For the same level of serious sailing I think that the cost of ownership over ten years lets say for a one off HP will end up close to that for a factory Farrier or Dragonfly on average: what you save in the initial cost building an HP you may lose in correcting structures that have not been tested for years "in the field". But then one has to also calculate in the cost of failures. Does the increase of the proven mean time between failures (MTBF) of the constituent components in a factory tri offset the higher number of components compared to a HP? Of course, once you accept the potential advantages of an HP can you stand buying a ready made trimaran at these asking prices? Probably only if you want to go sailing in a new boat within three months of your decision.

The owner of the Dragonfly explained in an interview that the single most expensive component in his boats was the high tech bulkhead carrying the load of the mast and the forward folding beams. The HP does not seem to have a single complicated multifaceted structure except maybe the rudder board setup. And then there is the cost of labor. Dragonfly is build to Danish quality standards on Danish wages. The F-22 in build in south east asia where quality assurance will fill up a significant part of the wage gap.

Companies would have a hard time making sufficient margins with customers who do not cherish a good finish. Also do not forget that boats beyond beach cats size are sold to the wife first, even top race cruisers as the Gunboats.

Luc

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