Dillinger P466, the 1990s superyacht that flew 50+ knots (22.6 m)

Boating is not just about new boats, and sometimes it is in looking into the past that one discovers the real standouts, the trailblazers. One such case comes from an overseas yard, Derecktor Shipyards, in the U.S., designed by a firm, however, from the old continent, Mulder Design.
It was in
1991 and, ahead of its time, a one-off out of the chorus, the Dillinger (P466), a 22.65-meter kevlar and carbon capable of flying at 50 kn.

Dillinger – P466

Now Classic Boat, in 1991 the Dillinger was a little masterpiece, a prodigy capable of exceptional performance at cruising comfort.
No surprise at the detail then: she immediately won the Superyacht Society Design Award in the category for motor yachts between 15 and 30 meters.
Indeed, the combination of speed and handling, coupled with its dedicated cruising interior, made it a benchmark for the production of large sport-yachts, starting a trend still in vogue today.

• Do you have a historic and significant boat more than 25 years old? Read this article!
• Are you interested in the topic Classic Boats? Visit our collection of dedicated articles by clicking here.

Dillinger – Project

How did you get an exceptional sport cruiser in the early 1990s? A 23-meter capable of flying at 50 knots, yet without sacrificing comfort and style? Nothing simple, but nothing impossible. In fact, the secret of the Dillinger lay in the foundation on which its entire design was based-the hull. Developed after extensive studies, also conducted in the tank, to best understand the type of shape to be given to the deep V, the Dillinger is in fact structured to offer the least resistance at high speed, while reducing, at the same time, the classic hull-drag (hull friction) typical of prismatic V-Profonds. An integral part of the result, however, is to be found in a high stiffness of form, coupled with ultralight composite materials necessary for the improved weight balance.

The hull was thus made of a sandwich of carbon fiber and Kevlar fiber with a balsa core.
The carbon fiber was thus pre-impregnated in epoxy to be applied to the main structure, then placed in a vacuum at 250 degrees fahrenheit for 8 hours, thus achieving a controlled and homogeneous hardening of all parts, which was essential to avoid risks of delamination or sagging.
Then to propel the whole thing came into play a pair of MTU V12 TB93 (12V396) engines of no less than 1440 kW each, or 1960 horsepower per engine, for a total power output of 3920 horsepower at 2100 rpm… Enough power to launch this little prodigy up to 50 knots, with ranges of over 600 nautical miles at speeds of 40 knots… numbers all the more impressive given the era and the on-board comforts.

Dillinger – Volumes

Given the focus on performance, needless to say, the Dillinger had a decidedly sporty look from the first glance: deep-slung bow, elongated bow section, strictly flush, and cabin structure projected aft, balancing any weight, visual or otherwise.
In terms of habitability and comfort, however, the design is by no means to be underestimated.
Each line follows precise functions, offering both aerodynamic and ergonomic balance, giving rise to protected and yet cozy exterior spaces, such as the fly and cockpit, while maintaining, at the same time, voluminous interiors, with a large salon with dining area on the main deck, overlooking the galley on the lower deck just below, with the dashboard towering above, illuminating the spaces and expanding the volumes.
Below deck, then, three large double cabins, complete with every comfort so that nothing could be missed by the guests on board.

Dillinger – P466 – Data Sheet

• You might also be interested in:

Barche Cult: l’indimenticabile Serie Metrica di Baglietto (16-20 m)