Official 510 DA Owners Group

[Avenger]

Bbrinks,
Glad that worked out to be a simple fix. Your boat must have been the one Rob was asking me about with this issue. Being we have the same boat in the same water I am curious to know what your cruise speeds are at any given RPM. My 510 with about half tanks of fuel, water and waste along with my family of 5 and our gear cruises at roughly 24-25 mph at 1800 rpm which translates into about 63% load.

 

[bbrinks]

Bbrinks,
Glad that worked out to be a simple fix. Your boat must have been the one Rob was asking me about with this issue. Being we have the same boat in the same water I am curious to know what your cruise speeds are at any given RPM. My 510 with about half tanks of fuel, water and waste along with my family of 5 and our gear cruises at roughly 24-25 mph at 1800 rpm which translates into about 63% load.

We ran down to Port Sheldon last weekend. 2000 rpms. 83% load. 29 mph. 50% fuel, 50% water, 7 on board.

 

[WalterCarl]

I always learn mucho, mucho from these posts. Thanks to everyone for contributing.

Stephens013. In an April 2020 post, you mention having to remove the salon floor for access to parts of the center and starboard fuel system at the tanks. Can you elaborate on how much of the floor you think needs to be removed? As I said in my previous post, every so often I have about 2 to 3 cups of fuel appearing behind the engine room bulkhead. Behind that little circular access panel by the forward bilge pump. I think it's a fill or return. Nothing serious, but, pain in the ass. Need to access the fill hoses to the tank. For anyone who's interested, here is a partial fuel system diagram from Sea Ray.

 

[Avenger]

We ran down to Port Sheldon last weekend. 2000 rpms. 83% load. 29 mph. 50% fuel, 50% water, 7 on board.

Just ran the boat last night and took it up to 2000 rpm and my speed and loads almost the exact same as yours 29mph, 80% load. Good to know. Thanks.

 

[stephens013]

Well it's two weeks back and I've been thinking abou lessons learned from our Bahamas adventure.

Let's see;
1. pay attention to the slightest diferances in power and throttle response. Throttle was acting a bit sluggish at the turbo comming in speed. Lost a starboard turbo. Before it went I noted it stalled getting to speed twice; then it just stopped. The hot side just caught on the backing plate and that was it; turbo charger was done.
2. Second throttle response was issue was the port engine seemed to lag. Still ran for several hours. Finally the motor would only run at less than 300 rpm. Come to find out it was a simi clogged fuel vent causing a partial vacuum in the saddle tank. As a result the suction got so intense that air was pulled past the Racor fuel filter gaskets.
3. Batteries are a pain replacing out of the country. Checked all seven of mine but they are two years old; had to replace three.
4. Auto pilot failed half way through the trip. Haven't figured that one out yet. Failed to command the rudder; either a computer issue but more likely a wiring or pump problem.
5. Have a chat with all the folks staying on board about toilet paper. It takes time to desolve; more time when an excess amount it used. I carry vinagar to assist in that process, I flush vinagar into assist in that and I keep the holding tank no more that 1/2 full. And keep a plunger in the boat just in case.
5. That darned center windshield vent actuator failed second day out. The SeaRay version costs $550. I converted the switch from 24 to 12 volts and the price went down to $80.
6. Keep Racor filters, oil, belts and ample electrical connectors. The connectors come in handy after getting banged around for 4 hrs. in 3 to 4 ft seas. Connections just come lose. Speaking of belts; my starboard altinator belt shredded itself during the last hour of our adventure.
7. Also we sprung a leak in the guest faucet. Now that thing is a pain in the ass to change out. Also the boat doesn't have off valves for the individual faucets. Had to cut the lines and clamp a screw driver in the remaining line to seal off the water. By the way; have some screw drivers with round shafts. They seal up the lines more better.

 

[ocgrant]

Well it's two weeks back and I've been thinking abou lessons learned from our Bahamas adventure.

