T&T - NewsSmall cruiser for a sensational 8,999 euros on test

Fridtjof Gunkel

 · 26.06.2005

T&T - News: Small cruiser for a sensational 8,999 euros on testPhoto: H.-G. Kiesel YACHT
"Deltania 20"
Deltania 20 - favourable or cheap?
  "Deltania 20"Photo: H.-G. Kiesel YACHT "Deltania 20"

When a closed boat with mainsail and headsail, sheets and cushions costs just under 9,000 euros, it makes you sit up and take notice. This could be the ideal entry-level boat, the first boat you own, the alternative to buying second-hand. For this price, you will also be prepared to accept compromises in terms of quality and equipment. On the other hand, even the cheapest boat must have certain characteristics: It should sail and be safe enough.

In this respect, the Deltania 20 from Poland is an exciting boat to begin with. Dealer statements and brochure information tell of a hull just under six metres long and less than 2.50 metres wide, a centreboard and an open interior with a small galley, table and four berths. The hull looks high-sided, but a certain amount of interior volume has to come from somewhere.

YACHT has tested the Deltania 20 (see also comparison test for small cruisers in issue 12/05). The detailed individual test can be read in the next issue (14/05, on newsstands from Wednesday 29 June).

Fridtjof Gunkel

Fridtjof Gunkel

Deputy Chief Editor YACHT

Fridtjof Gunkel was born on Helgoland in 1962; he started his sailing career there in the Opti and quickly switched to keelboats. North Sea Week, Cowes Week and Kiel Week were early stops, followed by many years in the Admiral's Cup scene on the cuppers “Container” and “Rubin” World Championships and international regattas in the Starboat, with the mini-maxi “SiSiSi” and various tonner yachts as well as participation in the Whitbread Round the World Race were further formative stations, flanked by extensive cruising trips. Fridtjof Gunkel joined YACHT back in 1985 as part of a traineeship, where he later became Head of the Test & Technology department and then Deputy Editor-in-Chief around 25 years ago. He is also responsible for the regatta and sports section. Fridtjof Gunkel privately sails a performance/cruiser moored on the Baltic coast, his favorite areas are the eastern Swedish archipelago and Brittany.

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