HACKER CRAFT CO - Dolphin Deluxe - For Sale

Dolphin DeluxebyHACKER CRAFT COblends John L. Hacker’s design heritage with confident performance, positioned within themotor-yacht classand the agilerunabout stylesegment, and classified amongwooden yachts. Represented by Shestakov Yacht Sales and broker Andrey Shestakov.

Selecting a Dolphin Deluxe

Choose Dolphin Deluxeif you appreciate a driver-focusedrunabout experiencewithin the broadermotor-yacht category, paired with the classic appeal of awooden-yachts classification. It’s an elegant choice for spirited day runs, harbor hops, and showcasing timeless lines designed by John L. Hacker.

Features of the Model

• Signature proportions: 29 ft LOA and 7 ft beam for poised handling and marina-friendly maneuvering.
• Hull geometry: Modified V-Hull for confident tracking and lively response.
• Deck material: Mahogany for a warm, classic presentation.
• Powertrain: Single inboard Chrysler gas engine for direct, connected control.
• Performance: Reported 35 kn cruise and up to 45 kn top speed.
• Design pedigree: Hull by John L. Hacker, reflecting celebrated runabout lineage from HACKER CRAFT CO.

Technical Specifications

• Length Overall (LOA): 29 ft (8.99 m)
• Beam: 7 ft (2.21 m)
• Category: motor yacht; Subcategory:runabout; Hull class:wooden yachts
• Hull Configuration: Modified V-Hull
• Deck Material: Mahogany
• Engine: 1 x Chrysler, Inboard, Gas
• Speeds: Cruise 35 kn (35 mph); Max 45 kn (45 mph)
• Hull Designer: John L. Hacker
• Fuel Capacity: 60 gal

Pricing and Ordering

Availability and pricing for Dolphin Deluxevary by build details and condition. For current opportunities, bespoke guidance, inspections, and logistics, contact Andrey Shestakov at Shestakov Yacht Sales. Our team will coordinate viewings, surveys, and delivery plans tailored to your timeline.

Questions and Answers

• What type of yacht is the Dolphin Deluxe? The model is arunaboutwithin the broadermotor-yacht segmentand is classified amongwooden yachts. This aligns with its classic proportions andday-boatuse case.

• How fast does it go, and what is the cruise speed? Reported performance is acruise speedof 35 kn (35 mph) and amaximum speedof 45 kn (45 mph), subject to load and conditions.

• What enginepowers it? It’s equipped with 1 x Chryslerinboardgasengine, delivering the direct response and balance typical of aninboardsetup.

• Who is the hull designer, and what is the configuration? The hull is by John L. Hacker with aModified V-Hulland amahoganydeck, pairing classic aesthetics with confident handling.

• How do I buy through Shestakov Yacht Sales? Reach out to Andrey Shestakov at Shestakov Yacht Sales for availability,pricing, viewing arrangements, and full transaction support from offer todelivery.

Owner Experience Review

Owners of the Dolphin DeluxebyHACKER CRAFT COtend to treat these boats as cherished showpieces, often boathouse‑kept and taken to vintage events. Typical use centers on relaxed day cruising on freshwater lakes, where the triple‑cockpit Deluxe layout provides roomy, plush seating for a crowd—listings commonly note space for 8–10. The helm preserves period ergonomics with a floor‑mounted gear selector, port helm, original gauges, and wood trim; as an open runabout, it is purpose‑built for day use and display rather than overnighting.

On the water, owners and restorers describe an impressive running attitude with little bow lift—dry, quiet, and comfortable. At planing speeds the boat is responsive, and restored or repowered examples are reported to cruise around 35 knots with top speeds into the 40s. At higher speeds, the period racing hull lines reward an experienced helmsman who understands how the boat likes to be driven.

Living with a classic mahogany Dolphin Deluxemeans committing to diligent upkeep: frequent varnishing, rot inspection, and periodic structural restoration are the norm. Many owners replace the original, hard‑to‑service Sterling V12 with a more serviceable V8 (for example, a Chrysler 318) to reduce parts complexity and cost, while restorations often employ epoxy saturation/WEST‑style techniques to stabilize planking—effective but labor‑intensive and costly. Beyond private use, some examples see occasional museum ride‑program or heritage tour duty rather than regular commercial charter.

Pros and Cons

• Triple‑cockpit layout with plush seating for 8–10 suits day cruising and showboat use.
• Dry, quiet, and comfortable running attitude with minimal bow lift at speed.
• Historically quick for its era, with restored/repowered boats cruising ~35 kt and topping into the 40s.
• High ongoing maintenance of mahogany hulls requires frequent varnish, rot checks, and periodic structural work.
• As an open runabout with no galley or cabin, it is limited to day use rather than overnight cruising.
• Period hull lines demand an experienced helmsman at higher speeds.

Comparison with Other Models