Search found 210 matches

by gminkovsky
Fri 08 Mar 24, 21:30
Forum: DF920 Motor/Equipment/Electrics
Topic: tiller rod connector
Replies: 3
Views: 84

Re: tiller rod connector

Contact Nina at aftersales@dragonfly.dk. She is very responsive!

Send her a picture of the item and detailed description as well as you hull number. She was able to find me a replacement piece for my winch that I didn't know the name of.
by gminkovsky
Wed 06 Mar 24, 22:47
Forum: DF920 Motor/Equipment/Electrics
Topic: tiller rod connector
Replies: 3
Views: 84

Re: tiller rod connector

Many years ago I had the same problem. Couldn't find it in the US. Ordered it from Quorning...
by gminkovsky
Fri 26 Aug 22, 21:52
Forum: General
Topic: Insurance in U.S.
Replies: 2
Views: 1142

It's difficult to find insurance on ANY trimaran in the US. Contact NBOA. They seem to still be able to find insurance companies for trimarans. Although, every few years an insurance company drops out. I've had 3 or 4 different insurance companies through them over the last 20 years. Also, make sure...
by gminkovsky
Fri 12 Nov 21, 1:37
Forum: DF920 Motor/Equipment/Electrics
Topic: Outboarder on a DF920e - 10 oder 15 hp
Replies: 7
Views: 2356

To reach the relief valve you have to be on the swim platform bending and reaching down low or (preferably) on the swim ladder steps.
by gminkovsky
Mon 08 Nov 21, 15:08
Forum: DF920 Motor/Equipment/Electrics
Topic: Outboarder on a DF920e - 10 oder 15 hp
Replies: 7
Views: 2356

I find that the outboard is useless as soon as the waves build up because the prop comes out of the water. On the other hand, if there are no waves, my Honda 10 managed just fine to keep the bow into the wind. We weathered a couple of storms in harbors with winds 30-35, even had to re-anchor into de...
by gminkovsky
Sun 14 Mar 21, 18:37
Forum: DF920 Motor/Equipment/Electrics
Topic: ST60 connection
Replies: 1
Views: 1834

I am not sure if my answer will be helpful to you, but I had to replace my ST40 wind instrument. The mast-top unit came with a very long cable that could not be disconnected from the unit! So I installed the new unit and spliced its cable to the old cable in the mast. I also had to replace (on diffe...
by gminkovsky
Wed 24 Feb 21, 20:51
Forum: DF920 Rig/Sails
Topic: Mainsail trim
Replies: 2
Views: 2242

920 Racing had an adjustable outhaul. 920 Cruising only had adjustment when the sail is completely slack.

My 920 does not have adjustable outhaul.
by gminkovsky
Wed 10 Jun 20, 17:56
Forum: DF920 Motor/Equipment/Electrics
Topic: Replace solar panel
Replies: 3
Views: 2808

My panel is also dead. It produces about 9 volts only. A few years ago I replaced the original charge controller that went bad with a 30 amp controller. The panel wire and battery wire were accessible in a sliding door cabinet under the port window. A few years ago the connection wiring at the panel...
by gminkovsky
Sat 07 Sep 19, 13:55
Forum: DF920 Rig/Sails
Topic: Help rigging bow sprit?
Replies: 2
Views: 3551

So here are the comments: as you can see, there is 1 wire stay connected on each side of the tip of the sprit to the eye on each ama. The geometry is such that it allows the sprit to be raised and lowered. there is a stay that connects to an eye low on the bow, then via blocks and rope to the tip of...
by gminkovsky
Tue 03 Sep 19, 23:24
Forum: DF920 Rig/Sails
Topic: Help rigging bow sprit?
Replies: 2
Views: 3551

I took a bunch of pictures of my bow sprit today. I will email them to Bo so they will be posted in a couple of days. I can then walk you through the setup. Please click on any of the photos to see them enlarged! http://www.dragonfly-trimarans.org/images920/bowsprit1_s.jpg http://www.dragonfly-trima...
by gminkovsky
Sat 10 Aug 19, 22:07
Forum: DF800 Rig/Sails
Topic: Main halyard - extreme power is needed - or?
Replies: 9
Views: 5649