Let's see;
1. pay attention to the slightest diferances in power and throttle response. Throttle was acting a bit sluggish at the turbo comming in speed. Lost a starboard turbo. Before it went I noted it stalled getting to speed twice; then it just stopped. The hot side just caught on the backing plate and that was it; turbo charger was done.
2. Second throttle response was issue was the port engine seemed to lag. Still ran for several hours. Finally the motor would only run at less than 300 rpm. Come to find out it was a simi clogged fuel vent causing a partial vacuum in the saddle tank. As a result the suction got so intense that air was pulled past the Racor fuel filter gaskets.
3. Batteries are a pain replacing out of the country. Checked all seven of mine but they are two years old; had to replace three.
4. Auto pilot failed half way through the trip. Haven't figured that one out yet. Failed to command the rudder; either a computer issue but more likely a wiring or pump problem.
5. Have a chat with all the folks staying on board about toilet paper. It takes time to desolve; more time when an excess amount it used. I carry vinagar to assist in that process, I flush vinagar into assist in that and I keep the holding tank no more that 1/2 full. And keep a plunger in the boat just in case.
5. That darned center windshield vent actuator failed second day out. The SeaRay version costs $550. I converted the switch from 24 to 12 volts and the price went down to $80.
6. Keep Racor filters, oil, belts and ample electrical connectors. The connectors come in handy after getting banged around for 4 hrs. in 3 to 4 ft seas. Connections just come lose. Speaking of belts; my starboard altinator belt shredded itself during the last hour of our adventure.
7. Also we sprung a leak in the guest faucet. Now that thing is a pain in the ass to change out. Also the boat doesn't have off valves for the individual faucets. Had to cut the lines and clamp a screw driver in the remaining line to seal off the water. By the way; have some screw drivers with round shafts. They seal up the lines more better.

Glad you made it back ok!!! Now time to get ready for next year - Exumas!!!!

 

[stephens013]

Glad you made it back ok!!! Now time to get ready for next year - Exumas!!!![/QUO


Man I sea trailed the dickens out of the old girl before casting off; still got a bunch of surprises. You know waht they say; diferance between an adventure and an ordeal is altitude

 

[stephens013]

I always learn mucho, mucho from these posts. Thanks to everyone for contributing.

Stephens013. In an April 2020 post, you mention having to remove the salon floor for access to parts of the center and starboard fuel system at the tanks. Can you elaborate on how much of the floor you think needs to be removed? As I said in my previous post, every so often I have about 2 to 3 cups of fuel appearing behind the engine room bulkhead. Behind that little circular access panel by the forward bilge pump. I think it's a fill or return. Nothing serious, but, pain in the ass. Need to access the fill hoses to the tank. For anyone who's interested, here is a partial fuel system diagram from Sea Ray.

 

[stephens013]

I always learn mucho, mucho from these posts. Thanks to everyone for contributing.

Stephens013. In an April 2020 post, you mention having to remove the salon floor for access to parts of the center and starboard fuel system at the tanks. Can you elaborate on how much of the floor you think needs to be removed? As I said in my previous post, every so often I have about 2 to 3 cups of fuel appearing behind the engine room bulkhead. Behind that little circular access panel by the forward bilge pump. I think it's a fill or return. Nothing serious, but, pain in the ass. Need to access the fill hoses to the tank. For anyone who's interested, here is a partial fuel system diagram from Sea Ray.

Previous owner replaced carpet and padding with 3/4 plywood. Pictures show where the center fuel access panel is located reference to the couch.

 

[HardRockin]

So glad I found this thread. I am in the process of completing the purchase of a 2001 510 Sundancer with the 3196 Cats. We currently have a 98' 450 that we have for sale, see here:
1998-sea-ray-450-sundancer-7950127

Anyways, family and I are heading out to KY next week to get the survey done, sea trial, haul out, removal of the props and the hard top for transportation, shrink-wrapping and ultimately the loading onto a semi tractor-transport for the long drive to Stockton on or about 8-11. Hope to become a contributing member of your exclusive 510 club!

So I have 3 immediate questions.
1. When I do the sea trial, what is the optimum RPM's at WOT? And at that RPM, what is the expected speed? And does anyone know what the Cat gauge reads out in, MPH or Knots?

2. Does anyone have any experience with the hardtop removal for OTR transport, to include pictures? And any ideas/pictures of the hardtop stowed for transport, I believe with the legs on the swim platform and top resting in the cockpit? I believe the 8 bolts (4 each side) are hidden behind that first panel on the lower inside legs of the hard top. And I'm guessing the panel just pries out.

