DRAGONFLY Trimarans User Forum

TC

I looked into the ATN, but did not like the system nor the cost. So, went my own route. Suggest you check out the nets section in: https://skeelsrinehart.blogspot.com/2016/10/major-overhaul-2015-part-2.html There is a section on nets. Also, there is some loosing weight info, with net replacement her...

TC

Sorry so slow Larry, been overwhelmed with a few things.... I ran the 1/4in dyneema, threaded through the net right up the OEM channel. Before running the combo up the channel, I placed a 1/2in outside diameter x 1in long with 1/4in interior diameter nylon spacer (home depot) at the forward edge, ab...

TC

I'd experienced basically the same leak, always dripping down the bulkhead to starboard of mast. When I pulled the mast 2 winters ago, I also removed the mast base. I found there had been some fiberglass cracks under the mast base, right at the forward corner, where horizontal becomes vertical. Some...

TC

I thought I'd put it here first. My wife and I are thinking about chucking it all, buying a bigger boat and living aboard. Part of the process is selling Strider. So, she is up for sale. Details are at: http://skeelsrinehart.blogspot.com/p/strider-for-sale.html The link/site has no advertising, no m...

TC

I haven't seen a 920, so I'll base a response on my 1000. 1. Look at the aka/main hull hinges and shoulder structure. Hinges sloppy? Shoulder fiberglass look good? Look like it has been repaired? 2. Look at the aka/ama pivot points. Signs of water ingress? Bent/rusty pins? Nuts and threads good? 3. ...

TC

Check out: http://www.dragonfly-trimarans.org/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=779 Most of the way down are a couple pics of the net replacement aboard Strider. Not completely satisfied with the 'floating' sides, that is the sides not fixed in the rail, but I'm working on them by sewing the net to the dyneema....

TC

Shipped Strider from Waukegan, IL to Anacortes, WA. About $7k and a couple weeks with pack up etc. Folded the boat, placed on cradle, used doubled up 4x4s across the vaka to support the front and rear of the amas. Dropped the canvass, and mounted the mast along the hull. Other than arriving a mess w...

TC

Paint: Opinions vary, particularly with your specific environment. For instance, hard VC17 works well on the Great Lakes. I understand it works well in brackish water also, particularly if you pull the boat often. Here in the PNW, Strider is in the water all year long. The Salish Sea is salt, but no...

TC

I cut the nets the same size/shape as the old nets. The 1/4" dyneema edge was then woven through the net edges. The ends of the dyneema were then tucked into each other (chinese finger trap) then back out, leaving the bitter ends exposed. I could then adjust the tension by tugging on the bitter...

TC

...except Steve. Fat chicks are creature comforts! I'm impressed at the speed of the responses. Not complaining, but are you that bored? Got 60 pound Gig Harbor sailing dinghy. Got Fortress aluminum anchor with 40' 1/4in BB chain for initial rode, the rest is nylon line. Books are gone in favor of a...

TC

This all started when I received a quote by Jens Quorning, forwarded by a friend exploring the DF 1000: "The DF 1000 was originally designed for coastal and offshore cruising. The DF 1000 is not designed and built as strong as our designs today – where we today have much more knowledge in desig...

TC

Ivan, The plastic on the Sunbrella is the flexible '40ga scratch resistance Strataglass' the maker, Tradewinds Canvas, Anacortes, WA uses on their new products: http://trawinds.com/the-tradewinds-product.html The polycarbonate is in the aluminum frame and was sourced through Port Plastics in Seattle...

TC

Came across this method:

http://smallboatprojects.blogspot.com/2 ... -spot.html

Less than $8 at Walmart. Like the author, I intend to use it on canvas.

TC

The above has been very useful. Nice to see a lot of discussion on this site. I'm using 1/2" Plasma with 1/4" dyneema for the lashing and have done all the adjusting in the water. I've no idea how to do it out of the water...extending the ama on land doesn't invite a tip over? /s No need f...

TC

Not trying to drive traffic to my blog, but it is easier to post a link....

So: http://skeelsrinehart.blogspot.com/2015 ... art-1.html

TC

Found a bunch of different forum entries regarding waterstay adjustment, mostly along the lines of "This is what Bob told me" or "This is how I saw Arnie do it when I took delivery." This is the first I've seen: " Follow the manual ; leave cotter pins just barely bent. When ...

