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Delta 46
Designer: Doug Peterson  ·  Builder: Shing Fa Ltd.(Taiwan) For Delta Marine  ·  First built: 1981
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About the Delta 46

Sailing enthusiasts seeking a substantial cruising yacht often encounter the Delta 46 in their research, though detailed specifications for this model remain surprisingly scarce in contemporary databases. This scarcity itself tells a story of a boat that likely enjoyed limited production runs or regional distribution, making it something of a hidden gem in today's used boat market. From the available information, the Delta 46 appears to have been designed with serious coastal and offshore cruising in mind. The 46-foot length suggests a yacht capable of comfortable extended passages while maintaining manageable size for a couple or small crew. Delta Marine's reputation during their sailboat production years centered on building robust, seaworthy vessels that prioritized reliability over racing performance. Prospective buyers should expect traditional cruising boat characteristics: generous interior volume, solid construction, and conservative sail plan designed for safety rather than speed. The relative obscurity of detailed specifications means potential owners will need to conduct thorough individual vessel inspections, but this same rarity often translates to competitive pricing in the marketplace. For sailors prioritizing value and proven offshore capability over modern amenities, the Delta 46 represents an intriguing option worth investigating.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 45.80 ft / 13.96 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 40.33 ft / 12.29 m
Beam 12.83 ft / 3.91 m
Max Draft 6.33 ft / 1.93 m
Displacement 30,000.00 lb / 13,608 kg
Ballast 11,000.00 lb / 4,990 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type Staysail Ketch
Construction FG
Designer Doug Peterson
Builder Shing Fa Ltd.(TAIWAN) for Delta Marine
First Built 1981
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Performance Ratios
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
36.67
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
204.17
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 11.09 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 15.39
P (Mainsail Luff) 925.00 ft² / 85.94 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) 204.17
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