You should not need a winch at all to raise a main. You should only use the winch to tighten the halyard. I strongly advise you to find the source of the problem before a serious mishap happens. You should not wait until autumn. It's very easy to lower the mast on 800. Do not remove the jib. Just co...
by gminkovsky
Tue 06 Aug 19, 17:20
Forum: DF800 Rig/Sails
Topic: Main halyard - extreme power is needed - or?
Replies: 9
Views: 5649

A few things to check: 1. Block at the top of the mast. Inspect and lubricate. It may be broken or jammed. 2. Block at the bottom of the mast and any deck organizers. You will only notice these problems under load. 3. You may have a broken sheave that jams the halyard under load. 4. Inspect your hal...
by gminkovsky
Mon 22 Jul 19, 16:49
Forum: DF920 General Topics
Topic: Headliner Removal?
Replies: 4
Views: 3263

The plastic caps just pop off!
by gminkovsky
Sat 20 Jul 19, 20:02
Forum: DF920 Hull
Topic: Replacing waterstays in the water?
Replies: 4
Views: 3268

BTW, where are you getting the new waterstay? The last time i needed to replace waterstays it took me 2 years to get them!
by gminkovsky
Sat 20 Jul 19, 19:55
Forum: DF920 Hull
Topic: Replacing waterstays in the water?
Replies: 4
Views: 3268

Yes, you should be able to do it in the water. I adjusted waterstays in the water multiple times. Just bring the boat into very shallow water, partly fold one side, go into the water and do it. You will need to open and fold a few times to adjust to proper tension.
by gminkovsky
Fri 19 Jul 19, 14:39
Forum: DF920 Rig/Sails
Topic: How to reach the pin when raising or lowering the mast?
Replies: 2
Views: 3044

I do it the opposite: lie down on my stomach or side and reach with one hand and work blindly. Or better, let a young person (son, daughter) do it! What I found helpful is to insert the pin front to back so that cutter pin is more accessible. However, this resulted in the pin falling into the space ...
by gminkovsky
Wed 24 Apr 19, 1:00
Forum: DF35 General Topics
Topic: Need PHRF handicap rating for Touring DF 35
Replies: 2
Views: 4140

I would start with NEMA - New England Multihull Association: https://nemasail.org

PHRF are usually locally adjusted. Count on being majorly screwed especially in a mixed fleet...

Do let us know what number you get.

I think 920 started at 60. But it has been more than 10 years since I checked...
by gminkovsky
Tue 29 Jan 19, 16:20
Forum: Rig/Sail issues concerning all DFs
Topic: P-link investigation and SURPRISE
Replies: 3
Views: 3480

Can you post a picture please. I am not exactly sure what a p-link is. Is it possibly the same as quick link, e.g.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/The-Hillman ... /203810392


Thanks.
by gminkovsky
Sun 12 Aug 18, 16:21
Forum: DF800 Motor/Equipment/Electrics
Topic: Anchor questions
Replies: 2
Views: 3022

On my 920 the primary anchor is Fortress FX-16 with 12 feet of 5/16 inch chain and 150 feet of 5/8 inch double-braided nylon. My secondary is Delta 22 with 5/16 chain and 300 feet of 3-strand nylon. I also have a bridal permanently attached to the rode with Wichard snapshackles to attach to the eye ...
by gminkovsky
Mon 18 Dec 17, 16:17
Forum: DF1000 General Topics
Topic: dragonfly 1000 stability with amas folded
Replies: 3
Views: 4404

I re-read your previous posts and came to conclusion that you are either trolling or spamming this forum.