TC

Using a new 20mm T-bolt or eye-bolt was thought about. Cost was part of the factor but mainly because there is so little space at the aka end. A new 20mm T or eye (of normal length) would not turn far enough into the aka fitting before impacting the fiberglass aka. Using the old pin+T bolt combo giv...

TC

Been working with a local rigger and a machinist specializing in stainless. The vaca side is fairly easy and was able to open the old cable eye terminal (saw and cold chisel) to remove the pressed pin thus freeing the toggle. The toggle will be reused with new pins. The aka side has been the challen...

TC

Old subject, but the old threads end abruptly.... I understand, via this forum, Quorning recommends waterstays be replaced every 5 years. I'm guessing mine are original. Strider is in the yard getting fiberglass repairs (where the akas meet the amas - found unresined fiberglass - a story for another...

TC

Full Speed Forward The autumn has arrived in Denmark; the leaves are falling of the trees and the days are starting to get shorter. At the yard we are busy taking the boats out of the water and make them ready for winter storage. We can look back at a great sailing season. The summer in Denmark and...

TC

Mika, Sorry so long to reply, been traveling! Not very good (dark) pictures are available at: http://skeelsrinehart.blogspot.com/2014/02/winter-2014-projects.html This is a page from our 'Sailing Trimaran Wind Strider' blog. The blog is mostly a ship's log, recording more of the technical and/or spe...

TC

Last summer, my wife noticed an odd taste in the fresh water. This led to attempting to replace the old vinyl water lines with PEX. At the same time, I decided to clean the tank (turns out there was a thin layer of...something coating the sides). Talk about a PITA! 34x 2in SS screws to pull/attach t...

TC

I've standard double braid and the EasyLock chaffs the outer cover. Something I picked up from an old sailor is to install more line than you need and each year, cut 6-12inches off the end at the top of the mast (2:1) or the mainsail end, thus pulling the chaffed end away from the EasyLock and the E...

TC

Got this today: ************************ Dear Dragonfly sailors and friends of the house. In keeping with tradition it is time for the yearly retrospect for the year that has now passed and we will have to say it has been a different sail/journey this year compared to recent years. You will this yea...

TC

Found this evaluation of the DF1000: http://www.multihulldynamics.com/news_a ... ticleID=65

TC

There was a newsletter in June, but IMO was nothing but advertising with no news, so it was not posted. Here is the latest: The yard is as busy as ever before. Since we returned from the summer holidays we have sold at least two boats every week. In these times this is a very fortunate situation and...

TC

After a search, picking this forum's brains and attempting to use an inflatable kayak, I found a older, hard sided, 9'6"Gig Harbor Boatworks sailing dinghy. Displacement hull, a bit tippy, but rows great (7ft wood oars) and can get out on it and sail around while in a port. Oars and boom are st...

TC

Larry, You are correct regarding the Amsteel. Amsteel is alleged to have an 'anti-slip' coating. The ama extend/retract install worked well for a year, but I noticed it was slipping in the clutch this spring and the rear prevent-collapse spin pole was taking all the load. I also had to manually tail...

TC

Larry, Let me start by stating I realize the head hose fitting is probably 1.5 inch and using 1.5 inch hose was natural. However, was using a reducer and using a smaller diameter hose to the tank considered? This question stems from the desire to move the poo from the head and into the tank without ...

TC

In case anyone was curious about the results. And yes, I'm bored. Strider is on the hard getting bottom paint and I'm avoiding spring yard work. I purchased the inflatable kayak and have not used it much. Initial sailing on Lakes Michigan and Huron in 2011 was cold and many times raining so all the ...

TC

Photos came with the newsletter, but are probably not worth adding. One struck me as interesting though, it came with the section regarding the get together in France. There appears to be at least 30 DFs in the pic! I know of 3 DFs in the PNW and see one occasionally (Steve B's Flexible Flyer) so 30...

TC

This turned into a dissertation. Sorry...something about more info vice less info.... After sailing Lakes Michigan and Huron for a couple months, Strider (ex Hull Raiser) was shipped and splashed in Anacortes, WA late July 2011 using Associated Boat Transport, Marysville, WA for around $9k including...

