Founded in 1967, Delta is a family-owned and operated yacht-building business shaped by curiosity, determination, and trust. What began as a modest commercial boatbuilding yard in Seattle has grown into one of the world’s most respected names in custom superyachts. Through decades of change, one thing has stayed the same: our commitment to relationships, to craftsmanship, and to going further than expected.
Story - DELTA MARINE | Custom-Built Luxury Yachts
Charting our journey
Innovating for over 50 years
SOME ARE DREAMERS. WE'RE VISIONARIES.
Delta Marine is Born
Founded by Seattle brothers Ivor and Jack Jones—accomplished flat-bottom boat racers and world record holders—Delta began with a passion for performance on the water. They set out to build tough, modern fiberglass fishing vessels engineered for the demanding conditions of the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. Their goal was to replace aging wooden boats with durable, low-maintenance fiberglass hulls built to endure and excel.
First Series Launch
Delta’s first 38-foot fishing vessels marked a major milestone. On launch day, three brand-new boats passed through the Ballard Locks and entered Lake Union—a proud and celebratory moment for the Delta team. As the shipyard’s first series build, these vessels quickly turned heads across the commercial fishing industry.
A Legacy Takes Root
On May 14, 1970, Delta Marine Industries was officially incorporated in Seattle, Washington. That same year, the first assembly buildings were constructed to support production of 32- to 50-foot commercial fishing vessels. More than five decades later, that original building still stands—and continues to serve as the heart of Delta’s operations today.
The Iconic Delta 58
Naval architect John Shubert joined Delta Marine to design a new fiberglass salmon seiner—a commission that would become the Delta 58. Known for its exceptional performance and stability, the Delta 58 is considered one of the most successful designs in salmon fishing history. Nearly 100 vessels were built over the following two decades, and remarkably, the Delta 58 remains in production today—a true testament to its enduring legacy.
The Hull that Started it All
On June 6, 1980, Delta delivered the first Delta 70, named LIBERTY. Originally built as a rugged commercial vessel, this hull would go on to mark a pivotal shift in Delta’s history—becoming the foundation for the shipyard’s very first yacht. LIBERTY laid the groundwork for what would become Delta’s enduring reputation in luxury yacht design and construction.
First Yacht Build
Delta entered the yachting market with a 70-foot motor yacht based on a proven commercial hull. Built for circumnavigation and widely covered in the yachting press, this project introduced Delta’s craftsmanship and engineering to a new audience of private yacht owners.
Pushing scale
Delta delivered its first yacht over 120 feet. Still cruising today as Marlinda, this vessel showed that Delta could scale up its expertise to meet growing demand for larger, custom-built motor yachts with global cruising capabilities and timeless craftsmanship.
Built For Adventure
The 163-foot Triton was designed for serious exploration. It featured a one-of-a-kind tender deployment system and robust expedition capabilities. The project solidified Delta’s reputation for building yachts ready for adventure without compromising luxury.
Our Largest Yet
Albatross, at 237 feet and 2,066 gross tons, became the largest yacht Delta has delivered by volume. Her build pushed the boundaries of scale, precision, and in-house capability, and stands as a milestone in Delta’s long history of technical achievement.
Crafted in Seattle. Built for the World.
Delta operates on 25 acres along the Duwamish River with more than 275,000 square feet of manufacturing space. Still family-owned, the company continues to build custom yachts up to 100 meters with all trades in-house and quality embedded at every step.
No matter your dream, Delta delivers. It begins with an inventory of an owner’s passions. The result is a sublime vessel that exceeds your imagination and expectations.
KEY FACTS & ACHIEVEMENTS
240
foot largest
yacht delivered
25
Acre campus
shipbuilding facility
58
Years of shipbuilding
excellence
300K
Sq Ft covered
manufacturing space
600
commercial vessels
built
52
Luxury yachts
delivered
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Delta’s shipbuilding history?
Delta was founded in 1967 by brothers Ivor and Jack Jones, initially building commercial fishing vessels for the rugged Pacific Northwest. Over the next several decades, Delta evolved into one of the most respected custom yacht builders in the U.S. Today, the Jones family still owns and operates the yard, which has delivered more than 800 vessels across both commercial and private sectors.
What size yachts does Delta build?
We have the capacity to build custom yachts up to 100 meters. Our largest build by length is Laurel at 73.15 meters, and our heaviest by tonnage is Albatross at 2,066 gross tons. Most of our current projects fall within the 40–60 meter range, where we’ve found the ideal balance of scale, performance, and luxury.
What aspects of shipbuilding are handled in-house?
One of Delta’s defining strengths is our fully integrated shipyard. We build the entire vessel on-site—from hull and superstructure fabrication to interior joinery, mechanical systems, and final finish work. This allows us to maintain exceptional quality control and ensure every detail meets our standards and the client’s vision.
How many yachts has Delta built?
Delta delivered over 600 commercial vessels before fully transitioning to custom yachts. We’ve now completed 47 yachts, with hull number 50 currently under construction. Each project is uniquely numbered—the first three digits indicate length, and the last three show its place in our build history.
Does Delta build in steel and aluminum as well as composites?
Yes. Delta is a custom builder and works across all major yacht construction materials—steel, aluminum, and advanced composites. We specialize in pairing steel or aluminum hulls with lightweight composite superstructures, a technique we pioneered and continue to lead in the industry.
Does Delta offer pre-engineered platforms?
While most Delta projects are fully custom, we do have proven hull platforms available that can reduce build time and cost without compromising on personalization. These platforms are a smart starting point for clients who want the benefits of a proven design while still making the project their own.
Does Delta have in-house naval architects and designers?
Our in-house design team is a true point of pride. We’ve assembled an incredible group of naval architects, engineers, and designers who work collaboratively from concept to completion. This allows us to ensure every detail is considered and engineered with the build in mind. We often collaborate with renowned external designers, depending on the client’s preferences, but retain responsibility for all technical execution to ensure seamless integration.
What technologies does Delta use in yacht construction?
We integrate cutting-edge marine and aerospace technologies in our builds, including carbon fiber reinforcements, vacuum resin infusion, and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Our 3D design process allows for virtual modeling, detailed visualization, and digital-to-manufacturing workflows that improve precision and efficiency.
Does Delta do refits?
Yes—refit and repair is a major part of our business. With over 30 years of experience, we handle everything from technical upgrades to full-scale interior renovations. Our in-house engineering and design teams allow us to take on complex, high-quality refits efficiently and competitively.
How much of Delta’s business is commercial work versus yachting work?
All of our current projects are custom yachts, but our ties to the commercial marine industry remain strong. We've built and serviced over 600 commercial vessels, and this experience shapes our capabilities. Recently, we’ve collaborated with Artemis Technologies on a groundbreaking project providing clean transportation solutions for Puget Sound, combining Artemis's next-gen marine tech with our expertise in composite construction and U.S.-based fabrication.