Delphia was founded in Poland over 30 years ago and has been part of Groupe Beneteau since 2018. It has thus come under the umbrella of one of the leading global players. Delphia motorboats stand for cabin boats with a practical layout for the charter sector and for owner's yachts with a spacious layout. Sedan models are just as much on the list as the flybridge versions. Our test model, the Delphia 11, is the latest and most modern that the shipyard currently has to offer. It can be ordered as a one-, two- or even three-cabin version. However, the three-cabin version is usually only ordered for the charter sector. We travelled on the two-cabin version, which is equipped with a toilet, washbasin and shower - two heads are also possible.
What makes our boat really special, however, is the drive system, as the boatyard has opted for an electric motor (Deep Blue 50i) from Torqeedo. Why is the shipyard taking this step? Delphia explains: "With the future in mind, we have developed a range of seven models from 9 to 13 metres. 2024 represents an important milestone for us. Delphia will be taking a huge step towards environmental friendliness: We will do away with combustion engines in the future and our drives will become purely electric. This is Delphia's first step in reducing our carbon footprint to make the world a better place." The shipyard has also become more sustainable in terms of materials. Delphia has coined the term "Mindful Cruising" for all of this. Not only the new engine, but also the power supply is of course subject to a new system. Battery packs developed by Torqeedo together with BMW are used here. The entire system is a so-called high-voltage system that offers a high standard of safety. This includes, for example, battery damping to protect the batteries from hard impacts, special high-voltage cables, insulation monitors, battery venting and, of course, watertightness.
The boat
- Shipyard: Delphia/PL
- Type: 11 Electric Sedan
- CE category: B/10 persons
- Overall length: 10.77 m
- Width: 3.85 m
- Weight: 6,815 kg
- Berths (test boat): 4
- Motorisation: Torqeedo Deep Blue 50i, 80 HP/55.1 kW
- Max. motorisation: 1x 150 hp diesel engine
- Price (with electric drive): from €315,231
- Dealer proof: www.delphiayachts.com
The boats are available as a Life version with a 40-kWh pack and a 3.3-kW single charger or with an 80-kWh pack as a "Cruise" or "Rapid". In the Cruise version, the shipyard installs a 3x 3.3 kW Triple Charger (charging with 400 V and 230 V possible) and a 22.0 kW Fast Charger in the Rapid. The latter naturally recharges the batteries the fastest, but it also requires an appropriate shore connection, as the normal 230 V socket on the jetty is no longer sufficient. As with the power charging stations for cars, three-phase current with the appropriate amperage is also required here. Delphia is also involved in this area, as Martin Schemkes (Brand Director) has already knocked on the door of politicians to have as many powerful charging points as possible installed in the marinas with funding.
There is a Torqeedo column in our demonstration harbour in Makkum. When we arrive in the morning, the batteries are well charged and we are ready to go. As with most new boats, the single-lever control is electronic and very easy to operate. The whispering of the engine when pulling out of the pits is unusual at first, because you can hear almost nothing and you can't judge the thrust as easily as with the louder combustion engine. The same applies when stopping the boat. Otherwise, the Delphia Electric drives just like its "conspecifics". It runs well in a straight line and is easy to steer.
The driving values we received from the shipyard show the following key points: At maximum speed, the boat reaches a speed of 14.1 km/h and consumes just under 54 kW. The battery system with 84.4 kWh, minus a 15% reserve, is sufficient for a driving time of a good 1 1/4 hours and a range of 18.8 kilometres. The fact that electric motors draw a lot of power at full speed is of course no surprise, as this is already familiar from the automotive sector. If we reduce the speed to 10 km/h, the range calculation looks quite different: The power drops to 12.8 kW, which gives a range of around 56 km. At travelling speed (around 8.0 km/h and 6.0 kW), you can already cover 98 km. Once the next harbour has been found, the stern and bow thrusters can be used to moor without any problems. The driver does this at a control stand with a side door. Practical: If this is open, the driver can stand on the side deck and easily reach all the control levers from there. There is also a centre cleat directly at the door exit, which is ideal for mooring or towing the boat with one hand.
There are two lounges outside for relaxing or reviewing the day: the seating/reclining unit in the bow and the U-shaped bench with table in the cockpit. The latter can be opened up to the saloon with a large window and a door, creating a lovely large living space. The saloon seating area is located directly next to the window and the well-organised and equipped galley is opposite. Between the driving position and the saloon seating area is the toilet and shower room mentioned above, as well as the two cabins. The bow cabin with a large double berth is intended for the owner and the one on the port side with a width of around 1.40 metres is for guests and children. The guest cabin is also available without a berth and can be designed as an office - perhaps as a mobile home office workstation.
And what does the engine compartment look like? The shipyard has come up with something special for its demonstration model: a transparent saloon floor through which you can see the neatly installed engine with batteries and control and charging unit. Diesel generators can still be installed here - but that will soon be a thing of the past.
You can find the portrait of the Delphia 11 Electric Sedan in BOOTE issue 08/2022 from 13 July 2022 at newsstands and online directly in the Delius Klasing Shop.