TC

Michael, I wasn't finger pointing! I liked getting the newsletter...just surprised Jens got involved. Now I wonder how he got my email....

Bo, if I receive more of these newsletters, should I post them? Is there value?

TC

Force, whether drag or lift, is increased by velocity squared. It is not linear. I have walked on the open mesh netting discussed and it is not bad bare foot though you can catch a toe in it. Further, I've found the OEM netting to have less give, and therefore, more secure feeling (granted comparing...

TC

When I purchased my DF 1000, the starboard ama was hard to extend. I found the retract/extend line was mis-fed and did not go through a shive properly.

Also, I found the block (end of cable attached to the tramp) sometimes gets caught on my solar panel....

TC

Got this via email (I assume via the DF Register/Michael Paterson) and have not seen it posted here: .......................................................................................................... ...............................................................................................

TC

Been doing some fiberglass repair. Both ama decks were damaged just aft of the forward aka pivot, essentially under the rub-strip. These appear to be old wounds and the starboard one appeared to have been poorly repaired previously. Questions: Anyone experienced damage in the same area? Any advice, ...

TC

Larry, Regarding the LiFePO4: I live about 2hrs from Steve B. and am following his example. He is light years ahead of me and I see he has posted a response. Thanks for bailing me out Steve! Regarding the Amsteel, it is single braid and uncovered. To date, I've not had any problems with slippage out...

TC

Prepping to venture into British Columbia's Desolation Sound next summer Done: -Replaced OEM head with Raritan PHII lower body (happy wife!) -Replaced all lights with LED -Connected galley overhead light to the under cabinet light. Now all galley lights are operated by 1 switch. The two remaining st...

TC

OK, based on forum input (thanks Ted), I installed the subject lower base assembly, keeping the DF stock bowl. Up front: This is not a job for the faint hearted. 1. The stock bowl does not fit the LBA without drilling new holes in the bowl flange. 2. The new combination did not fit into the space be...

TC

I'm not associated with any of these companies, just thought you might like to know. Home Depot is selling Philips brand 12 volt LED. Two GU4/MRII indoor/outdoor flood models are available in my local store, 100 lumen @ 3 watts ($19.99) and 140 lumen @ 3.5 watts ($22.99). According to the packaging,...

TC

Good to know!

TC

Multihull Maven states the DF1000 has a rotating mast. What I found on #17 is confusing. The mast does rotate, about 5 degrees, so not truly a rotating mast, at least not enough to make a difference. Once the mast was lifted for shipment though, I found the mast does not sit on a ball, but has a key...

TC

I'm glad this forum is here. I hate reinventing the wheel, especially since there is so much experience out there. Once again, thank you!

TC

The boat is still in Waukegan so I don't have access. Since the previous owner didn't upgrade it, I assume it is the stock DF 1000. The owner's manual does not list a make/model. I've a pic and have contacted the administrator for posting. http://www.dragonfly-trimarans.org/images1000/toilet_s.jpg P...

TC

Back from the Great Lakes adventure and learned a lot about the DF1000 we bought, reefing, points of sail, centerboard, cranking the amas and of course banging our noggins on most anything available. My wife, new to sailing, was introduced to Mr. Toilet. Both she, and as it turns out, Mr. Toilet, we...

TC

I cannot find the entry, but Steve B. rebuilt/remodeled his refrigerator and posted it on the forum. I've seen the results and will eventually copy it. Essentially, he moved the batteries from under the step into the engine compartment. Then he moved the refer compressor from behind the refer to und...

TC

I see the new engine is about 60 pounds heavier than the old. Does this seem to affect handling/sailing qualities?

Has the fuel flow at the speeds listed changed between the old and new engine?

TC

I need to state this is an intellectual exercise for me as I've no actual experience anchoring a trimaran. But I always question conventional wisdom...and learn a lot by it. I thank you in advance for your insights. I understand the need to keep the anchor rode on the boat's centerline, maintaining ...

TC

Steve: Keep the pointy thing up...does Janet know you say things like this? :) Ted: Reefing.... I once read, on this forum I believe, about a nominal reefing schedule: 20 knots actual wind 1st reef main 25 knots 1st reef genoa 30 knots 2nd reef main 35 knots 2nd reef genoa 40 knots drop the main 45 ...

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