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Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Yanmar Engine issue

Richard Piller <richard03801@...>
 

Hi it sounds very much like you have an air leak in your intake system. Try tightening ALL the salt water hose clamps, is the o ring in the sea strainer in good shape and seated. Is it full prior to engine start. If not take a careful, look at the intake hose and clamps on it and the other lines coming off the manifold. Good luck. 

Regards
Capt Richard Piller

On Jan 2, 2016, at 13:40, rickgrimes1@... [amelyachtowners] <amelyachtowners@...> wrote:

 

Surely there is an easy fix but…this has me stumped:

I have the Yanmar 4JH-3-HTE engine on my SM2000 (#404).  When I start it up cold, no water flows from the impeller to the heat exchanger.  A large air bubble forms in the bottom of the translucent hose that goes from the impeller and, of course, the engine begins to overheat if not shut down.  (Before I detected this problem, we overheated and melted the plastic muffler early into the Salty Dawg venture last month). 

Impeller recently replaced and working fine, water is flowing freely from the sea chest (e.g., when the heads are filled or the air conditioning is turned on), belts are new and snug.  There are no leaks, water or air, that I can detect anywhere along the path from the sea chest to and through the engine. 

But here’s the interesting part:

When I disconnect the hose from the heat exchanger (the hose that goes from the impeller to the heat exchanger), lay it down on the floor of the boat below the level of the impeller, and then start the engine, the water (and bubbles) starts flowing forcefully through the hose into the bilge—after which, with engine still running, I immediately slam the end of the hose back into the heat exchanger and tighten it down, the water continues to flow forcefully as it should (but no bubbles), the engine remains cool, and all is right with the world.

It seems to stay ‘primed’ if I shut it down and start it again after only a few hours.  However, if I start the engine up after a couple of days of not running the engine, I then have the same symptoms and cure it with the same solution.  

Thoughts? Ideas? THANKS!

Rick Grimes

S/V Rascal

Amel SM2K (#404)

 
Amel Santorin 108 Vagabundo repaint mast and new rig

antonio scipioni
 

Hi owners,
I am very happy to find this group. I am owner of a Santorin since September and now after sailing from france to italy I'm preparing to put on land the masts, repaint it and replace the ACMO rig.
Some advice to prepare the mast ?
What do you advice me regarding the engine electic cable ?
Someone repaint the mast ? which kind of paint use ?
Thank
Antonio
SN n°108 VAGABUNDO 


Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Rocna 40 kg anchor on SM with dual bow rollers

Rink De Haan
 

I have used the rocna 33 for a couple of years in the Mediterranean. I was not very satisfied because in a few occasions with very strong gusts and winds we dragged. This year I replaced it with a rocna 40. Satisfied so far. Both anchors fit but the 40 fits thight on our SM2k. I kept the 33 with a chain fixed to it so I can use it as a tandem anchor in heavy conditions. See Rocna documentation on how to deploy that. 

Cheers
Rink de Haan
Amel SM2k #330 Razor's Edge
Microwave dimensions

sailormon <kimberlite@...>
 

Hi,

I need to replace my microwave. Would someone measure the outside dimensions of their microwave in mm.

My hull number is 376.

Thanks

Happy new year

Eric

Kimberlite Amel Super Maramu #376

 
Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Re: Yanmar Engine issue

sailormon <kimberlite@...>
 

Hi Rick,

In addition to all of the mentioned items, you might try reversing the plate that covers the raw water impeller.

Sometimes it gets warped. I had the same problem at different times and have found a bad plate, an O ring that needed to be replaced, and the replacement of the raw water pump due to wear of the pump body.

 

To prevent melting the muffler again , I would suggest buying a Borel Mfg. exhaust hose temperature alarm.

It is a very simple install and costs about $90- US. I posted a photo of my melted muffler years ago.