I removed my answers.
by gminkovsky
Thu 09 Nov 17, 22:00
Forum: DF920 Motor/Equipment/Electrics
Topic: How to connect SeaTalk
Replies: 4
Views: 4605

There is another way to connect to Seatalk: behind the electrical panel. That's how I connected a wireless remote for my autopilot. You just need a standard seatalk cable and possibly a seatalk Y splitter. I don't remember if I had an unused seatalk end behind a panel or added my own Y-splitter. I t...
by gminkovsky
Tue 10 Oct 17, 22:07
Forum: General
Topic: Mooring / rafting advice for newbie
Replies: 1
Views: 3495

There are a few posts on this forum regarding mooring (and anchoring), including my own detailed description. You should search and read all. The short answers: you should never have the boat folded except in protected waters or in a slip or at the dock. Even at the dock, the boat will be vulnerable...
by gminkovsky
Wed 20 Sep 17, 22:37
Forum: DF32 General Topics
Topic: Satisfaction
Replies: 6
Views: 5893

Given a choice between an outboard and inboard diesel I would strongly prefer diesel for the following reasons: You can motor in waves. You get hot water. It is quieter. It is much more fuel efficient (not important in cost but in the amount of fuel to carry on a cruise). I don't know the difference...
by gminkovsky
Sat 12 Aug 17, 1:03
Forum: Rig/Sail issues concerning all DFs
Topic: Shrouds
Replies: 1
Views: 3665

I believe that it is no longer recommended to use your adjustable backstay as a preventer. Especially bad if you forget to reconnect before you turn upwind or gybe. In 2003 when I got my boat, the recommended preventer was a separate line with blocks and cleat. The use is similar to boom vang as wel...
by gminkovsky
Sat 12 Aug 17, 0:49
Forum: General
Topic: stiff lines
Replies: 2
Views: 3653

I am not sure it is salt related. The lines get washed by very heavy rains. I think this is happening to all ropes as they age. I think UV does a lot of damage. Maybe UV + salt? I have some nylon ropes that I use in my backyard, and they are all very stiff. They haven't seen salt water in many years...
by gminkovsky
Tue 08 Aug 17, 0:29
Forum: General
Topic: stiff lines
Replies: 2
Views: 3653

stiff lines

As the boat is aging, many of the lines are becoming very stiff. This is especially a problem with ropes in cleats, such as board downhaul. The stiff lines just slide out of jam cleats. I put additional cover over the downhaul line but after a few years even the extra cover became too stiff and star...
by gminkovsky
Tue 30 May 17, 20:01
Forum: DF920 Rig/Sails
Topic: chafing on mainsail reefing lines
Replies: 4
Views: 9834

I use 72mm lewmar synchro blocks with SWL ~2400 lbs (1100 kg) for all high load lines (preventer, reef, etc). My original Fredrickson blocks were replaced (under warranty) by 72mm ronstan with similar load. The only high-load block that I have is for the main halyard. I really like Lewmar. They are ...
by gminkovsky
Tue 14 Mar 17, 14:51
Forum: DF920 Hull
Topic: Control lines to centerboard
Replies: 3
Views: 4563

according to the manual, each line is 7m long 8mm diameter. the manual states that it is polyester double-braid but i know for a fact that it is Dyneema (my downhaul line failed). I don't have first-hand experience replacing these lines but according to others, you need to remove table top and use a...
by gminkovsky
Thu 12 Jan 17, 21:20
Forum: DF35 Motor/Equipment/Electrics
Topic: Anchoring
Replies: 9
Views: 7587

I run the main anchor rode to the cleat on main hull, and 2 bridle lines to the amas. I adjust the main line so it is somewhat slack. If I am only anchoring for a couple of hours I connect rode to the main hull and only one of the bridle lines to one ama. In this asymmetric setup the boat actually s...
by gminkovsky
Thu 27 Oct 16, 23:13
Forum: General
Topic: New to group, looking for input
Replies: 3
Views: 4862

Since you almost know Tim, you should talk to him. He will tell you why he switched back to 920 from 800. Keep in mind that both 800 and 920 draw more than 4 feet with board down. Of course, this does not prevent you from motoring or sailing downwind, and the board kicks up if you hit ground. The ba...
by gminkovsky
Wed 26 Oct 16, 0:38
Forum: General
Topic: New to group, looking for input
Replies: 3
Views: 4862

WE WILL NOT PROVIDE ANY ADVICE ON POWERBOATS! :)

