Some boats grow on you as you spend more time aboard or clear an inlet. But I was immediately impressed with the 60 Open, the latest iteration of the all-carbon-fiber vessels from Delta Powerboats.
The Swedish, family-owned company founded in 2003 has, in short time, earned a reputation for producing modern-looking boats with clean, sleek lines inspired by Scandinavian design. The 60 Open, a tick over 60 feet LOA with its large swim platform, is no exception. It’s the newest addition to a line that ranges from 24 to 84 feet.
Based on the 54 Carbon, Delta has taken the hull and modified it while leaving much of the technical platform the same, explained Kalle Wessel, sales manager and founder at Delta. “We cut the lines down a bit on the freeboards, and we made a new transom and then”—voilà—“we’ve got the 60 Open.” These design modifications account for its low-slung profile on the water. But in terms of mechanical layout, the engine installation, tank placement, electrical systems and Seakeeper installation (which comes standard) haven’t changed.
And then of course there’s the acreage of deck space that’s carefully outfitted with creature comforts and smart systems. Features include hand-laid teak decks, twin L-shaped settees with a teak folding table between them, dual helm seats to port and starboard with a beautiful Garmin glass cockpit system, a custom canopy sunshade and a large sunpad aft. If you haven’t guessed by now, the 60 Open was originally conceived as a chase boat for European megayacht owners—or guys with the last name DiCaprio—who lounge in the Med. But the application also fit the lifestyle of owner-operators in the U.S. who plan on taking a day boat from South Florida to Bimini and soaking in every drop of sunshine.
If that pleasant day you’re imagining turns cloudy, the accommodations below include three large staterooms: a master with a king bed forward, and two guest cabins amidships (a queen to port and double berths to starboard). The layout also includes two heads: one is connected to the master, the other is a shared day head; both include a splash of mosaic in the shower.
2019 Delta 60 Open
Delta points to its fit and finish as one factor that differentiates this brand from competitors, and in this the builder does seem to have something to hang its hat on. Premium details are coupled with the minimalist sensibility of designer Lars Modin. When taken together, those features truly pop, creating the sophisticated aesthetic that discerning owners have come to expect from the Swedish builder.
At Delta, very little is outsourced, with much of the work being done in-house, including the lightweight carbon fiber hull that is paired with twin Volvo Penta IPS800s. That combination should make the 60 Open remarkably responsive and fuel efficient, and according to the builder, capable of cruising at 33 knots—and a top speed of 39 knots—with a range of 500-plus nautical miles.
At first, I wondered who, outside of the megayacht sect, would see the appeal in a large, standalone day boat. But a blast of arctic temperatures that assailed my home port on the East Coast changed my mind. My new mantra: Bring on the sun—and a beamy pleasure craft to enjoy it with! —Simon Murray
Delta Powerboats, 844-335-8272; deltacarbonyachts.com
LOA: 60’2”
Beam: 15’1”
Draft: 4’5”
Displ.: 29,762 lbs.
Fuel: 766 gal.
Water: 238 gal.
Std. Power: 2/Volvo Penta IPS800
Cruise Speed: 33 knots
Top Speed: 39 knots