New Boat Preview: Dragonfly 36
The Dragonfly 36 Performance Cruiser marks a bold evolution in multihull design, blending blistering performance, thoughtful comfort, and ingenious versatility. This new 36-foot trimaran from Quorning Boats makes its North American debut after a successful world premiere at boot Düsseldorf 2025, where 19 boats sold before hull number one even hit the water. Designed by Jens Quorning and Steen Olsen, the Dragonfly 36 features a unique signature Swing Wing system that reduces the 26.5-foot beam to 12 feet for docking, while wave-piercing floats and dual rudders ensure speed, stability, and safety in nearly any conditions. Whether you’re chasing offshore thrills or family-friendly coastal cruising, the Dragonfly 36 delivers on all fronts.
Design & Layout
Exterior
The Dragonfly 36 features a dual-zone cockpit designed for both relaxation and high-performance sailing. Forward cockpit seating provides ample comfort, while all sail controls are led aft to four electric winches near the twin helm wheels. Each helm pedestal accommodates up to a 12-inch GPS chartplotter, plus dedicated panels for windlass and bow thruster control. The streamlined deck layout keeps lines out of the way while maintaining complete operational efficiency.
Swing Wing System
Dragonfly’s revolutionary Swing Wing system folds the amas from 26.5 feet to 12 feet in seconds, without tools. The fully composite construction reduces weight, increases strength, and simplifies maintenance. This innovation allows convenient marina docking and trailer transport while maintaining the performance advantages of a wide multihull.
Interior
Step below the companionway into a spacious main cabin offering full standing headroom (6’6”) and panoramic natural light. The interior combines light ash wood or optional elm with hand-sprayed varnish for durability and elegance. Two private cabins accommodate family or crew, while the port sofa converts into a double berth. The galley includes a 2-burner stove with combined oven, an 85-liter fridge, large drawers, and a built-in garbage system. A separate forward head adds privacy, with an optional shower system.
Construction & Systems
The Dragonfly 36 is engineered in Denmark using high-tech composite construction with vacuum infusion, complex tooling, and rigorous strength testing. Core composite parts are optimized for weight, strength, longevity, and maintenance. Electric winches, a kick-up rudder, centerboard system, and a fixed bowsprit simplify sail handling and anchoring. Strategic placement of the sail drive and dual-blade propeller further protects the boat when grounding or drying out. Each float offers generous storage accessible via forward or optional aft hatches.
Sailing & Performance
The Dragonfly 36 is built for speed, stability, and effortless handling. Wave-piercing floats minimize drag, while twin rudders and a broad stern keep the boat balanced at all points of sail. A fixed bowsprit accommodates optional downwind sails like a Code-0, enhancing cruising and performance potential. With its shallow 65 cm draft and innovative hull design, the 36 can safely beach or explore shallow anchorages. Dual electric winches make shorthanded sailing intuitive, while the spacious cockpit allows full crew engagement without clutter.
VIDEO
Watch this quick highlight reel to see the Dragonfly 36 in action on the water:
Options & Configurations
- Versions: Dragonfly 36 Touring (standard) / Dragonfly 36 Performance (taller mast for increased sail area).
- Wood Options: Light ash standard, optional elm.
- Galley Upgrades: Additional storage, drawer systems, refrigerator placement.
- Sail Handling: Optional Code-0, twin tail sheets, racing-specific winch configurations.
- Technology: GPS/chartplotter integration, navigation displays, SEANAPPS monitoring system.
Highlights
The Swing Wing Advantage
Dragonfly’s Swing Wing system is a game-changer for multihull ownership. With a simple folding mechanism, the trimaran transforms from a 26.5-foot-wide performance cruiser into a 12-foot marina-ready vessel in seconds. This allows for easy docking, storage, and even transport on a trailer. Unlike traditional folding amas, the Dragonfly’s all-composite Swing Wing design is lighter, stronger, and easier to maintain. For sailors used to the challenges of wide multihulls, this system represents unparalleled convenience without sacrificing offshore stability or sailing performance.
