All About the Delta King

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A detailed view of a vintage boat helm featuring a wooden steering wheel and control panels.
Credit: pexels.com, A detailed view of a vintage boat helm featuring a wooden steering wheel and control panels.

The Delta King is a historic riverboat that's been around since 1927. It was originally built as a luxury liner, offering fine dining, entertainment, and accommodations to passengers.

This riverboat has had a long and varied career, serving as a cruise ship, a floating hotel, and even a movie set. It's been restored to its former glory and now operates as a hotel and dinner theater.

The Delta King is registered as a National Historic Landmark, recognizing its significance in American history and culture.

Design and Construction

The Delta King's design and construction are a fascinating blend of old and new. The steel hull was ordered from the William Denny & Brothers shipyard in Scotland in April 1924.

The hull was shipped to Stockton, California in November 1924, where it was assembled and completed by California Transportation. The ship's hull measured 1,150 GRT and displaced 1,700 tons.

Delta King was designed to be 250 feet long, 77.1 feet wide, and 11.8 feet deep, with a draft of 7.0 feet. This is impressive, considering the additional wooden decks and stern-wheel that were added later.

Delta King

A vintage steamboat cruises leisurely on a serene river, adorned with an American flag.
Credit: pexels.com, A vintage steamboat cruises leisurely on a serene river, adorned with an American flag.

The Delta King is a unique hotel with a rich history. It was originally a riverboat, converted into a hotel, and is now a popular destination in Sacramento's Old Town.

The Delta King has a distinctive design, with a giant, red, rotating paddlewheel that's a notable feature. It's moored in the Sacramento River, providing excellent access to historic sights like the Railroad Museum and the Crocker Art Museum.

Here are some key facts about the Delta King's design and construction:

The Delta King is a large vessel, measuring 285 feet (87 m) in length and 58 feet (18 m) in beam. Its draft is 11 feet 6 inches (3.51 m), and it has an installed power of 2,000 hp (1,500 kW) with a sternwheel propulsion system.

As a hotel, the Delta King offers comfortable rooms with a charming, old-world feel. However, guests have noted that the rooms can be a bit old and creaky, and may experience some noise from outside.

Old-School Vibe

Historic steamboat cruising on Lake Garda with mountains in the background.
Credit: pexels.com, Historic steamboat cruising on Lake Garda with mountains in the background.

The Delta King 10 and 12 combo amplifiers are designed to evoke the classic look and feel of the original Supro combos from the 1950s. They feature a custom, poplar cabinet design that's both durable and aesthetically pleasing.

One of the standout features of these amps is their colorways. The Delta King 10 comes in a unique combination of tweed and black, while the Delta King 12 offers a range of options, including scarlet and cream, navy blue and black, and ivory and black.

The cabinets are made from high-quality poplar, which provides a smooth, resonant sound. The handles are made from durable rubber, ensuring that the amps are easy to move around without scratching the finish.

Here's a comparison of the two models:

The Delta King 10 and 12 combo amplifiers are designed to deliver the authentic 6V6-powered tube-amp tone of the original Supro combos from the 1950s.

Kingly

The Delta King 12 combo's design is a masterclass in capturing the essence of vintage tone. It's a direct nod to the Supro amp that helped shape the sound of early electric Rock & Roll.

Credit: youtube.com, Mr. Kingsley Odiase Four Bedroom Duplex

The single-ended Class A tube power amp at the heart of the Delta King 12 combo is a key component in achieving this vintage tone. It's a testament to the enduring power of classic design.

This amp provides 15 watts of 6L6 tube power, which is a significant amount of juice for a combo of this size. The custom 12-inch DK12 speaker is perfectly suited to handle this power.

The 12AX7 tube preamp is the perfect front-end gain stage for this amp, providing a smooth and articulate sound. The FET-driven boost function adds an extra layer of versatility to the amp.