3. Avenger- I love the cockpit canvas/eisenglass enclosure you have on your boat! Absolutely love it! I was going to have a local canvas guy modify my current standard enclosure. Do you know who did the canvas on your boat, and any idea how much it cost? I think I would be much happier doing it right from the get go instead of trying to fix my 10 y/o canvas.

Wish me luck on a clean survey and a safe transport. From the time first I saw the 2000-2003 510's I couldn't wait to buy 1.

 

[bbrinks]

So glad I found this thread. I am in the process of completing the purchase of a 2001 510 Sundancer with the 3196 Cats. We currently have a 98' 450 that we have for sale, see here:
1998-sea-ray-450-sundancer-7950127

Anyways, family and I are heading out to KY next week to get the survey done, sea trial, haul out, removal of the props and the hard top for transportation, shrink-wrapping and ultimately the loading onto a semi tractor-transport for the long drive to Stockton on or about 8-11. Hope to become a contributing member of your exclusive 510 club!

So I have 3 immediate questions.
1. When I do the sea trial, what is the optimum RPM's at WOT? And at that RPM, what is the expected speed? And does anyone know what the Cat gauge reads out in, MPH or Knots?

2. Does anyone have any experience with the hardtop removal for OTR transport, to include pictures? And any ideas/pictures of the hardtop stowed for transport, I believe with the legs on the swim platform and top resting in the cockpit? I believe the 8 bolts (4 each side) are hidden behind that first panel on the lower inside legs of the hard top. And I'm guessing the panel just pries out.

3. Avenger- I love the cockpit canvas/eisenglass enclosure you have on your boat! Absolutely love it! I was going to have a local canvas guy modify my current standard enclosure. Do you know who did the canvas on your boat, and any idea how much it cost? I think I would be much happier doing it right from the get go instead of trying to fix my 10 y/o canvas.

Wish me luck on a clean survey and a safe transport. From the time I saw the 2000-2003 510's I couldn't wait to buy 1.

Congrats on your upgrade. In regards to your questions…. Your gauges only read rpms, no mph or nm. That will be up to your mfd. Honestly, I have never gone WOT. I cruise at 2000 rpms. That puts me around 28-29 mph at 82-83% load.

I have no experience with hard top removal. I brought mine over to Spring Lake from Lake Saint Clair in Michigan in May. 21 hours of drive time and 520 miles. It was a good shake down of the boat.

Canvas wise, I have a new aft canvas being done for me as we speak. $4,000 for a 3 piece aft canvas in solid black. Each piece has zippers and I’m having a zippered door put in as well. My front isenglass is in good shape so that’s staying as is for now.

Hope all goes well for you through the purchase process. I’ve done a lot of upgrades in the last 3 months. Got rid of all the gold in the cabin as well. I can’t stand gold.

 

[Avenger]

Congrats on the new 510 HardRockin!
As mentioned your cruise speed will be in the upper 20mph range and full out mine does 34-35. I usually run 1850-1900 with a speed of 26+/-mph and that shows 72% load. The 3196 top rpm is 2330-2350 so make sure it reaches that during your inspections. Can’t help you on the hard top but sounds like you have a good plan of attack.
My aft curtains were new last year just before I bought the boat. I’m not sure who did the work but I know the cost was roughly 6K. This year I added white mesh zip in sunshades to all of my isinglass. The shades zip and velcro in on the inside and are super easy to install and take down. They are great for privacy and keeping the cockpit cool. We love the set up.
We are currently on the boat for a week cruising around the upper Great Lakes and are having a blast. You will absolutely love the 510 as its a really comfortable boat with a style of her own. I was like you and have always dreamed of having this model 510. Good Luck on you survey!

 

[HardRockin]

Thank you for those WOT numbers, just need to know what we need to hit on our sea trial, I don’t want to be over propped and being out of the water will give me a chance to correct it if it needs it.