Trimaran Living at 36 Feet
Despite its racing-inspired performance, the Dragonfly 36 offers a comfortable cruising lifestyle. Two private cabins, a convertible port sofa, and full standing headroom make life aboard surprisingly roomy for a 36-foot trimaran. The galley includes a double fridge, stove, and ample storage, while the main cabin is bathed in natural light through flush-mounted skylights and hull ports. At anchor, the expansive trampolines provide additional deck space for sunbathing, socializing, or kids at play. Smart interior design choices ensure that comfort doesn’t come at the expense of performance or functionality.
Safety & Ease of Handling
Safety is a cornerstone of the Dragonfly 36. The twin rudder setup, wave-piercing floats, and broad stern provide predictable stability across a range of conditions. A shallow draft, kick-up rudder, and centerboard system allow safe grounding or beaching. Electric winches, thoughtfully placed control lines, and a clean dual-helm cockpit make shorthanded sailing effortless. Optional Code-0 and other downwind sails enhance versatility while keeping handling manageable. These features make the Dragonfly 36 ideal for families, small crews, or adventurous sailors who want a high-performance trimaran without compromising safety or comfort.
About the Builder: Quorning Boats
Founded by Børge Quorning in Denmark, Quorning Boats has been a family-driven innovator in trimaran design for decades. The yard builds approximately 40 custom trimarans annually, combining traditional craftsmanship with advanced composite technology. Today, Quorning employs roughly 50 people and maintains a global reputation for stability, performance, and innovation. The Dragonfly line has been central to the company’s success, with each new model pushing boundaries in speed, safety, and living comfort. Quorning’s philosophy balances engineering excellence with hands-on sailing experience, making its trimarans both thrilling to sail and remarkably practical for coastal or offshore adventures.
Editor’s First Take
The Dragonfly 36 is the kind of boat that instantly makes you rethink what a multihull can do. The Swing Wing system alone is a revelation, bringing big-boat stability and speed into a package you can dock or trailer with ease. On the water, the trimaran feels light and responsive but remarkably solid, thanks to the wave-piercing floats and twin rudders. Below decks, there’s more space than you’d expect, with a cozy, modern cabin that makes weekend cruising truly enjoyable. This is a boat that balances adrenaline, family-friendly usability, and cutting-edge innovation, a rare combination in a high-performance cruiser.
Dragonfly 36 Specifications
| Length Overall (LOA, center hull) | 37.9 ft / 11.55 m |
| Length Waterline (LWL, center hull) | 35.8 ft / 10.90 m |
| Length Folded | 44.0 ft / 13.43 m |
| Beam Sailing | 26.6 ft / 8.12 m |
| Beam Folded | 12.1 ft / 3.70 m |
| Draft Board Up | 2.2 ft / 0.67 m |
| Draft Board Down | 6.6 ft / 2.00 m |
| Weight (dry, ready to sail) | 9,920 lbs / 4,500 kg |
| Max Total Weight (incl. crew) | 14,770 lbs / 6,700 kg |
| Max Total Weight (excl. crew) | 13,230 lbs / 6,000 kg |
| Engine (standard) | 30 hp / 21.3 kW |
| Engine (optional) | 40 hp / 29.4 kW |
| Water Capacity | 52.8 US gal / 200 L |
| Diesel Tank | 18.5 US gal / 70 L |
| Holding Tank | 21 US gal / 80 L |
| Mast Height (carbon) | Touring 54.1 ft / 16.50 m; Performance 60.7 ft / 18.50 m |
| Mainsail | Touring 656 sq ft / 61 m²; Performance 786 sq ft / 73 m² |
| Self-tacking Jib | 312 sq ft / 29 m²; 323 sq ft / 30 m² |
| Furling Genoa | 350 sq ft / 32.5 m²; 398 sq ft / 37 m² |
| Furling Code 0 | 592 sq ft / 55 m²; 721 sq ft / 67 m² |
| Asymmetric Spinnaker | 1,345 sq ft / 125 m²; 1,561 sq ft / 145 m² |
| Fixed Bowsprit | 2.95 ft / 0.90 m |
| Max Persons (CE Category A) | 5 |
| Max Persons (CE Category B) | 7 |
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