Voyage 510 Information, Review, Specs

The 510 is part of a closely related family of hulls. It shares significant DNA with the earlier Voyage 500—which was named Cruising World’s "Overall Boat of the Year" in 2002—and served as the bridge to the later Voyage 520. While the 500 established the platform, the 510 introduced refinements in deck layout and sugar-scoop transom design to improve boarding and water access. In the pre-owned market, it is often compared to the Leopard 47 and the Fountain Pajot Bahia 46, though it generally offers a more performance-oriented sail plan.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Voyage 510 are defined by its relatively high sail-area-to-displacement ratio and its sophisticated hull shape. Because the hulls are narrower at the waterline than many of its competitors, the 510 exhibits less "hobby-horsing" in a head sea and maintains a higher average speed over long distances. The design features fixed fin keels that provide a compromise between upwind tracking and the durability required for shallow-water cruising.

According to technical design notes from Simonis Voogd, the hull's buoyancy distribution is calculated to handle the heavy payloads of cruising gear without sacrificing the boat's ability to "surf" in following seas. Owners often report that the boat feels "stiff" and secure even when the breeze freshens past 20 knots, a trait attributed to the low-profile rig and wide beam. The helm station is typically located on the port side of the bulkhead, offering excellent visibility of the mainsail and the forward corners of the boat, though like most catamarans of this era, visibility to the aft-starboard quarter can be limited during docking.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Voyage 510 is a testament to South African craftsmanship, featuring extensive use of light-colored woods and durable Corian surfaces. The most common configuration is the "Charter" layout, which features four or five queen-sized en-suite cabins. Each cabin is designed with private heads and integrated showers, ensuring maximum privacy for guests. A notable design feature is the "bridge-deck" saloon, which utilizes a large wraparound settee and a panoramic galley-up arrangement. This ensures that the cook remains part of the social activity while enjoying 360-degree views of the horizon.

Variations of the 510 include an "Owner’s Version," which devotes an entire hull to a master suite featuring a desk, extensive hanging lockers, and a larger head compartment. The sibling Voyage 520 model expanded on this by extending the transoms and updating the cockpit ergonomics, but the core interior volume remains consistent across the 500, 510, and 520 series. Headroom throughout the saloon and cabins is generous, typically exceeding 6'5", which contributes to the airy, open feel of the living spaces.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Voyage 510 earned significant fame as the flagship of the Voyage Charters fleet based in Soper’s Hole, British Virgin Islands. For decades, this model was the primary vessel featured in their marketing and was frequently cited in travel editorials as the gold standard for Caribbean crewed charters. Its distinctive blue-and-white hull livery became a common sight in sailing documentaries and Caribbean-based lifestyle media throughout the early 2000s.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

When inspecting a Voyage 510, particularly those transitioning out of a charter fleet, several technical areas require scrutiny:

1. Bulkhead and Grid Bonding: While the construction is generally robust (utilizing vacuum-bagged foam cores), buyers should inspect the secondary bonding where the main bulkheads meet the hull. High-mileage boats may show signs of "working" or hair-line cracks in the gelcoat at these stress points.
2. Rudder Bearings: The 510 uses a balanced spade rudder system. Over time, the bushings can wear, leading to vibration at high speeds or a "sloppy" feel at the helm.
3. Balsa Core Integrity: While much of the boat is foam-cored, some deck sections may utilize balsa. Any poorly bedded aftermarket hardware (solar panels, extra cleats) should be checked with a moisture meter to ensure the core hasn't been compromised.
4. Escape Hatches: Located in the hulls near the waterline, these hatches are a safety requirement but are notorious for leaking if the seals aren't maintained or if the acrylic has crazed over time.
5. Standing Rigging: Given the high loads generated by a catamaran's stability, the rig should be professionally surveyed every 10 years, especially if the boat has been used in a high-wind environment like the BVI or during an Atlantic crossing.

Community & Resources

Owners and prospective buyers can find technical support through the official Voyage Yachts website, which still provides support for their legacy models. There is also a dedicated community of enthusiasts who share maintenance tips and upgrade paths via owner-run social media groups, though no formal independent "Class Association" exists outside of the manufacturer’s sphere.

The Verdict

The Voyage 510 remains one of the most aesthetically pleasing and capable cruising catamarans of its era. It appeals to the sailor who refuses to sacrifice sailing performance for living space.

Pros:

• Superior Performance: Faster and more weatherly than most production cruising catamarans.
• Low Profile: Reduced windage makes the boat easier to handle in tight marinas and more stable in gusts.
• Build Quality: High-end South African construction that ages better than many mass-produced alternatives.

Cons:

• Low Bridge-Deck Clearance: Like many older cats, it can experience "slamming" in short, choppy seas.
• Charter History: Finding a model that hasn't seen heavy commercial use can be difficult and expensive.
• Complex Systems: The high-end charter specs often include complex electrical and plumbing systems that require diligent maintenance.