Any company which has established its reputation upon ongoing sales to the commercial sector has undoubtedly forged its success on the back of a very reliable and well proven product. The Delta range of RIBs today is indeed a comprehensive stable of craft. From the sports boat through to the 10 metre wheelhouse custom build, all possess the same tried and tested ingredients which make them distinctive and confidence inspiring.

The craft we chose to test was the recently introduced Delta 6.6m ‘Patrol’, a mid range example of the model based on the ever popular X-series. The ‘Patrol’ is rapidly gaining acceptance with fishery boards and customs offices as a rapid response craft, but is equally suited to leisure applications such as cruising or racing. With a boat weight of 465kg, she is undoubtedly a manageable boat to trail, plus even though she boasts a beamy 2.5 metres, her nice wide proportions still remain well suited to the average 4x4 towing vehicle.

Our test boat featured a 225hp Yamaha outboard which produced a very stable full-throttle ride clocked at 50mph exactly. Though this particular boat appeared to suffer from being slightly over- propped , her performance nonetheless was impressive. Most commercial operators would no doubt fit twin engines to the ‘Patrol’ but to my mind, if it’s for your own leisure use, then you can’t beat one big lump on the stern, but with an auxiliary strapped to the deck for safe measure.

This single engine installation made the boat easy and uncomplicated to handle. In fact that is one element that I really liked about it, its uncomplicated layout. The need for this quality has obviously been recognized by Delta for over the years their internal fit-outs have improved enormously. For instance, the control console has now been developed to the point where its well contoured design not only looks very eye­ catching, but is also highly practical at the same time.

This particular double width expedition console, with its curved windscreen, allowed plenty of room for all manner of electronic equipment to be fitted. With commercial operators and leisure users both fitting an increased amount of electronics to their craft these days, console design and the space it affords is an area to which the boat builder needs to give serious consideration. As well as having an upper storage hatch, this boat possessed a 40 gallon fuel tank in the bottom section of its console. The positioning of this heaviest item, excluding the engine, is crucial. here, with the fuel tank located just ahead of mid-ships (although the sea conditions on our test day did not allow for it) she would, I'm confi­dent, be well balanced and suited to being driven hard in head seas. Likewise the high shear to her bow would prevent her from stuffing her nose in a following sea.

All the metal work on the boat was aluminium, finished in baked on black polyurethane paint. Though I personally like the appearance this gives to the aft double A-frame, I feel stainless steel would be better suited where the other fittings are concerned.

At the time of our test, we had a four man crew on board, with each member sitting com­fortably on his own jockey seat. These particular seats are well suited to offshore cruising as the high backs provide plenty of support either in the sitting position or with legs locked in a semi-standing mode. The heavy duty PVC upholstered seat bases themselves were well cushioned, comfortable, and slen­der in design. Their glass fibre bases provided a useful and very necessary waterproof stowage facility. Of course, well designed seating consoles allow for maximum deck space, and even with seating for four there was still plenty of room for movement around the deck. Ahead of the con­sole there is a good sized molded storage box set at the base providing ample stowage for all manner of gear. For additional stowage the anchor locker, complete with well made heavy duty cover, is neatly positioned in the fore­peak. Its internal well revealed sufficient space for anchor, line and gear etc.

As we said, she handled in an easy fashion, responding well to the helm, particularly in tight turns where she heeled in a predictable fashion with no sign of jump or skid. Evidently, this has been aided by the fact Delta have raised the sponsors on their new boats by 3-4 inches to aft, ensuring less drag in tight maneouvers and giving a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. "Less snouty" is one comment I heard. Whatever the case, she has a well proportioned look about her, one that suggests she means business.

In conclusion, I would say first impressions say a lot and upon taking the wheel, she felt right. A craft that lends itself to a deep sea application and a whole lot of fun into the bargain.

HMS

Builder

Delta Power Services
Newby Road Industrial Estate, Hazel Grove, Stockport
Cheshire, SK7 5DR, UK.

Tel: 0161 456 6588
Fax: 0161 456 6686