Fair Winds

Eric

Kimberlite Amel Super Maramu #376

 

 

From: amelyachtowners@... [mailto:amelyachtowners@...] On Behalf Of amelliahona
Sent: Saturday, January 02, 2016 1:17 PM
To: amelyachtowners@...
Subject: [Amel Yacht Owners] Re: Yanmar Engine issue

 

 

Hi Rick:

 

This is curious but the system has basically a suction side (thru hull  --> sea chest (including the manifold for the toilets/AC etc --> transmission intercooler --> suction side of the Yanmar engine driven sea water pump including the pump cover), and the pressure side (i.e. output side) as you know  goes from the pump to the engine oil cooler --> to the engine coolant heat exchanger --> to the turbo exhaust elbow --> etc. 

 

The output of the pump is dependent on there being both not too much suction required, and not too much head of pressure to pump against.  In this case I would guess that you have an air leak on the suction side in combination with some sort of (perhaps relative) obstruction on the suction side. Or, less likely in my opinion, there might be an obstruction on the outflow side (most commonly due to impeller pieces at the inlet of the engine oil intercooler).   Once the pressure is reduced on the output side by removing the hose, water can literally "flow" and the suction leak is relieved as not as much suction is required.

 

My trouble shooting usually follows the path of least resistance, and here is how I perceive that:

 

1.  Are you absolutely certain that the O ring is in the groove for the cover of the sea water pump (i.e. the O ring that seals the pump cover to the pump housing)?

2.  While you are checking that, visually confirm the impeller blades are in good shape.  You might even motor the engine thru a few cranks with the cover off the pump (sea chest closed) and verify the impeller is turning.  I had one once that delaminated the rubber from the metallic hub and while the hub turned the impeller was turning at a different rate.

2.  Have you inspected the transmission intercooler to see if it is clogged creating a suction side negative pressure that may be resulting entrainment air leak at any of the joints between the sea chest and the sea water pump inlet.

3.  Have you tried shutting off the manifold to the toilets, AC etc to see if perhaps the air entrainment is coming from there. 

4.  Are you sure there isn't partial blockage of the thru hull, resulting in greater negative pressure on the suction side.

5.  Have you verified that the inlet to the engine oil intercooler (tucked between the turbo and engine block) is clear (this is harder to get at so that is why I have listed it last.)

6.  How many hours on the engine/sea water pump, I suppose if it is a high time engine there could be a water pump shaft seal leak allowing air entrainment.  If all else fails swap out the sea water pump with your new spare one.

 

Just some ideas,  let us know what you eventually find. 

 

Sincerely, 

 

Gary S. Silver

s/v Liahona    Amel SM 2000   On the hard for two more weeks Puerto Del Rey, Puerto Rico

Hull # 335 
[Amel Yacht Owners] Recommendtions for replacement fridge for a Santorin

Yvon PUILL <yvon@...>
 



Envoyé de mon iPad

Début du message transféré :

Expéditeur: Yvon Puill <ypuill@...>
Date: 2 janvier 2016 19:19:51 UTC+1
Destinataire: amelyachtowners@...
Objet: Rép : [Amel Yacht Owners] Recommendtions for replacement fridge for a Santorin

Hello Ric, 

Do you have photos of your fridges? Specialy the Engels... 

I'm planning to change my fridge this winter...

Happy new year to all!

Yvon PUILL 
Santorin "Santenig"

Envoyé de mon iPad

Le 2 janv. 2016 à 16:22, Ric Gottschalk ric@... [amelyachtowners] <amelyachtowners@...> a écrit :

 

I used vitrifrigo DW180. It is a 2 drawer ac/dc unit that has a freezer top & frig below. Stainless steel finish. I like the big freezer. Easy installation. I also have Engel mt30 and mt60. The engel 60 I use in the cockpit for drinks only for crew. Easy to set on seat to access engine

Ric Gottschalk
Kitchen Magic Refacers, Inc
Office 410-923-5800
Fax 410-923-5802

On Jan 2, 2016, at 4:13 AM, joemac4sail@... [amelyachtowners] <amelyachtowners@...> wrote:

 

Hi All 

            Can anyone recommend a replacement fridge (one that requires the minimum amount of surgery to fit) for the original Electrolux fitted to the Santorin's. After 23 years of service ours has finally said enough. 

Regards and Happy New Year to you all

                                                             Joe McDonnell  
Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Re: Intermittent bow thruster - Maramu

sailormon <kimberlite@...>
 

Graham,

I believe I posted a exploded diagram of the bow thruster mechanism if not it was posted by Bill on BeBe.

