Center board and rudder kick-up system on the Dragonfly 25

Swing keel / Kick up system

The centre board has been constructed in such a way that even the slightest touch of ground makes it kick up automatically via the release cleat on the cabin top. To remount the release cleat, just push down the clam cleat hard again. The automatic quick release cleat can be fine adjusted on the Allan-screw at the aft end – if it maybe releases too soon or too late. Up- and downhaul you can adjust from the cockpit cabin top. Just like you can trim a dinghy on the centreboard, you can also profitably do that on the Dragonfly. Generally, we always recommend placing the centreboard all the way down upwind. On a reach half way down and sailing downwind all up. Do remember though, lowering the centreboard before tacking again. Under sail pressure you cannot possibly adjust the centreboard – you will have to either luff into the wind or bear off to dead downwind to adjust the centreboard. Downwind you will seldom find adjusting problems. IMPORTANT The lifting centreboard line has a knot adjusted from the yard, which is the stop knot – preventing the board from coming too far down. This knot must not be moved and/or changed. If the centreboard comes too far down, the centreboard can break up the centreboard box and damage the boat seriously – and, the boat will get flooded. Of course, if you know that you are going to a beach, we must recommend releasing the centreboard downhaul line, because when hitting the ground in slow speed, the automatic cleat will not release as quickly, and this will put extra unnecessary strain onto this system.

RUDDER SYSTEM

The rudder also has a ”kick-up” system, so if it hits the ground, it will kick up.

IMPORTANT: Be sure that the rudder is always fully down in position; otherwise, it gets hard weather helm and is hard to steer.

Do regularly check the downhaul line for kinks or damage. If you see any sign of damage on the 6 mm line, this must be replaced immediately. The rudder is not designed to be used while sailing in no other position than fully down, otherwise the rudder system will bend and be loose or even break off. To pull up the rudder, release the downhaul line, lift the tiller a bit, and pull the lifting line on top of the tiller. Also, regularly check the bolt where the rudder is bolted to the rudder head (key No 19). Always make sure that the downhaul line is always ready to release with no kinks or knots on the line and that the line is always led into the aft locker. When beaching the Dragonfly, release the downhaul line both on the centerboard and rudder so it goes up easier and does less damage. The automatic quick-release cleat can be adjusted lighter and/or harder, if needed.

Smart checklist before you go out sailing on the Dragonfly 25 trimaran

Dragonfly 25

Suppose this is your first multihull. Before” taking command” of the boat, we strongly recommend getting some training in controlling the boat while sailing and powering (maneuvering) to ensure your safety and comfort. Your dealer will give you this basic information. We strongly advise you to get to know the boat well first under easy, calm conditions, especially when maneuvering the boat under power. Try this out in ”open” water first using a fender or similar and maneuver the boat around this floating object; get to learn how the boat turns, stops, and how it maneuvers in reverse, etc. This is a very important exercise. This boat is not more difficult to handle than a conventional yacht and many times easier, but it behaves differently than conventional yachts.

IMPORTANT: When the boat is folded, the boat and propeller are lifted about 7 cm higher, and the propeller has, therefore, less effect. Test this out well in controlled conditions so you really get familiar with it. For your information, a 6-hp engine can only motor against the wind up to a maximum of 22-24 knots of true windspeed on flat water and against waves up to a maximum of 20 knots of wind. If you need to motor against strong wind only, we recommend assisting with the jib – or getting a stronger engine if you often meet stronger headwinds while motoring. The boat is only CE-approved for a maximum of 10 Hp. We do not recommend going sailing in the boat in more wind than 4 Beaufort or 15 knots of true wind before you know the boat well.

IMPORTANT: Always before taking the boat out: Pull down the centerboard for better maneuvering; without the centerboard down, the boat cannot make a sharp turn and will drift much quicker. And again, check that float hatches are closed safely! Always regularly check that all the float compartments are dry. Always make sure you have enough fuel on the engine. Always check the weather report.

Dragonfly 25

Before you go

• Check the weather forecast.

• Check drinking water for crew. • Check fuel tank level. • Check the power on your batteries are adequate. ( 12V optional )

• Check engine oil on the engine. • When starting up the engine, check and make sure that cooling water is coming out. If not, stop the engine and service it. • Check that both pumps are working, the installed one and the handheld pump.

• Make Ensure all equipment is stowed correctly and secured safely.

• Check that water stays and rigging are intact.

• Check that ALL hatches are closed – especially on the floats.

• Check that there are life jackets for every crew member on board.

• If the boat is new, please note that electronics are not calibrated when the boat leaves the yard.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Beware of the following:

• Make sure that there always are lifejackets and/or life preservers on board for the whole crew – and use them!

• Always as a minimum, we strongly recommend using lifebelts outside the cockpit when sailing or even motoring at night.

• High tension/voltage cables. Mast height above sea level is approx. 14 metres/45 feet – with no antennas. Also, when trailering or moving the boat with the mast up on the trailer.

• For long offshore crossings, we recommend carrying a life raft in case of fire.

• For long-distance offshore sailing, we recommend in the main cabin a watertight flashlight and a bigger type of knife to cut lines.

• Take notice that the boat is not standard equipped with a compass for navigation

• Also, make/prepare a watertight bag with food, a handheld VHF, and necessary flotation devices in case of a capsize.

• If the boat capsizes and you are inside, only dive out if you have a knife to cut the lines if you get caught in them.

• By long-distance sailing, ensure that all on board know the abovementioned procedures.

• For long-distance sailing, make sure to have up-to-date flayers and other safety devices, like Epirp etc.

• We can only strongly recommend storing flares, knife, flashlight, Epirp/mobile/handheld VHF, and a bit of water in the emergency compartment, which is accessible in capsized position on the SB side main hull outside just behind the aft crossbeam (when capsized port side) rear/aft crossbeam.

• Please be aware that the trampolines can be slippery when wet and/or in cold conditions. Further, the trampolines are extra slippery when not pulled tight enough.

• Never walk or be on the leeward trampoline and/or on the leeward float when sailing upwind and beam reach +8 knots true windspeed. • In strong wind conditions, we recommend staying on the center hull only.

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We'd love to hear from you if you want to know more
about the Dragonfly 25. 180 Marine is the leading dealer
in the U.S. for trimarans.

Richard Allen / CEO / 180 Marine, LLC
180 Marine is an authorized dealer for Dragonfly trimarans

* Boat prices are subject to change without notice

** Shipping costs are being adjusted monthly. Don't hesitate to contact us for an accurate quote for your area.