The Pigtronix FAT high-gain mode is a game-changer for metal and hard rock players who need a little extra oomph. It's a great way to add some extra grit and sustain to your sound.

The 3-band EQ and master volume are standard features on the Delta King 12 combo, but they're still essential for getting your tone just right. The custom-made genuine analog spring reverb is a nice touch, adding a warm and organic feel to your sound.

The Historic

View of Pittsburgh skyline featuring prominent skyscrapers and a riverboat along the waterfront.
Credit: pexels.com, View of Pittsburgh skyline featuring prominent skyscrapers and a riverboat along the waterfront.

The Delta King is a historic paddlewheel riverboat that's been around for a long time. It was built in 1926 by the San Francisco Shipbuilding Company.

You can find its original blueprints and construction records at the San Francisco Maritime Museum. The Delta King was designed to be a luxury hotel and entertainment vessel.

It was originally intended for use on the Mississippi River but was instead sent to the Sacramento River in California. The Delta King made its maiden voyage on July 1, 1927.

Current Status

The Delta King is currently a hotel and theater located in Sacramento, California. It's been a part of the city's landscape since 1984.

The ship has undergone significant renovations over the years, including a major restoration project in 2001. This helped to preserve its original charm while also making it more comfortable for guests.

Today, the Delta King offers 81 staterooms and suites, each with its own unique character. You can choose from a variety of accommodations to suit your needs and budget.

Credit: youtube.com, Why I Bought a Supro Delta King 12

One of the ship's most popular attractions is its theater, which hosts a range of performances throughout the year. From musicals to comedy acts, there's always something happening on board.

The Delta King also features several dining options, including a restaurant and a lounge. You can enjoy a meal or snack while taking in the views of the Sacramento River.

If you're looking for a unique experience, consider taking a tour of the ship. You'll get to see behind the scenes and learn more about its history and restoration.

Unique Features

The Delta King is a one-of-a-kind vessel that boasts some truly unique features. Built in 1927, it's the last of the grand steamboats from the Golden Age of Riverboats.

Its historic significance is undeniable, with a rich history that spans over 90 years. The Delta King has been restored to its former glory and now offers luxurious accommodations and fine dining.

De Rotterdam towers and a cruise ship docked in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Credit: pexels.com, De Rotterdam towers and a cruise ship docked in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

The ship's original 1927 interior design has been meticulously preserved, complete with ornate details and opulent decorations. This attention to detail is a testament to the craftsmanship of the era.

You can still see the original handrails, which are a beautiful example of the ship's Art Deco style. The Delta King's unique blend of history and luxury makes it a truly special experience.

Its 207-foot length and 53-foot beam give it a stately presence on the water, and it's a sight to behold when cruising along the Sacramento River.

Model Variations

The Delta King has undergone several model variations over the years.

One notable variation is the Delta King 1, which was the original model.

The Delta King 1 was introduced in the 1950s and featured a unique design that set it apart from other models.

Another variation is the Delta King 2, which was released in the 1960s and included several improvements to the original design.

The Delta King 2 had a more streamlined body and a more powerful engine.

The Delta King 3 was introduced in the 1970s and featured a more modern design with a focus on efficiency.

The Delta King 3 had a more aerodynamic body and a more advanced engine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to the Delta King?

The Delta King served in the US Navy during wartime and later became a hotel, restaurant, and venue in Old Sacramento, California.

What is the haunted history of the Delta King Hotel?

The Delta King Hotel has a dark history, with reports of a crew member's restless spirit wandering the decks. This eerie reputation has been fueled by numerous guest and staff sightings of the ghostly apparition.

Jessie Smith

Senior Writer

Jessie Smith is a versatile writer with a passion for crafting informative and engaging content. With a keen interest in travel and aviation, Jessie has established herself as a go-to expert on air travel procedures, providing readers with valuable insights and practical advice. Her articles are a testament to her dedication to helping others navigate the complexities of air travel, making her a trusted voice in the industry.

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