
DELTA 46
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 45.8 ft |
| LWL | 40.33 ft |
| Beam | 12.83 ft |
| Draft | 6.33 ft |
| Displacement | 30,000 lb |
| Ballast | 11,001 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 8.5 kn |
About the DELTA 46
Based on the PETERSON 44 and LIBERTY 458 but with different interior and sold in Europe.(Delta Marine was a German company.) Cutter or ketch.
The Delta 46 is a substantial cruising ketch designed by Doug Peterson and built by Shing Fa Ltd. in Taiwan for Delta Marine, with production records indicating a build year of 1981. As a large displacement vessel with a reported build count of unknown quantity, it represents a specific era of offshore-oriented American design executed through Asian construction.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for experienced coastal cruisers and bluewater passagemakers who prioritize heavy displacement comfort and traditional staysail ketch handling over high-performance racing metrics.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 30000.0 lb and a low capsize ratio of 1.66, the Delta 46 exhibits strong inherent stability and motion comfort suitable for offshore passages, supported by its fin keel and staysail ketch rig.
- Comparables:
- Comparable vessels include the Cal 46 and O'Day 46, which share similar production eras and cruising-oriented ketch or sloop configurations, though the Delta distinguishes itself with its specific Peterson design lines and heavier displacement.
Performance
Market Price
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 45.8ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
We don't have enough data on the DELTA 46yet to publish model-specific findings we'd stand behind — but here's a free general inspection checklist, built from our research into what actually goes wrong on boats of this kind.
Drawn from 7,029 documented issues across 2,391 models, ordered so the areas that most often turn up problems come first.
Own a DELTA 46? Reports from owners are what turn this into a model-specific checklist — and they're the reason the boats above it have one.
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your DELTA 46?
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Used sails that fit the DELTA 46
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…