Dyer Delta 19 Information, Review, Specs

The creation of the Dyer Delta 19 spanned a short but significant period from 1966 to 1968. During this era, Dyer Boats, operating as The Anchorage, Inc., had already established itself as a leading innovator in fiberglass boat construction, a material they had embraced since its early applications in the marine industry. William J. H. Dyer, the company's founder, held a strong philosophy of building quality boats, and this principle guided the construction of all their vessels, including the Delta 19.

Only 12 units of the Dyer Delta 19 were produced. Production was reportedly discontinued in 1968, partly due to an increasing demand for Dyer-built powerboats, suggesting a strategic shift in the company's focus rather than issues with the sailboat itself. Due to its limited production run, there were no significant variations or Mark series observed for the Dyer Delta 19.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a small centerboard dinghy, the Dyer Delta 19, with its fractional sloop rig and a reported sail area of 189 square feet, is designed for responsive handling and maneuverability. Her lightweight displacement of 550 pounds, coupled with a minimum draft of 0.75 feet with the centerboard up and a maximum draft of 4.5 feet with it fully extended, allows for versatile access to shallow waters while offering increased stability and upwind performance when the board is down. The fractional sloop rig configuration typically provides good control over sail shape and a balanced helm, making her suitable for recreational sailing. While specific anecdotal reviews of her handling characteristics are limited due to her rarity, boats of this design generally offer lively performance in light to moderate winds and are forgiving for learning sailors, characteristic of well-designed dinghies.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its classification as a small sailing dinghy and an overall length of just under 19 feet, the Dyer Delta 19 features a very minimalist interior layout. The design prioritizes open cockpit space for sailing rather than extensive cabin accommodations. Detailed information regarding the interior, such as headroom or specific bunk configurations, is not widely available. It is typical for boats of this size and type to offer, at most, a small cuddy cabin forward for basic storage of gear or very limited shelter from the elements, without full standing headroom or dedicated sleeping berths. The construction, being solid fiberglass for both hull and deck, would have provided a robust and low-maintenance structure, consistent with Dyer's reputation for durable craftsmanship.