There is really nothing to fix inside the thruster.

Basically if the motor turns, unless there is a broken gear inside, the thruster will work.

The electrical connections and the electric jack are another issue.

 

 

My suggestion is to take the boat out of the marina to open water and try making loop de loops in reverse with the bow thruster, it is very easy.

Fair Winds

Eric

Kimberlite Amel Super Maramu #376

 

 

From: amelyachtowners@... [mailto:amelyachtowners@...]
Sent: Saturday, January 02, 2016 11:02 AM
To: amelyachtowners@...
Subject: Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Re: Intermittent bow thruster - Maramu

 

 

Dear Joel,

Many thanks for your thoughts.  As a retired airline pilot and aviation medicine specialist physician, I'm acutely aware that I may have had brain failure so I certainly don't feel scolded!  In particular, owing to my current inexperience with the boat, the limited space in the marina where I'm berthed and the unnerving proximity of various million dollar yachts, my mental capacity was dramatically reduced by this event and I cannot now be absolutely sure that the bow thruster motor was turning when I diagnosed the failure.  Plainly, if the motor was not turning, then there is a completely different set of possibilities, including the possibility that I'd inadvertently switched it off.  The marina where I'm berthed has virtually no current and is very sheltered so that there is almost no wind so I doubt that they are factors. 

I did have some manoeuvring practice with the previous owner although it was not extensive and all the sternward manoeuvring was accomplished with the aid of the bow thruster.  I agree with you that it makes sense to try to use the standard handling techniques employing prop kick and prop wash rather than resorting to the bow thruster in the first instance and I'm trying to acquire the necessary skills.  However, I've been warned by a friend, who is a very experienced SM owner, to expect it to be very difficult to manage when it is making sternway so I'm currently developing a plan for managing my berthing in the event of another bow thruster failure.  I'm also planning to take the boat out tomorrow and to dive to observe the bow thruster functioning. 

Finally, I wonder if there exists an exploded diagram of the bow thruster that would help me to understand its mechanisms and how technical problems might be addressed.  My Maramu is the 1989 model launched in 1988 and is hull number 240.  Maude has been unable to supply more than a very rudimentary owners manual. 

With many thanks and kind regards

Graham

On 31/12/2015 18:58, 'Joel Potter' jfpottercys@... [amelyachtowners] wrote:

 

Graham, as odd as it might sound, Trevor’s suggestion of ‘heat of the moment brain fade’ could be the likely culprit. I have sold hundreds of used Amel’s and offer clients a training period of several days to get them up to speed. On more occasions than you would believe, when things get tense the first few times with the new owner on the helm ( after I demonstrate that “THIS IS EASY”), they lower the thruster and then turn off the power switch the first time they reach for the toggle/joy stick. Especially with short timers, panic ensues and the helmsperson goes into save the boat mode and neglects to turn the power on. Just to make an indelible impression, I wait until the helmsperson gulps, loudly , before restoring power.

If this is the case, don’t feel bad. I’ve had many folks much brighter than I, which is just about everybody, do this. Some have even turned the power back on in their panic without realizing they had turned it off! Go easy on yourself.

Were you fortunate to have the seller/other knowledgeable person spend time with you familiarizing you with your-new-to-you Amel? I sure hope so, If not, find an Amel owner close to you and buy them dinner with many adult beverages if they will get you on the path. Lots of little secrets, all of which add to the greatness and enjoyment of these very cleverly conceived and mostly well engineered cruisers.

Some misconceptions that have been inadvertently offered here…

Your bow thruster is an early Amel BISSON/BUFFLE type, more than likely. Lots of evolution since. It is a 12 volt unit, not 24 volts as on the Super Maramu and subsequent Amel models. It is better than nothing certainly but not a game changer/life saver like the much more powerful 24 volt units that followed. The bow thruster on the Amel 54 is a completely different animal, dual props, counter-rotating, very powerful. Your installed bow thruster won’t allow you to dock your Amel Maramu with impunity in 20 plus knots of wind until you practice and really learn the capabilities and limitations and even then... Practice makes perfect and I try to use the bow thruster as little as possible to keep my boat handling skills alive but do not hesitate to employ it before it is needed.

