Built in Manchester by Charles Dyas. Been around a long time and the design was one of there first boats (late 1980s) and still works. Well built and seem to go on for ever. Big high bow which gives confidence when it turns rough. Very popular in the early days with divers.
With the introduction of the RCD they concentrated on the commercial market. The 5.5 has a deep V hull so the engine is quite low and a a stern wave can swamp the boat. Solution is a second inner transom which Delta have a moulding for. Saw one 5.5 with a 150 V6 merc on it, bit over the top but the hull hadn't broken up.
Would I buy one, yes but make sure it has at least 75 hp or its not going to move with the deep V hull. Some had twin 40s fitted, not enough power and too much weight on the stern.
Cheers Pete,
this one has a 135hp 2 stroke. Only bit of info I have read is that they need allot of power to get on to the plain. Which sounds right after reading what you have put.
i had a 5.5 for around 4 years had a 140hp suzuki on the back was a flying machine would jump up onto the plane with 5+ divers with full kit they last forever if looked after and are really well built hence i now own a 7.7 meter one now,
we've had several come back in to the factory over the past couple of years. All over 12 years old, upto 17 years old. They were all on their original tubes and the hull were all in fantastic condition.
We overhauled a couple, fitted them with anti-wear/non-slip patches on the tubes; put newer seating/consoles on and sent them out again. Considering their age, after a trip to the factory, they left us looking brand new.
Eastern Thunder
Northern Exposure 5
