2003 Dettling 51 Express Cruiser

The 2003 Dettling 51 Express Cruiser is a fiberglass-hulled yacht powered by twin Cummins 450-horsepower engines with V-drives. Built as one of only seventeen vessels in this design class, she combines efficient cruising capability with refined accommodations. The boat features a distinctive expansive aft deck with swim platform, solid teak flooring, and triple stainless steel railings—a layout designed equally for safety and entertaining at anchor. The wide 14.5-foot beam and raised pilothouse with superb visibility forward make her a capable offshore platform.

The pilothouse offers excellent sightlines with large forward windows and adjustable sliding windows to port and starboard. The helm sits to starboard with full instrumentation, while an overhead hatch provides topside navigation access. Secondary throttle controls to port offer flexibility for docking maneuvers. The cabin top features a hard bimini with a full command console housing repeat electronics for upper-deck operation, along with space for dinghy storage and a mechanical crane.

Below, a curved staircase leads to the salon with teak cabinetry, vinyl-clad headliners, and multiple hatches for light and air. The galley sits forward with a Force 10 three-burner electric range and substantial refrigeration. Two cabins provide accommodation: an aft cabin with queen berth and ensuite head with separate shower, and a forward cabin with walk-around queen and access to dedicated head forward. Both heads include washing machine and dryer facilities. The open salon layout centers on a convertible dining table with adjacent storage and seating areas finished in recently updated upholstery.

The 2024 refit included new engine mounts, PSS dripless shaft seals, and fresh engine monitoring systems at the helm. The Onan 13.5-kilowatt generator was serviced in early 2024. Recent improvements through 2025 add a new electric stove, modern Garmin 17-inch chartplotter, Starlink, new lithium-ion engine start batteries, and refreshed carpeting, aft deck refinishing, and deck lighting. Current hours on the engines are approximately 4,032 and 4,890 respectively.