Official 510 DA Owners Group

Just an update. I talked to Bennett about adding an extra set of trim tabs over the prop tunnels. They advised me against it, said they would be concerned that that configuration could potentially be ripped off by the force of the water exiting the props. That sounds reasonable enough for me. They did advise that I could upgrade my existing system to their premier line, which would be larger tabs and stronger actuators. But now I’m thinking that I’m going to just go with drop fins, and upgrade the helm indicator. Wish me luck.

the tabs will make a noticeable difference. Did on my boat.
 
So I am trying to find drop fins but it looks like Bennett only makes a 9” and a 12” version…..my chord is 15”. My tabs are 15”x26”. Looks like migh have to have them fabricated. Anyone know what the specs are on the sheet stainless Bennett uses? My boat got on the Truck today in Illinois and should be here in CA on Thursday/Friday.
 
Looks to be a very significant difference between the 510DA and the 50DA. The 50DA are ranging from 330 (with MAN 680 engines) all the way to 389k. The 51DA seems to be more reasonably priced with asking prices all over the place.

Still very undecided in this process. 42DB, 51DA, 480DB....the shopping continues.
 
So I am trying to find drop fins but it looks like Bennett only makes a 9” and a 12” version…..my chord is 15”. My tabs are 15”x26”. Looks like migh have to have them fabricated. Anyone know what the specs are on the sheet stainless Bennett uses? My boat got on the Truck today in Illinois and should be here in CA on Thursday/Friday.


Sent you a PM.
 
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I’m going to have to fabricate my trim tabs. I plan on using 304 stainless, for those of you who had to make your own, what gauge stainless did you use?
 
Calling an audible since the 51DA we were interested is now under contract. Going to check out an 04 500DA this weekend. Couple of questions specifically compared to the 51.

Does the aft seating in the cockpit extend into a sun pad? The 51 had a motorized aft seat that with a push of a button became a flat sun pad.

Does the couch in the aft salon convert into a bed? On the 51 the aft portion of the couch became a bed and the entire aft section could be made private by pulling across a hidden curtain.

Just by looking online and reading as much as I can it seems that the 51 is a much "bigger" boat especially in the dungeon area. I do prefer the exterior look of the 04 500 and probably the various seating in the aft section with the swiveling seat next to the single captains chair.
 
Calling an audible since the 51DA we were interested is now under contract. Going to check out an 04 500DA this weekend. Couple of questions specifically compared to the 51.

Does the aft seating in the cockpit extend into a sun pad? The 51 had a motorized aft seat that with a push of a button became a flat sun pad.

Does the couch in the aft salon convert into a bed? On the 51 the aft portion of the couch became a bed and the entire aft section could be made private by pulling across a hidden curtain.

Just by looking online and reading as much as I can it seems that the 51 is a much "bigger" boat especially in the dungeon area. I do prefer the exterior look of the 04 500 and probably the various seating in the aft section with the swiveling seat next to the single captains chair.

Hope you find the boat you are thinking of. Just as a side bar; we have had the Linda Jean for several years, did a month on her this summer in the Bahamas and the rest of the time we are floating up and down the Florida ICW. We have yet to use the role out sun pad other than to clean it which is kind of a pain. Would rather have the 5 inches of floor space. The couch in the lower salon making into a bed is more useful; surprising comfortable especial now that our 6 month old grand son accompanies us on nautical adventures.

Just sayin the 510 is a great boat; handles great and reasonably economical for the size she is but the 500 is pretty good too. In Bimini I was slipped next to a 540da; I was eyeing his and he was eyeing mine. He liked my wider beam and I liked his lower draft. There in is where I'm thinking the infasis needs to be; what the boat has to do to exist in your boating world. SeaRay did a lot of things right with the 400 to 540 range of Sundancer but the suddle differences can get you second guessing down the line.
 
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Hope you find the boat you are thinking of. Just as a side bar; we have had the Linda Jean for several years, did a month on her this summer in the Bahamas and the rest of the time we are floating up and down the Florida ICW. We have yet to use the role out sun pad other than to clean it which is kind of a pain. Would rather have the 5 inches of floor space. The couch in the lower salon making into a bed is more useful; surprising comfortable especial now that our 6 month old grand son accompanies us on nautical adventures.

