Delta 33 Coupé Boat Review: Swedish Excellence Meets Estonian Craftsmanship

Built on the Baltic island of Saaremaa, Delta Powerboats are one of Sweden’s boating secrets. Though technically in Estonian territory, this operation is an in-house Swedish operation, priding itself on attention to detail and build quality. The design team includes Ted Mannerfelt, who like his father Ocke Mannerfelt, is well known in the world of powerboat racing. Like all of the Delta range, construction is via vacuum infusion, in this case using vinylester resin and divinycell cores – which the company claim produces a similar strength-to-weight ratio to carbon fibre, but without the cost. Not surprisingly the 33 Coupe sports cruiser has a deep-vee twin-step hull design.

Delta Powerboats build innovative models from 20 to 90 feet, with the 33 Coupe sitting in the middle of the company’s range, and over 100 of the model being built since 2017. Nevertheless, a ‘big boat build ethos’ is evident in this 33-footer the moment you step aboard. The Corian topped galley, complete with a teak crockery drawer, Isotherm fridge and a 240V hob is a generous offering for a 33ft sports cruiser – though it keeps its profile slim, so as not to hog saloon space. Opposite sits a four-person dinette, centred on a teak table which sits on superbly finished oak flooring – a feature which like the thick carpet inserts, runs throughout the boat. The helm is likewise of a luxury construction, with twin 16-inch Garmin MFDs, and twin-person helm seat. An alcantara covered wheel is complemented by the same suede-effect fabric around the dash, and over the entirety of the chart storage compartment behind the windscreen. I will say that I feel that the rather skimpy white curtains that hang at the aft end of each side window, only serve to create blind spots for the helmsman. A set of pull-up blinds would be a great alternative.

Below decks you get 6ft of headroom in the small cabin at the foot of the steps, and likewise in the forward cabin. The forward cabin is generous for the size of boat and boasts plenty of storage: under the bed, as well as a hanging locker to starboard and a good-sized cabinet on the port side. The small cabin, fitted with a seating section, only really serves to provide access to the heads, and the under-sole double berth. There is also a Mastervolt CZone control panel above the under-sole bed, which also provides access to circuit breakers, so keeping an eye on your domestics can be done easily. The heads opposite is impressive, all things considered. It stretches headroom to 6ft 1 inch, has an electric silent flush toilet, a stylish Duravit bowl basin, and a separate shower compartment – not often found in boats this size.

The aft deck is no less innovative than the rest of the boat. The double sun pad can be exactly that, or with its forward section folded up into the vertical position you get a forward-facing bench seat and a deep aft recliner – ideal for watching skiers or bathers. If you want to dine alfresco then there is a teak table secured under the sun pad, which in conjunction with the slim bench along the back of the wheelhouse, provides space for five to dine. Engine access is outstanding. The cockpit engine hatch literally powers up or down in record time, providing plenty of space to get in front of the engines. You can get to everything you need to easily, with the fuel filters sitting conveniently on the forward bulkhead.

Going forward can be a mixed bag. I say this because our test boat was not fitted with the optional guard rails for aesthetic reasons. It does have roof rails, the side decks are wide enough to be effective, and the toe rails fairly deep. However, the absence of guard rails, especially forward of the wheelhouse is not ideal, considering somebody has got to go forward to hang fenders at some point. The foredeck is beautifully finished in flexi-teak, and the forepeak anchor locker is deep and generous – housing a windlass and flanked by stylish yet practical X-cleats. In keeping with the minimalistic design there are quick-detach button cleats for the fenders.

The Delta 33 is without question, a great fun boat to drive. In line with this, ergonomically speaking, its wheel, throttles, and joystick, are just where you want them. Nevertheless, I do have some constructive critique to make regarding the helm. This includes the matter of the seat height in relation to the line of sight over the bow, as well as the low windscreen and the absence of an angled footboard.

Admittedly, some of this is subjective – I am 6ft tall; somebody shorter would get a better view beneath the leading edge of the windscreen when fully sat behind the wheel and hence, gain its protection. But I found this difficult due to my height. In addition, even with the Zipwake auto-trim-tab system deployed, it’s not until you hit 27 knots that the nose fully drops and the boat’s planing attitude levels out. Therefore, in order to get a good view over the bow, you need to stand. In this position, with my back firmly against the seat bolster, I found my feet and legs would have benefited from an angled footboard for additional security – especially as at present, the cockpit sole to one’s immediate left drops down three inches.

Like many craft, standing is where you will want to be when driving the Delta in an exuberant manner or when running through a seaway where you want the advantage of being able to read each wave. With this in mind, a height-adjustable helm seat would be a good idea, perhaps on that incorporates some form of lateral security for the helmsman, such as a fold-down armrest and/or a concave bolster to keep you planted. (Note – With regard to the foregoing: I can confirm that SE Yachts are considering fitting a footboard. Our test boat had no kill cord, however this has now been fitted. As a boatbuilder, Delta Powerboats, offer to assist in the fulfilling of any bespoke requirements a client may have).

In terms of driver’s visibility, one can look out of the sunroof when turning hard to port, but it is best to duck down and get a good look through the window first. If you’re someone who enjoys the wind in your hair and the feel of a sea breeze in your face, then no doubt you’ll be tempted to drive this boat looking out over the top of the wind shield. Then again, if you simply want to sit back and eat up the sea miles wind free, the sofa styled helm seat will be your chosen ‘saddle’ for the ride.

In terms of performance, this is a genuine 43-knot boat with very good fuel economy – returning around 2nmpg at 30 knots. Like any diesel boat, when powering up you have the inevitable turbo lag, before she picks up and takes off – in this case hitting 30 knots in 11 seconds. The construction is super-solid – hitting steep wake trails at 40 knots produces not the slightest hint of complaint from the hull, and she is perfectly composed in the process. She runs through confused water in a reassuring sure-footed manner, and her steering is perfectly balanced and composed. Running into full power hard lock turns the Delta hangs on no matter what, doggedly tracking round. She is best driven at 27 knots or more, otherwise she has a degree of bow up attitude, and due to the low windscreen you will tend not to want to drop below this speed. This boat did have some hull growth which did not help. You certainly notice a smoother ride at 27 knots and above, plus with the twin D4s spinning at the beginning of their sweet spot at 2500rpm, this is the most economical speed.

On the topic of engines, there is the option of a single 440hp Volvo D6 which would be a good alternative. It weighs quite a bit less than twin D4s, so the Delta would have better fore and aft trim, would plane at a lower speed, and lift her stern and run level in the low twenties. You will have less horsepower, be slightly slower off the mark, but the drag of only one sterndrive equates to quite a bit of power, and quite a bit less fuel.

This is a typically well-finished Scandinavian vessel, which bristles with innovation, and it is evident that her designers did not want to waste a single square inch. She has an efficient, solid hull that handles well and is easily pushed to perform in thrilling style. Admittedly, there is a small element of form over function, but that said, it’s great see a new breed of craft possessing such an air of distinction; not to mention, build quality, as well as notable forward-thinking design.

If you find appeal in the prospect of owning a powerboat that unmistakably breaks from the norm and challenges its peers in the process, then in our view, the Delta 33 Coupe represents an exciting option deserving of your attention.

(Volvo fuel flow meter)

The above figures were recorded on a boat with a small amount of hull growth. SE Yachts have recorded a top speed of 43 knots with a clean hull – not confirmed by PBR.

0-30 knots in 11 seconds. All figures a two-way average.

Test Conditions:

Fuel: 70%, Sea Conditions: F3, Crew: 2