Design and Construction
The hull and deck are both solid fiberglass. Length overall is just over 30 feet, while the beam is nearly 9.7 feet. That gives the Delphia 28 a length-to-beam ratio of 3.05, making it moderately narrow rather than beamy.
Displacement is 6,834 pounds, including 1,764 pounds of ballast. The resulting ballast-to-displacement ratio is about 26 percent. A DL-ratio of 70 places the boat among ultra-light racers rather than heavy cruisers, while a Motion Comfort Ratio of 9.6 puts it firmly in the brisk, responsive camp.
The boat’s immersion rate is roughly 973 pounds per inch, so it loads predictably. Its capsize screening value is 2.49, which would exclude it from ocean racing capsize screening value for Delphia 28 is 2.49. CE certification is Class C inshore, limiting its intended use to coastal waters, large bays, estuaries, lakes, and rivers in conditions up to wind force 6 and 2-meter waves.
Rig, Keel, and Handling
The fractional sloop rig carries 424 square feet of sail area. Its sail-area-to-displacement ratio of 18.84 supports the Delphia 28’s light-racer profile.
Recommended sheet dimensions are practical and consistent. Jib and genoa sheets are about 29.5 feet long and 3/8 inch in diameter. The mainsheet is 73.8 feet long at the same diameter, while the spinnaker sheet measures 65 feet.
The wing keel has a maximum draft of 4.76 feet and a minimum of 1.31 feet, giving the boat useful flexibility in shoal water. The outboard rudder keeps the steering gear external and serviceable.
The theoretical hull speed for a displacement boat of this length is 7.2 knots. Its light displacement helps the Delphia 28 approach that figure in reaching conditions.
Accommodations and Cruising Range
Below, the Delphia 28 has four berths and carries 90 liters (23 US gallons) of fresh water. The interior is intended for coastal cruising rather than extended liveaboard use, and the berth count suits a small family or two couples on weekend trips.
A 21-gallon diesel tank reinforces that role. The boat is set up for short hops and marina-to-marina coastal sailing rather than long offshore passages.
Verdict
The Delphia 28 is a light, responsive coastal cruiser intended for inshore sailing and short-handed enjoyment, not bluewater ambition. Skrzat’s design offers a predictable, easy-to-handle package with a modern fractional rig and a shoal-friendly wing keel. However, the capsize screening value and CE Class C rating clearly define it as a fair-weather, near-shore boat.
For sailors looking for a quick, low-load coastal weekender with straightforward fiberglass construction, the Delphia 28 makes a coherent case.
Pros
- Ultra-light displacement and an 18.84 SA/D ratio for lively performance
- Wing keel with a 1.31–4.76 ft draft range for shoal access
- Four berths and 23-gallon water capacity for weekend coastal use
- Simple, solid-fiberglass hull and deck
- Serviceable outboard rudder
Cons
- Capsize screening value of 2.49 excludes the boat from ocean racing
- CE Class C certification limits intended use to inshore and coastal waters
- Light DL-ratio of 70 favors speed over heavy-weather comfort