Just sayin the 510 is a great boat; handles great and reasonably economical for the size she is but the 500 is pretty good too. In Bimini I was slipped next to a 540da; I was eyeing his and he was eyeing mine. He liked my wider beam and I liked his lower draft. There in is where I'm thinking the infasis needs to be; what the boat has to do to exist in your boating world. SeaRay did a lot of things right with the 400 to 540 range of Sundancer but the suddle differences can get you're second guessing down the line.


I would have loved see the 51 and at least make an insulting offer. Unfortunately the deposit is secured, awaiting sea trial and final financing. Looks like I missed the boat on this one.
 
Hello Gents, Wondering if anyone has replaced the cabin refrigerator in their 510? Mine is still working but at 22yrs old it is on borrowed time. Any suggestions on replacement models would be great.
 
I currently have my refrigerator pulled out, I’m converting the television cabinet above it into storage with a flatscreen television on a swiveling mount as the front of the enclosure. If you would like, I could measure the refrigerator for you… mine still works well but I plan to find a potential replacement refrigerator so that if and when it goes out I have a quick fix. I’m planning on just finding something that’s The same size, anything I put in there will be much more energy efficient and quieter.
 
I currently have my refrigerator pulled out, I’m converting the television cabinet above it into storage with a flatscreen television on a swiveling mount as the front of the enclosure. If you would like, I could measure the refrigerator for you… mine still works well but I plan to find a potential replacement refrigerator so that if and when it goes out I have a quick fix. I’m planning on just finding something that’s The same size, anything I put in there will be much more energy efficient and quieter.
Appreciate that offer but I'm pretty sure my boat yard has it figured out. Once I land on suitable replacement I will post the model. The original fridge is set up to only run on AC power so I have to be running the genset or plugged in for it to work. Looking into and inverter set up to remedy this.
 
Appreciate that offer but I'm pretty sure my boat yard has it figured out. Once I land on suitable replacement I will post the model. The original fridge is set up to only run on AC power so I have to be running the genset or plugged in for it to work. Looking into and inverter set up to remedy this.

I did the inverter thing when I replaced the frig on my 40da. Refrigerator really chews up battery storage. Found it better to just manage refrigerator efficiency and generator service.
 
Does anyone know the name of the color of the gelcoat is on a 2002 510DA?
I'm installing JL Audio M6 770 in the pillars of my hard top and they are a little too deep, going to have some spacer rings made by Boat Outfitters out of 1/2 inch King Starboard....I was thinking the color is "Seafoam" but I see others say its "Arctic White", which are both options but different shades.
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Does anyone know the name of the color of the gelcoat is on a 2002 510DA?
I'm installing JL Audio M6 770 in the pillars of my hard top and they are a little too deep, going to have some spacer rings made by Boat Outfitters out of 1/2 inch King Starboard....I was thinking the color is "Seafoam" but I see others say its "Arctic White", which are both options but different shades.
View attachment 116801

My 2004 is Arctic so same era as yours. Check your Parts Manual.
 
Survey is complete. Linda Jean performed like the lady she is. The saying about the two happiest days of a boat owners life is simply not true.
 
Survey is complete. Linda Jean performed like the lady she is. The saying about the two happiest days of a boat owners life is simply not true.
I would agree with that. She is a beautiful vessel and the new owners will be really happy. So what’s next?
 
I would agree with that. She is a beautiful vessel and the new owners will be really happy. So what’s next?

Not sure. The Linda Jean is just to much boat for what we do and what I can handle solo. It's best she go to folks that will get more use of her.
Broker I bought the boat through as well as the surveyors know this boat from three years back; nothing but thumbs up on her condition. A far cry from the condition I bought her in. Only things mentioned on the survey are little stuff like a switch and a vent that got funky the last time out. Surprised the heck out of me.
It will be interesting finding a new float? Spousal unit was told just this evening that she should stay off boats for at least a year. Guess healing from spinal procedures are rather specific. Timing is everything. Means we'll have plenty of time to look. Not sure I want another big boat with big issues but we shall see. I like the crusing around on the Linda Jean but it's the slipping and beaching and docking the big battle wagons that's a bit of a challenge living with.
 

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