Delta Power Services occupy a unique position amongst British RIB builders, being a major builder of commercial RIBs and being also one of the most experienced builders. Delta have built many RIBs for the leisure market, mainly for divers and other serious RIB users where the accent has been on performance rather than style. Now, with the introduc­tion of the Dash 2, Delta is entering the leisure market with a dedicated design which incorporates all the flair of Italian styling matched to a pedigree hull design which offers superb performance.

For the Dash 2, Delta has moved away from the characteristic raised bow which has been a unique feature of Delta design over the years. The sheer line of the Dash 2 has a very sweet shallow curve which sets the style of the design. The tube diameter is consistent throughout and relatively small and the bright yellow colour certainly adds to the style, with the fender strip in contrasting grey.

The hull is pure deep vee with a 25 degree deadrise matched to a chine arrangement which allows the tube to integrate smoothly with the hull. Part of the secret of Delta design has been this clean integration of hull and tube which allows the water to flow smoothly past the hull, which in turn takes a lot of harshness out of the ride.
The small diameter tube gives the boat a long, sleek look. It extends right round the boat in a smooth vee so that the fine entry of the rigid section is maintained at tube level, whilst at the stern the tube extends beyond the transom to offer protection to the outboard.

The central console extends for the full width between the tubes so you have to walk on the tube to get to the bow. This is a full two man console served by twin saddle seats, the advantage of this layout being that with a two person crew, both are sitting with the same level of comfort and security. These saddle seats have been designed from Delta's long experience with RIB seating and have good backrests to provide secure location for the crew, with deck toe straps adding to the security.

You may have noticed that Dash 2 whilst on show at Southampton Boat Show carried two forward `concept' seating pods, as seen in the main lead in picture. Whilst these pods were interesting from an aesthetic point of view, we felt their design was very much at the prototype stage and required further development to provide suitable comfort for offshore cruising. We therefore opted for the `tried & tested' high back jockey seats, as seen in the lead in inset picture.

The small diameter tube gives the boat a long, sleek look. It extends right round the boat in a smooth vee so that the fine entry of the rigid section is maintained at tube level, whilst at the stern the tube extends beyond the transom to offer protection to the outboard.

The central console extends for the full width between the tubes so you have to walk on the tube to get to the bow. This is a full two man console served by twin saddle seats, the advantage of this layout being that with a two person crew, both are sitting with the same level of comfort and security. These saddle seats have been designed from Delta's long experience with RIB seating and have good backrests to provide secure location for the crew, with deck toe straps adding to the security.

You may have noticed that Dash 2 whilst on show at Southampton Boat Show carried two forward `concept' seating pods, as seen in the main lead in picture. Whilst these pods were interesting from an aesthetic point of view, we felt their design was very much at the prototype stage and required further development to provide suitable comfort for offshore cruising. We therefore opted for the `tried & tested' high back jockey seats, as seen in the lead in inset picture.

The steering wheel is well angled for sitting or standing use, and is offset to starboard with the throttle box on the outboard side. This unit has been constructed in a single GRP moulding to match the styling and contours of the main attractively styled alternative to the usual fare.

A low windscreen offers limited protection when seated and there is plenty of space on the passenger's side for the navigation electronics. A secure handrail extends from each side of the console right round the front. As the main console fills virtually the full width of the internal beam, hand grab rails such as these fitted, are essential to aid stepping into the open bow area.

Behind the two saddle seats is a full width bench seat which is integrated into the moulding which provides a large dry locker and forms the inner transom and the base of the arch mast. This design is both functional and desirable. Capable of seating 3 persons abreast, it provides good support to the back, is semi­ wraparound and sufficiently padded to ensure comfort, even when the conditions become lively. At a time when discerning buyers are looking for more luxury and greater refinement in leisure RIBS, it is good to see a company console. Its outer face is bonded to the hypalon tube and thus forms a well positioned and such as Delta bite the bullet and go the whole hog and develop such a unit. The bench seat is secure and the occupants have side and aft handrails and the support structure of the backrests of the saddle seats for security.

