This test appeared in BOOTE issue 06/2014. You can read the latest tests in the printed magazine, or in the Digital edition.
The Escape 1080 Soley is one of the motorboat models from the Delphia shipyard. In addition to this model, the Polish boat builders also produce five other motor yachts and eight sailing yachts. The shipyard began building the latter in 1990, with motorboats only following later - namely when the first interested parties asked for an exclusively motor-powered boat. However, the "influence of the sailing boat division" remains recognisable and is also reflected in some areas of our test boat.
The Delphia Escape 1080 Soley is a motor yacht with a length of 10.80 metres, a width of 3.45 metres and a total weight of 5300 kg. Depending on the layout, she offers four or six berths plus two emergency berths in the saloon. With regard to the sailing area, the CE category is "B" (outside coastal waters) for a crew of up to eight people.
Driving and manoeuvring
With the gear engaged in forward and the engine running at idle speed, the turning circles are 1 1/2 boat lengths on either side. If you shift into reverse and perform the same manoeuvres, the turning circles increase to 2 boat lengths each. Reversing from starboard to port takes 7 seconds; it takes a little longer (9 seconds) for the bow to turn from port to starboard. Otherwise, the hull runs in a straight line without any rudder movement. There is no need to worry about water ingress when travelling astern (even at full load): The freeboard in the stern is just under 0.90 metres at its passage.
On slow passages, the engine rev counter does not show more than 1250 rpm, which corresponds to just under 4 knots. Wave formation remains within an acceptable range at this speed, and the boat remains stable on course - even when the passengers change places; the hull only heels slightly towards the centre of gravity. At 2000 rpm or 5.8 knots - which is also the most economical speed - our test boat runs very well.
Underway, one filling of the 300 litre fuel tank is enough for 413 nm until the reserve is needed. If you do the maths, the Delphia consumes 0.62 litres of diesel per nautical mile, which is well above the range of 270 nm specified by BOOTE for boats in this displacement class. Visibility on all sides is also rated "good": neither the bow nor parts of the superstructure "protrude" into the field of vision. In terms of noise, the value we measured is 64 dB/A - which is extremely low.
At 1.33 l/sm, the consumption of the engine at full load is more than twice as high as at economical cruising speed. We measured the maximum speed at 7.7 kn; a refuelling stop must be made after 192 nm if you want to conserve the reserve. - At this speed, the noise level at the helm rises to
70 dB/A at this speed, which testifies to the good sound insulation of the engine.
We rate the handling characteristics of the Escape 1080 as consistently positive in manoeuvres performed at full throttle. As the bends get tighter and tighter, the Delphia leans towards the exit of the bend. This behaviour is not critical and we are very familiar with it from other displacement boats. If you enter the spiral on the port side, you can hear the propeller "grumbling" at the helm. The Escape 1080 Soley masters 180° turns and slalom courses without a hitch. As with the circles, it leans towards the outside of the bends. When the rudder is turned, the hull follows the skipper's steering commands rather sluggishly.
We can't say much about "rough water behaviour", as our test area, the Zernsee, hardly offered any "swell". However, the hull travelled through the self-generated waves extremely gently.
Engine, tank, electrics
The Delphia can be ordered with a diesel inboard engine with up to 180 hp; our test boat was equipped with a Nanni diesel. It produces 50 hp from its displacement of just under 2.2 litres and is not assisted by a turbocharger or compressor. The four cylinders are kept thermally constant during operation by a dual-circuit cooling system with heat exchanger. The Nanni N4.50 is equipped ex works with a 12 V/100 A alternator; the manufacturer gives the weight (engine including TMC60 gearbox) as 235 kg. In terms of exhaust emissions, the engine is also certified for Lake Constance - which makes the "package" consisting of Delphia Escape 1080 Soley and Nanni N4.50 interesting for such areas.
For the daily visual inspection of the engine, the skipper has to go into the cabins of our test boat, which is equipped with two centre cabins, and open a service hatch. In the long term, this is a tedious undertaking that is more familiar from sailing boats.
The BOOTE tester also takes a critical (undersized) view of the engine compartment ventilation. Reason: During our test, the temperature in this area rose to over 30 °C - with an outside temperature of 6.5 °C and a water temperature of 8 °C! In summer, the engine compartment temperature could therefore rise higher and have a negative effect on the performance and longevity of the machine.
The fuel tank is made of stainless steel and is located under the saloon floor. It is held in place by welded-on brackets and screws. The batteries are well secured in plastic boxes. A model with a rotary mechanism serves as the main switch.
Security
In addition to a seamless anti-slip structure on the walk-on surfaces, sturdy railings and well-positioned handles and handrails, the Delphia has other safety features that are not immediately obvious. For example, the fuel tank has a manual and remote shut-off at the control stand, and all on-board outlets are easily accessible via service hatches.
Living, cockpit and equipment
Access below deck is via a companionway with wooden steps, which is closed by means of an insertable bulkhead and sliding hatch. The cushions in the berths and the seating area below deck are firm and thick enough to prevent sagging even on long journeys, and the stowage options in the cabins and galley are more than adequate. There is also sufficient space in the toilet room, and the headroom of 1.92 metres is a positive feature. Six mooring cleats, a bow thruster, two-burner hob, 230 V converter, 30-litre water boiler and Lowrance Elite 4 plotter are included as standard, as are a compass, LED navigation lighting (permitted in all German waters) and an electric and manual bilge pump.
THE WERFT SAYS
Delphia Escape 1080 Soley is the latest motor yacht in its range. The low fuel consumption combined with a classic hull makes this boat the ideal cruiser. The Escape 1080 Soley is the perfect compromise between functionality, space and aesthetics. It is available as a two- or three-cabin version, depending on requirements.
WE SAY
With the above-mentioned boat, the formerly pure sailboat shipyard has built a motorboat that proves to be quite competitive. The amount of space on and below deck and the standard equipment are impressive, as are the installations. The fire extinguishing equipment and serviceability of the engine are less convincing.