Welcome Keith, I guess I am the most active Long Islander here in the forum. Although I sail in the Sound, I am familiar with South Shore - I sailed once with Tim P. from his house in Bay Shore to Shinecock Inlet and then into Peconic. I also sailed a beach cat in the Great South Bay in the 80's. Af...
by gminkovsky
Mon 24 Oct 16, 21:23
Forum: General
Topic: Totaled by the hurricane...Our beloved 800 is no more
Replies: 2
Views: 4376

This is terrible. BTW, in preparation for a tropical storm, I take all sails down and remove everything from topsides. (I also add 3 additional mooring lines on top of the standard 3 that I normally use.) Rolled jib has a LOT of sail area. Main is not so bad if you are on a swing mooring. But broads...
by gminkovsky
Tue 30 Aug 16, 19:09
Forum: DF35 Rig/Sails
Topic: Boom vang/preverter block failure
Replies: 2
Views: 4526

how did it fail? which part broke? I had a few (5 or more) Fredricksen blocks fail. all in the same way: the plastic around the shackle pin disintegrated. I had some replaced under warranty. The rest I've been replacing with similar or higher spec aftermarket blocks. Personally, I prefer lewmar. The...
by gminkovsky
Wed 20 Jul 16, 0:46
Forum: DF800 Hull
Topic: Releasing the centerboard for bottom paint. How?
Replies: 6
Views: 6675

for the future, leave a thin messenger line in boom or mast when you remove the boom or take out a line. saves hours of labor when you put it back together.

now just use snake to thread a messenger line, then use messenger line to thread reefing line.
by gminkovsky
Mon 18 Jul 16, 23:08
Forum: DF800 Hull
Topic: Releasing the centerboard for bottom paint. How?
Replies: 6
Views: 6675

fantastic! Feel free to come to long island and do any of this on my boat :-) looks like i am not putting my boat in the water this season... anyway, use electricians snake to thread the line through the boom sheaves. on 920 it is easier because the sheaves are exposed. still, takes 2 people with on...
by gminkovsky
Sun 10 Jul 16, 22:14
Forum: DF25 Motor/Equipment/Electrics
Topic: Bridle System
Replies: 2
Views: 6216

please search the forum. somewhere is a detailed description of various bridle configurations including my detailed post. I'm happy to answer any follow up questions... http://www.dragonfly-trimarans.org/phpBB/viewtopic.php?p=276&highlight=#276 I'm pretty sure there is a discussion on this topic...
by gminkovsky
Thu 07 Jul 16, 1:07
Forum: HULL issues concerning all DFs
Topic: Replacing Ama Moonlight hatches?
Replies: 1
Views: 4142

try lewmar. they are widely available and very affordable if you find the right size. this bomar looks promising. except this uv stable resin doesn't last very long especially if you keep stepping on it. plexiglass will loose transparency but still does not break after uv and stepping on. doesn't bo...
by gminkovsky
Thu 07 Jul 16, 0:51
Forum: DF28 General Topics
Topic: Pressure on helm/rudder
Replies: 6
Views: 7831

the rope becomes stiffer as it ages. you can change it or cut 10 cm at the block end so that a different part of it is in the cleat or put additional polyester cover over it. i had a similar problem with the board downhaul line on my 920. Also, a friend with a mono washes all his ropes in the washin...
by gminkovsky
Tue 24 May 16, 23:21
Forum: DF800 Hull
Topic: Releasing the centerboard for bottom paint. How?
Replies: 6
Views: 6675

That seems correct. My line is 8mm. BTW, the specs say it's only a polyester line, but i know for a fact that it is Dyneema core/Polyester cover ( found out when it failed!)
by gminkovsky
Tue 05 Apr 16, 21:19
Forum: DF800 Hull
Topic: Hauling her out for bottom paint and resealing cabin
Replies: 13
Views: 9815

Re respirator: the one you use for dusty work is not necessarily correct for paint and solvents. Make sure to get the filter cartridge for VOC.
by gminkovsky
Sun 03 Apr 16, 1:36
Forum: DF800 Hull
Topic: Hauling her out for bottom paint and resealing cabin
Replies: 13
Views: 9815

Use a respirator with 216 or paint!!!! Otherwise you will get high and lose a year off your life expectancy...


