Dear Bill, Arno, dear all,
being absolutely unsatisfied with the incapability of not resolving the problems with Bamar overload security system not working properly and after a handful of mostly very cold high sea ocean showers for half an hour I have been the first Amel54 owner I suppose, who has changed from Bamar to Reckmann for the Genoa and the Staysail. It was 2015, I suppose.
Did get a very good advice from another Amel owner who did it before on the Genoa.
I changed the complete equipment for not having a ‘specialized customized solution’ with the Reckmann furler and the Amel forestay (which is stronger than Reckmann). In storm case I roll the sails 3 times around the forestay and this is absolutely sufficient.
For repair work somewhere in the world it is always easier to have the original and complete systems installed. So I would propose anybody to change the system completely.
Never I have had any problem with Reckmann furler. Even if the furler engine would fail you can roll / unroll with the winch handle without any operation before.
Not cheap, definitely, but excellent components, I would always take the same decision again!
Thank you to Reckmann for a good support when changing the system with Secteur Blanc / Franck Chivé in La Rochelle. I did not contact Reckmann again, due to the absence of any problem!
Best regards
Alexander Hofmann, SY Oceanica I, Amel54#156