The Delphia Yachts Delphia 46 DS - Deep draft Deep draft 2011 vs Delphia Yachts Delphia 47 - Keel and centerboard Keel and centerboard 2008 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Delphia Yachts Delphia 46 DS - Deep draft Deep draft 2011 at 47,6 ft versus Delphia Yachts Delphia 47 - Keel and centerboard Keel and centerboard 2008 at 47,6 ft. At 31 526 lbs and 31 526 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.
The Delphia Yachts Delphia 46 DS - Deep draft Deep draft 2011 carries a rated maximum of 100 hp. Engine data for the Delphia Yachts Delphia 47 - Keel and centerboard Keel and centerboard 2008 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Delphia Yachts Delphia 46 DS - Deep draft Deep draft 2011 carries 106 gallons versus 66 gallons in the Delphia Yachts Delphia 47 - Keel and centerboard Keel and centerboard 2008. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
Both boats are rated for 14 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.
Both boats sit in a similar displacement bracket — 31 526 lbs for the Delphia Yachts Delphia 46 DS - Deep draft Deep draft 2011 and 31 526 lbs for the Delphia Yachts Delphia 47 - Keel and centerboard Keel and centerboard 2008. Comparable displacement means broadly similar seakeeping behaviour and load capacity, though hull form and ballast ratio will still produce noticeably different sailing characteristics.
Both boats draw a similar depth — 7,6 ft and 6,7 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.
The Delphia Yachts Delphia 46 DS - Deep draft Deep draft 2011 uses Sloop rigging. Helm style differs too: the Delphia Yachts Delphia 46 DS - Deep draft Deep draft 2011 uses a 1 wheel versus a 2 wheels on the Delphia Yachts Delphia 47 - Keel and centerboard Keel and centerboard 2008. Wheel helms give better leverage and visibility on larger boats; tillers offer direct feedback and simplicity on smaller ones. The Delphia Yachts Delphia 46 DS - Deep draft Deep draft 2011 has a documented auxiliary engine of 100 hp.
Hull speed is rated at 8,7 knots for the Delphia Yachts Delphia 47 - Keel and centerboard Keel and centerboard 2008 and 8,7 knots for the Delphia Yachts Delphia 46 DS - Deep draft Deep draft 2011. For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Delphia Yachts Delphia 46 DS - Deep draft Deep draft 2011 carries 159 gallons versus 129 gallons on the Delphia Yachts Delphia 47 - Keel and centerboard Keel and centerboard 2008 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.
Bottom line: The Delphia Yachts Delphia 46 DS - Deep draft Deep draft 2011 and Delphia Yachts Delphia 47 - Keel and centerboard Keel and centerboard 2008 are closely matched on paper. A sea trial on both in representative conditions is the only reliable way to find which one suits your sailing style, home port, and intended cruising ground.