*** USE a RESPIRATOR ***.

Home Depot or Defender.. Just read the instructions to get the right kind.
by gminkovsky
Sun 03 Apr 16, 1:31
Forum: DF800 Hull
Topic: Hauling her out for bottom paint and resealing cabin
Replies: 13
Views: 9815

My 920 requires just short of a gallon per coat. 1.5 gallon (6 l) is enough for 2 coats. You will probably need a little over 1 gallon for 2 coats. 2 gl will be enough for 3 coats, and then you can definitely skip painting next year!
by gminkovsky
Sun 03 Apr 16, 1:25
Forum: DF920 Rig/Sails
Topic: Mastbase broken
Replies: 9
Views: 8657

Just use a proper sealant to prevent moisture penetration. Do not put anything into the mount holes. Use screws 1 size larger. If the holes are already too large, fill with epoxy, then drill new holes for the larger size screws. The mount should have NO flexibility.
by gminkovsky
Wed 30 Mar 16, 0:54
Forum: DF28 General Topics
Topic: DF28 and Caribbean Cruising
Replies: 10
Views: 9992

DF28 is a very fast but very tender boat. I don't think it can be easily depowered as demonstrated by the capsizes. (Read about multiple capsizes...) This is not a very forgiving boat, imo. For a novice, you will be fine on it in protected waters in good weather. But a mistake in gusty conditions on...
by gminkovsky
Tue 29 Mar 16, 1:36
Forum: DF28 General Topics
Topic: DF28 and Caribbean Cruising
Replies: 10
Views: 9992

You are looking at a boat that is offering "camping style" accommodations and creature comforts! That and AC do not fit in the same sentence. You have to carefully consider what you want in a boat. Every boat is ALWAYS a compromise. I've sailed USVI and BVI during summer (on a mono). AC wa...
by gminkovsky
Sun 20 Mar 16, 0:49
Forum: DF800 Hull
Topic: beneath mast step
Replies: 1
Views: 3692

On a 920 the screws are in solid glass with nothing else. the sealant is all around the mast step and between the mast step and the base. When my mast step was replaced, Quorning supplied massive screws. I would increase the size of the screws if you are replacing original.
by gminkovsky
Sat 19 Mar 16, 1:07
Forum: DF800 General Topics
Topic: Heavy hose?
Replies: 2
Views: 3977

Bilge pump maybe?

My 920 has 2 hoses: 1 for electric, and 1 for a manual pump. They are about 5cm (2 inches) in diameter.

The smaller diameter hoses are fresh water. Mine are reinforced type.
by gminkovsky
Tue 23 Feb 16, 23:26
Forum: General
Topic: California - Florida Dragonfly 35/1200 swap?
Replies: 6
Views: 6471

Ivan, Have you considered trucking the boat to FL? I think it was TC who bought his boat in the Great Lakes and brought it over to West Coast by truck (if i am not mistaken). Also, I am pretty sure Richard S. arranged a number of long distance moves of larger boats (1000, 35, 1200). He also arranged...
by gminkovsky
Thu 31 Dec 15, 21:43
Forum: DF800 Hull
Topic: Hauling her out for bottom paint and resealing cabin
Replies: 13
Views: 9815

1. soft expensive ablative paint. I use micron extra - works very well and will last more than 1 season. no sanding required when repainting. I used Micron 66 - nothing ever adhered to it. it also did not adhere to the hull well. removed completely. I also tried hydrocoat once but not nearly as good...
by gminkovsky
Thu 01 Oct 15, 22:09
Forum: DF1000 General Topics
Topic: Losing Weight
Replies: 20
Views: 17959

@steveB: did you have to winch her in from the dinghy???? I just can't picture how she could climb into the boat. I once had a guest on my 920 for a day sail. She is about 5'4" and ~200 lbs. She went for a swim by diving off the ama, but could not climb back up using our ridiculous standard swi...