Review: Delta Powerboats 54' IPS Express Yacht

Delta Powerboats 54' IPS Express
Premiere Swedish Boat Builder Goes BIG!

by YF Publisher Carl Camper​

‘Superlative’ is the most apt description of the Delta 54 IPS, a small luxury yacht by Lars Modin, Yacht Designer – Sweden. A gem of a mini-yacht, she's the supersize achievement in a line of very successful commuter-style launches by Swedish builder Delta Powerboats.
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Creativity, innovation and original thought in yacht design can be hard to come by; engineers long in time have solved the most effective forms for a hull to move through the seas. However, some designers continue to push those boundaries even further, with inventive, attractive yacht configurations, insisting that every tenet of this fine art can be improved, through inventive imagination. Experimentation and creative thought urge those boundaries to expand into new, outstanding designs.

Lars Modin, one of YF’s most stalwart member-advisors, is one of the talented individuals whose artistic taste continues to produce excellent new approaches in yachting. The Delta 54 IPS, reviewed here, is one of Lars’ many outstanding creations. Check this out: For an entertaining yacht-watching afternoon, enjoy an entire galaxy of his imaginative brain-waves. You’ll be truly blown away by his enormous profusion of diversity and creativity...

Lars Modin Design I / Lars Modin Design II / Lars Modin Design III / Lars Modin Design IV
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In a departure from Delta’s usual stepped hull design, the D-54’s well conceived hull runs with a perfect 1.5 degrees of positive trim. Although it is equipped with Humphrey Interceptors, they have proven unnecessary. Powered by a trio of Volvo-Penta IPS/600 drives, this pocket-size yacht was especially designed to work with Volvo’s pod system. Delivered just before the Scandinavian Boat Show, this super-commuter reached 40 knots without breathing hard; a relatively large cruising craft for that speed, also boasting low fuel consumption. Built from carbon fiber, her core-infused sandwich construction is super strong, yet lighter than other GRP entrants. Light weight inside and out, Modin specifically designed the D-54’s hull to reduce wake at higher speeds, which ultimately delivered outstanding performance and range.

Sweden, between Norway and Finland, at the northwestern cap of Europe up to the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Bothnia, boasts “millions” of small islands in its frigid northern waters, the archipelagos. Here, a cruising yacht’s maneuverability, light draft and low wake - even at speed - is a welcome attribute. Her design delivers just that and more. Comparatively light for her length at 31,900 lbs, coupled with a shallow deadrise hull for accessing the coves & basins of the archipelagos, she glides high above the surface with apparent ease. She's also easy on fuel too, sipping only 4 liters per nautical mile, running at 30 knots.

Head-on, in this bow shot she exhibits a very serious mien approaching. Here, we get a strict look at her business end; note the bow rise, cleanliness of entry and how effectively the break in the D-54's bow is knocking down spray as it meets the chine, completely diffusing the wake she gives off. This is typical of what followers have come to expect from Lars Modin.... function first, and form will follow.

A close-up from the foredeck, taken during the Delta 54's debut at the Scandinavian Boat Show in 2010, we see a triplet of sun pads made safe by full walk-around handrails, an absolute necessity in Sweden's unforgiving winter waters. Unlike most handrails that line the perimeter of a boat, Delta uses a rail that lines the superstructure, eliminating the difficulty and danger of disembarking a boat and tripping over a rail. At the forefront of this photo, the smoked glass hatches on the deck shed light over the master stateroom.

On her wide open aft deck, Delta chose curved sliding glass doors that favor salon space, as opposed to swinging doors. Why? Truthfully, because they take less space. But more importantly, they reduce the amount of heat escaping from the salon when opened. To port and starboard are Volvo-Penta’s joysticks for backing down a slip, void of pier-pressure. Stylish drink holders are integrated alongside. Not shown is the aftdeck seating which doubles as storage for fenders and lines. An electric sunshade can cover the entire aftdeck; while further aft is a hydraulic platform that slips down into the water to pick up a PWC or tender.

Entered through the curved glass doors over an oil-teak finish deck, her Salon is on the same level as the aft deck. Totally glassed in, it provides a 360° view. To port, her thickly padded L-shaped sofa has a hydraulic hi-low folding coffee and dining table. There’s also a height-adjustable ‘saloon’ bar table. Above, a sliding glass roof opens for fresh air, plus adding to your sun tan. The room is OceanAir comfort regulated. To starboard is a flat panel and to port is a stereo rack system with multiple speakers throughout. Below, through hatches, are extensive storage holds.