The backrest supports to the forward jockey seats also make a secure rear standing position. The arch mast rakes forward and is high to provide good clearance, although I personally feel it does look a little out of proportion to the rest of the boat. Its size may also make it vulnerable.

There are lots of little cubby holes and dry lockers around the boat which I like: three to the main console, two medium sized lockers to the jockey seats, and substantial stowage beneath the aft seating unit - 2/3rds of which is dry locker, and the remaining 1/3rd possesses battery, oil tank, and isolator switch. The latter is a wet locker and any water collected on deck passes through this area before being expelled by the automatic bilge pump. Under the normal course of things, this should prove quite adequate, however, if a large sea is shipped aboard, the small skupper/outlet to the foot of this unit may possibly be insuffi­cient to remove the quantity of water quickly enough, i.e. in the event of a serious stuffing.

With a 225hp Mercury outboard on the back there is plenty of power and performance, though not being an Efi engine, you pay for the healthy roar and seat crunching acceleration by means of your pocket! At full throttle, she is capable of burning around 18-20 gallons an hour (80-90 litres). The upside to all this is that the Mercury 225hp in question is a very robust, non-complicated engine very suitable for offshore use.

The conditions at Salcombe on the test day did not allow high speed runs, but on Southampton water we clocked over 60mph at full throttle. The boat was liable to chine walk at this speed, hence it was necessary to lower the engine height in order to eradicate this tendency. The stainless steel 3-bladed Mirage prop will also be exchanged for a five ­bladed stainless High-Five, as the Mirage was found to cause the engine to cavitate.

You get good warning when you are trimming the engine out at high speed because the boat suddenly starts to feel "soft". A quick touch on the trim switch to bring the engine in a shade and the handling goes taut and the boat sings along at top speed like poetry in motion. This particular boat seems to favour running slightly trimmed down.

Out in the wild water of the breaking waves on the bar, the quality of the Dash 2 really shines. Driving the boat hard into breaking waves or motoring over them gently, the boat took everything in its stride. Obviously, the boat will fly if you push it too hard, but the very deep vee gives a soft and confident landing, almost like a kiss on the water.

Running before the heavy breaking seas, the Dash 2 is in full control. You could slow and let the breaking crest roll tight up to the transom and then open the throttles and power away. The feeling of confidence which the craft generates is extraordinary and is a combination of an excellent, refined design and controls which always seem to be in just the right place to fine tune the performance. The good seating also helps, showing how a good boat is more than just the right hull design.

Although this range is aimed at the leisure market, many professionals are going to take a very close look at this new design. The lay up of the Dash 2 is of the same strength and quality as the company's commercial range. Stamping about on deck, it feels like armour-plating beneath your feet, totally solid. This is reassuring and no doubt will assist the craft in its offshore capability and overall low centre of gravity. Further to this, the main fuel tank is located underdeck with a capacity of 60 gal (270 litres). A secondary tank is located in the lower section of the main console with a capacity of 40 gal (180 litres), providing a respectable cruising range.

This 7.25 metre is the first of the new Dash 2 range from Delta. This range will extend from 5.75 up to 8.25 metres in length and is aimed primarily at the sports cruiser, luxury yacht tender and the Mediterranean market. These boats are offered with a range of seating options. The styled versions, like the prototype tested, are aptly named the `Levanter' (cos' they go like the wind!!). There is a choice of colours and graphics and if the protype is anything to judge by, this is one of the more exciting RIBs to hit the market in recent times and will help Delta maintain its position as a market leader.

Obviously, RIB International will be out and about on the water with `Dash 2' this year, and we will keep you informed as to her performance and what we find works, or doesn't work!

Dag Pike

Builder
Delta Power Services Ltd
Newby Road lndustrial Estate
Hazel Grove
Stockport
Cheshire SK7 5DR, UK

Tel: +44 (0)161 456 6588
Fax: +44 (0)161 456 6686