantly between the "Cruising" and "Racing" configurations. The Racing variant features a taller 12.1-meter mast and high-modulus sail materials, while the Cruising version utilizes a 11.1-meter mast. In both setups, the lack of heeling—rarely exceeding 5 to 10 degrees—reduces crew fatigue and provides a stable platform for high-speed reaches. At top speeds, which Yachting Monthly records as reaching up to 20 knots, the boat remains surprisingly dry due to the flared main hull and buoyant outriggers (amas) that keep spray directed away from the cockpit.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The "pocket trimaran" philosophy necessitates a trade-off: to maintain a narrow, easily driven main hull, the interior volume is lean. There is no standing headroom, but the layout is intelligently utilized for coastal hops. The central salon features a table built directly around the centerboard case, which can be lowered to convert the settees into two single berths. A forward V-berth provides accommodations for two additional adults, though vertical clearance is minimal.

Significant changes occurred through the model's history:

• MK I & MK II (1981–1988): These early models featured full-width alloy beams that were fixed during sailing but could be demounted for transport.
• MK III (1989): Briefly produced with GRP composite wings but still non-folding.
• 800 Swing Wing (1989–2005): The definitive version, utilizing the patented folding system that allows the beam to be reduced from 6.00m to 2.90m without tools.

The interior finish is typically Scandinavian, featuring teak-laminated corners and a small functional pantry. A marine toilet is usually tucked under the salon seating, emphasizing that this is a vessel designed for weekend excursions rather than long-term liveaboard use.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Dragonfly 800 gained international fame through the racing exploits of the Quorning family. A specialized, demountable version named Magic Hempel won the notoriously difficult Two-Handed Round Britain and Ireland Race in 1985 on corrected time, proving the seaworthiness of the design in extreme North Sea conditions. Additionally, legendary Danish Olympic sailor Paul Elvstrøm owned and sailed a Dragonfly 800 for a decade, providing technical feedback that influenced later refinements of the rig and hull.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus on the structural integrity of the wing system and the aging of specialized multihull components.

• Waterstays & Rigging: Quorning Boats recommends replacing waterstays—the cables under the beams—every 10 years. Failure of these components can lead to catastrophic beam failure.
• Swing Wing Mechanics: Inspect the pivot bolts and the lines used to actuate the folding system. These lines require regular maintenance and should be shortened or turned to prevent chafe-induced failure.
• Rudder Delamination: Some mid-production units were reported to have a "bad batch of resin" in the rudders. While most were replaced under warranty, an inspection for moisture or delamination in the kick-up rudder is essential.
• Beam Corrosion: On older MK I and MK II models with aluminum beams, check the contact points between the beams and the hull for signs of galvanic corrosion or stress cracking.

Community & Resources

The model is supported by a dedicated following, primarily centered around the Dragonfly User Group, which provides technical documentation and owner forums. Because the manufacturer, Quorning Boats, remains in operation under family leadership, many original spare parts and technical manuals for the 800 series are still available directly from the yard in Denmark.

The Verdict

The Dragonfly 800 remains one of the most sought-after pre-owned trimarans on the market for sailors who demand monohull-berthing convenience with multihull speed.

Pros:

• Exhilarating performance with speeds regularly exceeding 15 knots.
• Revolutionary Swing Wing system allows for standard marina berthing.
• Shallow draft with a kick-up rudder and centerboard for beaching.
• High-quality Danish construction with excellent resale value.

Cons:

• Cramped interior with no standing headroom.
• Swing Wing version is still wider than the 2.55m legal road limit in many regions, necessitating ama removal for frequent trailering.
• Maintenance-intensive rigging (waterstays) compared to simple monohulls.