There is no fuse/thermal limiter on the electric motor on any Amel installed bow thruster on a Sharki, Maramu, Mango, Santorin, Super Maramu, or Amel 54 so don’t go looking for that as there is none

Anybody close to Graham in Barbados? I think you will be getting a dinner invite.

I waited to chime in as I make my living selling experienced Amels and I wanted someone else to make the suggestion that Trevor did. I can’t afford to have anyone feel I have scolded them and I sure hope you don’t. You will love and appreciate this owners group.

Have Fun With Your Amel, Joel

Joel F. Potter/Cruising Yacht Specialist LLC

THE EXPERIENCED AMEL GUY

954 462 5869 office

954 812 2485 cell

From: amelyachtowners@... [mailto:amelyachtowners@...]
Sent: Thursday, December 31, 2015 12:24 PM
To: amelyachtowners@...
Subject: Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Re: Intermittent bow thruster - Maramu

Graham,

The motor (15hp) has so much torque it will either throw off weed or light plastic immediately, or break the nylon shear bolts.

This is a really lame suggestion, but as it is all a bit new to you, is it possible you turned off the switch beside the toggle switch in the heat of the moment?

The good news is the more that you practice the easier it will become, you will quickly be able to wander through a marina in 25kts+ of winds stern too, without a thought.

Happy new year.

Trevor

Seafever of Cuan

SM 425 Redline 2004

For Sale

$295k

Mexico

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

 
Re: Yanmar Engine issue

amelliahona <no_reply@...>
 

Hi Rick:

This is curious but the system has basically a suction side (thru hull  --> sea chest (including the manifold for the toilets/AC etc --> transmission intercooler --> suction side of the Yanmar engine driven sea water pump including the pump cover), and the pressure side (i.e. output side) as you know  goes from the pump to the engine oil cooler --> to the engine coolant heat exchanger --> to the turbo exhaust elbow --> etc. 

The output of the pump is dependent on there being both not too much suction required, and not too much head of pressure to pump against.  In this case I would guess that you have an air leak on the suction side in combination with some sort of (perhaps relative) obstruction on the suction side. Or, less likely in my opinion, there might be an obstruction on the outflow side (most commonly due to impeller pieces at the inlet of the engine oil intercooler).   Once the pressure is reduced on the output side by removing the hose, water can literally "flow" and the suction leak is relieved as not as much suction is required.

My trouble shooting usually follows the path of least resistance, and here is how I perceive that:

1.  Are you absolutely certain that the O ring is in the groove for the cover of the sea water pump (i.e. the O ring that seals the pump cover to the pump housing)?
2.  While you are checking that, visually confirm the impeller blades are in good shape.  You might even motor the engine thru a few cranks with the cover off the pump (sea chest closed) and verify the impeller is turning.  I had one once that delaminated the rubber from the metallic hub and while the hub turned the impeller was turning at a different rate.
2.  Have you inspected the transmission intercooler to see if it is clogged creating a suction side negative pressure that may be resulting entrainment air leak at any of the joints between the sea chest and the sea water pump inlet.
3.  Have you tried shutting off the manifold to the toilets, AC etc to see if perhaps the air entrainment is coming from there. 
4.  Are you sure there isn't partial blockage of the thru hull, resulting in greater negative pressure on the suction side.
5.  Have you verified that the inlet to the engine oil intercooler (tucked between the turbo and engine block) is clear (this is harder to get at so that is why I have listed it last.)
6.  How many hours on the engine/sea water pump, I suppose if it is a high time engine there could be a water pump shaft seal leak allowing air entrainment.  If all else fails swap out the sea water pump with your new spare one.

Just some ideas,  let us know what you eventually find. 

Sincerely, 

Gary S. Silver
s/v Liahona    Amel SM 2000   On the hard for two more weeks Puerto Del Rey, Puerto Rico
Hull # 335 
Re: Yanmar Engine issue

seafeverofcuan@...
 

