Amel stopped using Yanmar on the 54's as they did not conform to the new
pollution standards in Europe.
I took a test drive on the 54 when they were still delivering the 53's. Joel Potter came along.
It was hush hush and the test model was across the marina in La Rochelle.
I did not like the Volvo. They said that if I paid the architect for the modification,they would deliver my boat with a Yanmar as the USA had not yet implemented the more restrictive emission standards at that time. I returned home looking forward to the 54 .Then a cardiologist said I had heart problems. I cancelled my order for hull#12 .
Long story made short the cardiologist made a mistake, however my wife became very iIl. By the time I was able to order the boat it was 3 years later then there was a long wait.

Every boat has positives and negatives. It may sound silly , but my wife did not like to seep against the hull, When I had to get up I had to climb over her. The wide 54 makes that a moot point. I also Like the forward facing nav station. 2 weeks ago we came up to the USA on a starboard tack beating for almost 9 days. Writing on the computer and hanging on with the other hand is no fun.

At this point I will stick with the 53 as Kimberlite and I have been through so much together I would not want to trade her in, It would hurt her feelings.

If I were buying an Amel and had to choose between the 53 and the 54, I would buy the 54.
Fair Winds,
Eric
SM376 Kimberlite