For the Delta Refit & Repair team, one project is nothing short of extraordinary: the transformation of a 127-foot full-displacement composite motor yacht built in 1989 into the 132-foot LIFE OF RILEY. Major changes included the addition of a radiant sky lounge on the upper deck, an extended stern incorporating a fishing cockpit, and an open aft deck with direct access to the sea and tenders. There were many improvements, replacements, and upgrades to all engineering systems.

Delta used a perfectly mated mold for the stern extension to create a seamless finished appearance. Subtle modifications to the sheer and camber of the aft superstructure and main guard harmoniously integrated the new transom into the original hull. The upper-level modifications combined bold strokes and technical finesse, expanding the area aft of the pilothouse to include the spacious sky lounge and a full flybridge deck area.

The interior was completely replaced—and re-energized. The owner’s stateroom became full-beam with a large head with a full-sized tub and marble counters. Across the lobby is a pair of comfortable twin-bedded guest cabins with green leather buttoned upholstery and en suite shower rooms. The style is elegant and traditional with antique furniture, beautiful paintings, and straight-grained Honduras mahogany with a matte finish that gives a very warm, natural feel to all the rooms. Forward on the main deck is a gracious library with brass-railed shelves and cabinets below. Glazed doors divided into many small beveled panes reinforce the richly traditional atmosphere.

The results of this incredible makeover included a significant improvement in efficiency and performance. Extending the waterline increased cruising speed and reduced fuel consumption. Adding the bulbous bow helped improve total efficiency nearly 10 percent. In addition to reducing running resistance, the bulb damps down pitching considerably; it also doubles as a ballast tank used to adjust the yacht’s fore-and-aft trim.

From the outside, the most noticeable feature of this refit: the whole yacht was re-faired and painted a beautiful, traditional dark green. But of course it’s just the outer surface of an incredibly extensive and detailed refit that effectively turned LIFE OF RILEY into a completely different yacht with an entirely changed character. She became more than “good as new”—according to her owners, she was better than ever before, and better than they could have imagined.