Ric,
     It is  likely to be as Bill suggests. I have had exactly the same problem which drove me mad for eighteen months.
The casing of the Johnson raw water pump in which the impeller is housed was worn by 3mm plus, resulting in the pump cavitating with air on start up.
Once I opened the face plate on the impeller housing the engine ran fine.
I couldn't work out what was wrong until I got a new pump and measured the inside of the housing  with a Vernier and it was plain to see the difference.
I had been in Brazil for a couple of years, in the Amazon and many of the tributaries which is what I believe caused it due to the heavy silt. I  also went through lots of impellers on the Onan and the Yanmar during this time.
New pump and it was fine.

Regards,

Trevor

Seafever SM 425
Ireland 
Re: Yanmar Engine issue

yahoogroups@...
 

Ric,

I suggest that you do two things:

Open the boot on the sea chest side of the transmission oil cooler. This is inline the hose from the sea chest to the Yanmar water pump. Use a wet vac to suck all of the debris out of it.

Next, check the hose clamps at every connection between the sea chest and the water pump. Now would be a good time to replace them all. Do not tighten the hose clamps too tight on the transmission oil cooler body because the metal is soft and you will close the water paths through it.

I believe you have suction side blockage (most likely in the transmission cooler) and because of the suction side blockage you have air entering at a not-so-secure hose connection.

Please let us know if this guess on my part helps you solve your issue.

Bill
BeBe 387
Yanmar Engine issue

rickgrimes1@...
 

Surely there is an easy fix but…this has me stumped:

I have the Yanmar 4JH-3-HTE engine on my SM2000 (#404).  When I start it up cold, no water flows from the impeller to the heat exchanger.  A large air bubble forms in the bottom of the translucent hose that goes from the impeller and, of course, the engine begins to overheat if not shut down.  (Before I detected this problem, we overheated and melted the plastic muffler early into the Salty Dawg venture last month). 

Impeller recently replaced and working fine, water is flowing freely from the sea chest (e.g., when the heads are filled or the air conditioning is turned on), belts are new and snug.  There are no leaks, water or air, that I can detect anywhere along the path from the sea chest to and through the engine. 

But here’s the interesting part:

When I disconnect the hose from the heat exchanger (the hose that goes from the impeller to the heat exchanger), lay it down on the floor of the boat below the level of the impeller, and then start the engine, the water (and bubbles) starts flowing forcefully through the hose into the bilge—after which, with engine still running, I immediately slam the end of the hose back into the heat exchanger and tighten it down, the water continues to flow forcefully as it should (but no bubbles), the engine remains cool, and all is right with the world.

It seems to stay ‘primed’ if I shut it down and start it again after only a few hours.  However, if I start the engine up after a couple of days of not running the engine, I then have the same symptoms and cure it with the same solution.  

Thoughts? Ideas? THANKS!

Rick Grimes

S/V Rascal

Amel SM2K (#404)

 
Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Re: Intermittent bow thruster - Maramu

Germain Jean-Pierre <jgermain@...>
 

Hello Graham,

We are birds of a feather in various ways (pun intended).  Retired Airline pilot/gynaecologist(amateur)!!  :-)

Eleuthera is hull number 007 built in 1989 … doubtful yours is number 240… perhaps more like 024.

As far as steering while going astern, the bugger is almost as bad as a full keel; however, fully manageable if one counts in wind/tide effects and has a brain capable of doing 1,000,000 calculations a second.  Not capable of so many tasks instantly, I have decided to use the Amel formula and to spend some handling time with (non judgemental) friends.

GL and enjoy your boat.



Jean-Pierre Germain,
SY Eleuthera, Amel Super Maramu 007


On 2 Jan 2016, at 17:02, Graham Cresswell grahamjcresswell@... [amelyachtowners] <amelyachtowners@...> wrote:

 

Dear Joel,

Many thanks for your thoughts.  As a retired airline pilot and aviation medicine specialist physician, I'm acutely aware that I may have had brain failure so I certainly don't feel scolded!  In particular, owing to my current inexperience with the boat, the limited space in the marina where I'm berthed and the unnerving proximity of various million dollar yachts, my mental capacity was dramatically reduced by this event and I cannot now be absolutely sure that the bow thruster motor was turning when I diagnosed the failure.  Plainly, if the motor was not turning, then there is a completely different set of possibilities, including the possibility that I'd inadvertently switched it off.  The marina where I'm berthed has virtually no current and is very sheltered so that there is almost no wind so I doubt that they are factors. 