That being said, I saw a discussion a while back in this thread about the trim tabs and drop down fins. I’m going to be out of the water for about a week before transport picks me up the Tuesday after next. I’m not quite sure I understand what you guys were talking about referring to the drop down fins or the larger trim tabs. Does anybody have a suggestion for an upgrade while I’m out of the water, some thing that will increase my invisibility by pushing the bow down and planing out quicker, while giving me better fuel economy? Would love some guidance here. If this is something I can order and install it myself, even better…

Thanks again for your welcoming and look forward to interacting with you all in this forum. I will share all my pictures from the haul out and the transport as soon as I can. I’ve not seen a lot of pictures of boats prepped for transport so I’ll try to provide those for those who might want to see them in the future. Including the hardtop removal and electronic/radar/wiring removal.

 

[bbrinks]

Can anyone confirm which tank the generator draws from? I was originally told it draws off the center tank but based on a recent fuel fill up I'm guessing it draws off the port tank. Also, have any of you replaced the sending unit for the port tank? I understand it's accessible from the hinged opening in the second step going from cockpit to cabin. I ordered a new sending unit from Florida Marine Tanks. Thanks

 

[Brett H]

Can anyone confirm which tank the generator draws from? I was originally told it draws off the center tank but based on a recent fuel fill up I'm guessing it draws off the port tank. Also, have any of you replaced the sending unit for the port tank? I understand it's accessible from the hinged opening in the second step going from cockpit to cabin. I ordered a new sending unit from Florida Marine Tanks. Thanks

If you haven't downloaded and read your Operating Manual, it has a tremendous amount of information. My boat is a 550 not a 510 so probably different but this is where I found it in the manual:

 

[stephens013]

Can anyone confirm which tank the generator draws from? I was originally told it draws off the center tank but based on a recent fuel fill up I'm guessing it draws off the port tank. Also, have any of you replaced the sending unit for the port tank? I understand it's accessible from the hinged opening in the second step going from cockpit to cabin. I ordered a new sending unit from Florida Marine Tanks. Thanks

As pre the SeaRay technical guys my generator draws from the center the tank.

 

[bbrinks]

Do any of you have a digital version of the 510DA owners manual? Sea Ray doesn't have it and I have come up blank searching on line. Thanks

Disregard, see my new post below.

 

[bbrinks]

I got a digital copy of the 2000 510 owners manual from the factory after all. It's 300mb so if you want it I'm happy to get it to you with a download link. It's too large of a file to be attached. I also got a copy of the fuel line build sheet. That's too large to upload as well. It shows the generator feed and return go to the center tank. Assuming that is accurate, would any of you have any idea why my port tank is draining at a faster rate than my starboard tank? I only set valves to either Center OR Port/Starboard. System screen shows identical fuel consumption on both engines and there are no leaks in the tanks.

 

[Avenger]

I got a digital copy of the 2000 510 owners manual from the factory after all. It's 300mb so if you want it I'm happy to get it to you with a download link. It's too large of a file to be attached. I also got a copy of the fuel line build sheet. That's too large to upload as well. It shows the generator feed and return go to the center tank. Assuming that is accurate, would any of you have any idea why my port tank is draining at a faster rate than my starboard tank? I only set valves to either Center OR Port/Starboard. System screen shows identical fuel consumption on both engines and there are no leaks in the tanks.

I would really appreciate a digital copy of that manual and fuel line build sheet. My email is joshg@ccpwr.com.
Regarding your fuel usage, what is the differential between the tanks? Upon a full fuel top off I will run my center tank down to 1/2 and then switch to the saddle tanks. My last two fill ups with all tanks being just under half yielded almost identical usages between the port and star. I will say that the fuel vents play tricks and spit a little before the tanks are full leading one to believe the tank is full when its not.

 

[bbrinks]

I would really appreciate a digital copy of that manual and fuel line build sheet. My email is joshg@ccpwr.com.
Regarding your fuel usage, what is the differential between the tanks? Upon a full fuel top off I will run my center tank down to 1/2 and then switch to the saddle tanks. My last two fill ups with all tanks being just under half yielded almost identical usages between the port and star. I will say that the fuel vents play tricks and spit a little before the tanks are full leading one to believe the tank is full when its not.

I’ll get both to you tomorrow. My last fill up I put 149 gallons in my port tank and 75 gallons in my starboard tank. Port fuel gauge doesn’t work. Our typical weekend revolves around 30 minutes of run time and 10-15 hours of generator time. That what made me think the fuel difference was genny use.