Cleverly set into the side wall as you enter the salon, the ship's control system is set into one column, eye level for easy monitoring and adjustments. The display behind the glass door is a Mastervolt electronic bus system. It is a touch panel display from which everything is controlled.

Her galley-kitchenette features a soft, satin teak, contrasting with black Corian counter-tops, backing to white Corian cabinet doors. Masculine, mixed elements make up this all-business prep area. Implements include a Siemans two-burner induction stove, microwave and dishwasher. Alongside to starboard is the pantry, with a waist-high Isotherm freezer-fridge in stainless steel. Air conditioning is optional; not often needed in most Swedish waters, you might suppose.

A detailed look at her very spacious sink. Stainless steel set in the Corian countertop, at ready for any dinner clean-up need. Just below, glass stowage for as many as 32 goblets, tumblers, beakers, and a wine cabinet, drinks cabinet, plus a Porcelain box to store plates, and four ball bearing storage drawers for whatever.

Stepping up to the dinette/settee opposite the helm, the fully enclosed D-54 feels anything but closed in, with 360 degree vistas that are only disrupted by a single, chrome column that supports the roof between two massive star gazing roof panels. The entire feel is truly one with the elements.

Comfortable seating for two or three in this raised dinette, it's deep padding welcomes guests with a folded table for ease of access. When deployed, its a great counter for sipping Glogg or toasting Schnapps. Skal!

Her comfortable helm is installed at the starboard beam with a padded, fold-up bolster seat, facing excellent, oversize windscreens amidst the fully equipped steering station and wheel, upholstered in chocolate ultra-suede with white stitching. Delta has placed the throttle/gears to the right of the steering wheel, on a vertical plane. We would prefer to see the sticks mounted on top of the helm.

Two 17-inch Glass Bridge Monitors are also slave to a camera surveying the aft area, plus a night vision camera, all connected to the multi-screens. Centered are Volvo-Penta's engine management displays with the joystick offset to the right. Notable gear includes a galaxy of Raymarine instruments, including a G Series Multi-Screen, Closed Antenna HD, VHF, Autopilot, ST 70 Multi Instruments Speed / Sound / Repeater, plus Jabsco Searchlight and Silva Compass.

This lower deck illustrates her nicely integrated color and design, in friendly, homely color shades as the wide aisle runs fore to aft. A convenient five-step staircase leads up to the main deck.

Nicely designed in predominantly crisp white, the Master Suite is accented by highly finished teak woodwork patterns. Focusing on the king-size raised berth, it presents a quiet, masculine aura, clean and well-ordered. The linear concept, with a walk-in wardrobe, emphasizes its spaciousness. A double layer of spring- and Tempurpedic-style mattresses absorb the day's aches and a connector for your iPod serenades you to sleep.

From another angle, the Master has a pronounced roominess. Indirect lighting adds dimension to this contemporary atmosphere. A mirror above the headboard expands the visual breadth of the room, while overhead OceanAir hatches let the sun and stars shine through. OceanAir blinds also cover the side portholes for privacy.

These pictures were taken at night, which emphasizes the level of thoughtful illumination Delta put forth. Using colored LED's throughout the ship - to save power and reduce heat - they have achieved a natural light environment. Keeping all this seamless is a Mastervolt Genset which is completely automated, switching on/off as needed, while all domestic power comes through inverters and the Li-Ion batteries.

Following the same stalwart design pattern, the Master Bath repeats the clean, angular concepts with a large, clear glass shower accented by a mosaic of glass tiles, Corian flooring and fixtures by Vola. A raised porcelain wash basin contrasts against a black counter. She sports a Jabsco Designer toilet, as well as a Vola Toilet Paper Holder design by Arne Jacobssen. And finally, the teak floor is treated with a non-slip oil-wax.

Interior works in the Guest Cabins are specially selected / finished teak, solids and veneers, while all upholstery is done in lightweight removable panels. Stitched wool carpeting adorns the flooring. Mattresses are Tempur type. Hidden speakers offer background music. Stairs sport concealed LED edge lighting.