I did have some manoeuvring practice with the previous owner although it was not extensive and all the sternward manoeuvring was accomplished with the aid of the bow thruster.  I agree with you that it makes sense to try to use the standard handling techniques employing prop kick and prop wash rather than resorting to the bow thruster in the first instance and I'm trying to acquire the necessary skills.  However, I've been warned by a friend, who is a very experienced SM owner, to expect it to be very difficult to manage when it is making sternway so I'm currently developing a plan for managing my berthing in the event of another bow thruster failure.  I'm also planning to take the boat out tomorrow and to dive to observe the bow thruster functioning. 

Finally, I wonder if there exists an exploded diagram of the bow thruster that would help me to understand its mechanisms and how technical problems might be addressed.  My Maramu is the 1989 model launched in 1988 and is hull number 240.  Maude has been unable to supply more than a very rudimentary owners manual. 

With many thanks and kind regards

Graham


On 31/12/2015 18:58, 'Joel Potter' jfpottercys@... [amelyachtowners] wrote:
 

Graham, as odd as it might sound, Trevor’s suggestion of ‘heat of the moment brain fade’ could be the likely culprit. I have sold hundreds of used Amel’s and offer clients a training period of several days to get them up to speed. On more occasions than you would believe, when things get tense the first few times with the new owner on the helm ( after I demonstrate that “THIS IS EASY”), they lower the thruster and then turn off the power switch the first time they reach for the toggle/joy stick. Especially with short timers, panic ensues and the helmsperson goes into save the boat mode and neglects to turn the power on. Just to make an indelible impression, I wait until the helmsperson gulps, loudly , before restoring power.

If this is the case, don’t feel bad. I’ve had many folks much brighter than I, which is just about everybody, do this. Some have even turned the power back on in their panic without realizing they had turned it off! Go easy on yourself.

Were you fortunate to have the seller/other knowledgeable person spend time with you familiarizing you with your-new-to-you Amel? I sure hope so, If not, find an Amel owner close to you and buy them dinner with many adult beverages if they will get you on the path. Lots of little secrets, all of which add to the greatness and enjoyment of these very cleverly conceived and mostly well engineered cruisers.

Some misconceptions that have been inadvertently offered here…

Your bow thruster is an early Amel BISSON/BUFFLE type, more than likely. Lots of evolution since. It is a 12 volt unit, not 24 volts as on the Super Maramu and subsequent Amel models. It is better than nothing certainly but not a game changer/life saver like the much more powerful 24 volt units that followed. The bow thruster on the Amel 54 is a completely different animal, dual props, counter-rotating, very powerful. Your installed bow thruster won’t allow you to dock your Amel Maramu with impunity in 20 plus knots of wind until you practice and really learn the capabilities and limitations and even then... Practice makes perfect and I try to use the bow thruster as little as possible to keep my boat handling skills alive but do not hesitate to employ it before it is needed.

There is no fuse/thermal limiter on the electric motor on any Amel installed bow thruster on a Sharki, Maramu, Mango, Santorin, Super Maramu, or Amel 54 so don’t go looking for that as there is none

Anybody close to Graham in Barbados? I think you will be getting a dinner invite.

I waited to chime in as I make my living selling experienced Amels and I wanted someone else to make the suggestion that Trevor did. I can’t afford to have anyone feel I have scolded them and I sure hope you don’t. You will love and appreciate this owners group.

Have Fun With Your Amel, Joel

Joel F. Potter/Cruising Yacht Specialist LLC

THE EXPERIENCED AMEL GUY

954 462 5869 office

954 812 2485 cell

From: amelyachtowners@... [mailto:amelyachtowners@...]
Sent: Thursday, December 31, 2015 12:24 PM
To: amelyachtowners@...
Subject: Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Re: Intermittent bow thruster - Maramu

Graham,

The motor (15hp) has so much torque it will either throw off weed or light plastic immediately, or break the nylon shear bolts.

This is a really lame suggestion, but as it is all a bit new to you, is it possible you turned off the switch beside the toggle switch in the heat of the moment?

