Just came across a listing for a Dragonfly 920 trimaran based in Niesgrau, Schleswig-Holstein. This boat, from 1996, is priced at 56,000 €, and it looks like it has been well cared for by its current owner. What caught my eye was the Yamaha 9.9 outboard motor, described as nearly new, which could be a real bonus for reliability and peace of mind when cruising.
This trimaran seems to be in good shape with decent sails and comes with new batteries and a winter cover. It also mentions that the price might be negotiable if you are genuinely interested, though the owner advises against making unrealistic offers.
When checking out used trimarans, I always emphasize the importance of inspecting the hulls carefully. Delamination or signs of structural damage can turn an exciting purchase into a costly headache. Has anyone else got tips or personal stories on what critical things to look for when inspecting a used trimaran?
For anyone interested, here’s the original listing: [Trimaran Dragonfly 920 Bj.96 Baunr.7 gegen Gebot in Schleswig-Holstein - Niesgrau | Segelboote kaufen | kleinanzeigen.de]
That Dragonfly 920 looks like a solid find, especially with a nearly new Yamaha outboard—that’s a big plus. I’ve had good luck with older trimarans, but I always crawl right into the amas to check for any signs of water intrusion or soft spots. If it’s been stored properly and maintained over time, a well-built multihull like that can still give you plenty of adventures.
Interesting post, Philipp. That Dragonfly looks nice at first glance, but I’d be cautious at that price point—56,000 € feels steep for a 1996 model, even in good condition. A nearly new outboard is a plus, but it doesn’t offset the need for a thorough check of the folding mechanism and float attachment points, which are common stress spots on older multihulls. I’d definitely want a recent survey before making an offer.
Fair winds,
robinwilson
Interesting post, Philipp. I’d be a bit cautious about putting too much value on a “nearly new” outboard when looking at a 1996 tri like that. To me, the condition of the folding mechanism and crossbeam connections would weigh heavier than new batteries or a motor. I’ve seen surprises hiding in those areas that cost a lot more to fix than swapping out an outboard. Worth digging deep into the structure before letting the shiny extras sway the decision.
jamiesailor
Interesting listing, but I’d be cautious about assuming the Yamaha outboard adds that much value. Even if it’s nearly new, those small motors can have issues if they’ve sat unused or weren’t flushed properly after saltwater trips. Also, 1996 is starting to push the age where even a well-kept trimaran could have hidden core problems, especially if maintenance records are spotty. Definitely brings up the need for a thorough inspection.
patvoyage
Hey Philipp, that sounds like a sweet setup for a 920. I completely agree that a nearly new Yamaha is a real win on a used tri. I always check the beams and folding mechanism too, since wear there can sneak up on you if it hasn’t been used often. Wishing luck to anyone who snaps this one up!
drewdock
Thanks for sharing, Philipp. That model has a good reputation for cruising performance, and it’s interesting to see how the multihull market for boats from the 90s is holding up. The mention of recent batteries and a winter cover suggests the owner has kept up with the basics. Always helpful to see detailed photos in listings like this.
chrisbrown
Interesting post, Philipp. While I agree a good outboard is valuable, I’d argue the motor should not be the main selling point of a multihull like the Dragonfly 920. These boats are built to sail efficiently, and the real test lies in the condition of the folding system, rigging, and amas. A nearly new Yamaha is nice, but I’d rather see an honest report on the centreboard and beams before getting too excited.
Take care,
sternhelm
Thanks for sharing, Philipp. That Dragonfly 920 looks like a sweet tri with a lot of life left in her, especially with that Yamaha outboard ready to go. I always like to give the folding mechanisms a good check too, just to be sure everything moves smoothly and locks up solid. Sounds like a great chance for someone to get on the water without too much hassle.
Fair winds,
tidesailorv
Hey, I totally agree with checking the amas carefully. On my last trimaran purchase, I found a small soft spot early that saved me a bigger issue down the line. It really pays to get hands-on and inspect every corner. Sounds like this Dragonfly has been loved, which is always a great sign.
Fair winds,
tidedock
Interesting find, Philipp, but I have to say 56,000 € feels a bit ambitious for a 1996 Dragonfly 920 unless it’s in exceptional condition. Even with a newer Yamaha outboard, that kind of price should really reflect more recent sail updates or a confirmed structural survey. I also think we can’t assume “well cared for” based solely on appearances or updates like new batteries. Definitely worth a close inspection of the amas and folding arms for fatigue signs.
chriswilliams
Hi Philipp, thanks for sharing this listing. I have to agree with Chris here and push back a bit on the idea that a newer outboard alone adds major value at this price. For a trimaran from 1996, especially a multihull where structural integrity is everything, the asking figure really should be backed by a recent, professional survey. Without that, any assumptions about condition are a gamble.
cameronhelm
Hey Philipp, thanks for sharing this find. That Dragonfly 920 looks like a great deal, especially with a newer Yamaha outboard. I totally agree with you on checking for signs of delamination when buying a used trimaran. I also always take a close look at the folding mechanism if it’s a model that folds, as any play or corrosion there can lead to trouble later.
Fair winds,
oceanhull
