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10data points analyzed by Sailpages.com to compile this DELTA 46 buyer’s report
DELTA 46

DELTA 46

$74,944 avg$74,944 – $74,944 (1 listings)from 1981
$4.2K – $11K est. annual maintenance
Bluewater CruisermonoStaysail KetchFin

Specifications

Hull

LOA45.8 ft
LWL40.33 ft
Beam12.83 ft
Draft6.33 ft
Displacement30,000 lb
Ballast11,001 lb
Hull speed1.34·√LWL8.5 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.

Sailpages Buyer's Take

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

Comfort36.9
Capsize1.66
SA/Disp15.4
Disp/Len204
Bal/Disp36.7

Market Price

Low
$74,944
Average
$74,944
High
$74,944
Based on 1 listings across 1 marketplace

Estimated Cost of Ownership

Based on 45.8ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.

$/ft/mo
Annual Maintenance
$4.2K – $11K
Hull, rigging, sails, engine service
Annual Docking
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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.

1Structural & Bulkheads9732Standing Rigging6403Deck & Topsides6404Keel & Keel Bolts5535Rudder & Steering5086Hull & Bottom377
Free general pre-purchase checklist
25 survey areas — hull, keel, rig, engine, electrical and more. Take it aboard when you view any boat.

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?

We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.

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Used sails that fit the DELTA 46

Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…