The good news is the more that you practice the easier it will become, you will quickly be able to wander through a marina in 25kts+ of winds stern too, without a thought.

Happy new year.

Trevor

Seafever of Cuan

SM 425 Redline 2004

For Sale

$295k

Mexico





Posted by: Graham Cresswell <grahamjcresswell@...>
Reply via web post • Reply to sender • Reply to group • Start a New Topic • Messages in this topic (18)

Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Re: Intermittent bow thruster - Maramu

Graham Cresswell <grahamjcresswell@...>
 

Dear Joel,

Many thanks for your thoughts.  As a retired airline pilot and aviation medicine specialist physician, I'm acutely aware that I may have had brain failure so I certainly don't feel scolded!  In particular, owing to my current inexperience with the boat, the limited space in the marina where I'm berthed and the unnerving proximity of various million dollar yachts, my mental capacity was dramatically reduced by this event and I cannot now be absolutely sure that the bow thruster motor was turning when I diagnosed the failure.  Plainly, if the motor was not turning, then there is a completely different set of possibilities, including the possibility that I'd inadvertently switched it off.  The marina where I'm berthed has virtually no current and is very sheltered so that there is almost no wind so I doubt that they are factors. 

I did have some manoeuvring practice with the previous owner although it was not extensive and all the sternward manoeuvring was accomplished with the aid of the bow thruster.  I agree with you that it makes sense to try to use the standard handling techniques employing prop kick and prop wash rather than resorting to the bow thruster in the first instance and I'm trying to acquire the necessary skills.  However, I've been warned by a friend, who is a very experienced SM owner, to expect it to be very difficult to manage when it is making sternway so I'm currently developing a plan for managing my berthing in the event of another bow thruster failure.  I'm also planning to take the boat out tomorrow and to dive to observe the bow thruster functioning. 

Finally, I wonder if there exists an exploded diagram of the bow thruster that would help me to understand its mechanisms and how technical problems might be addressed.  My Maramu is the 1989 model launched in 1988 and is hull number 240.  Maude has been unable to supply more than a very rudimentary owners manual. 

With many thanks and kind regards

Graham


On 31/12/2015 18:58, 'Joel Potter' jfpottercys@... [amelyachtowners] wrote:
 

Graham, as odd as it might sound, Trevor’s suggestion of ‘heat of the moment brain fade’ could be the likely culprit. I have sold hundreds of used Amel’s and offer clients a training period of several days to get them up to speed. On more occasions than you would believe, when things get tense the first few times with the new owner on the helm ( after I demonstrate that “THIS IS EASY”), they lower the thruster and then turn off the power switch the first time they reach for the toggle/joy stick. Especially with short timers, panic ensues and the helmsperson goes into save the boat mode and neglects to turn the power on. Just to make an indelible impression, I wait until the helmsperson gulps, loudly , before restoring power.

If this is the case, don’t feel bad. I’ve had many folks much brighter than I, which is just about everybody, do this. Some have even turned the power back on in their panic without realizing they had turned it off! Go easy on yourself.

Were you fortunate to have the seller/other knowledgeable person spend time with you familiarizing you with your-new-to-you Amel? I sure hope so, If not, find an Amel owner close to you and buy them dinner with many adult beverages if they will get you on the path. Lots of little secrets, all of which add to the greatness and enjoyment of these very cleverly conceived and mostly well engineered cruisers.

Some misconceptions that have been inadvertently offered here…

Your bow thruster is an early Amel BISSON/BUFFLE type, more than likely. Lots of evolution since. It is a 12 volt unit, not 24 volts as on the Super Maramu and subsequent Amel models. It is better than nothing certainly but not a game changer/life saver like the much more powerful 24 volt units that followed. The bow thruster on the Amel 54 is a completely different animal, dual props, counter-rotating, very powerful. Your installed bow thruster won’t allow you to dock your Amel Maramu with impunity in 20 plus knots of wind until you practice and really learn the capabilities and limitations and even then... Practice makes perfect and I try to use the bow thruster as little as possible to keep my boat handling skills alive but do not hesitate to employ it before it is needed.

There is no fuse/thermal limiter on the electric motor on any Amel installed bow thruster on a Sharki, Maramu, Mango, Santorin, Super Maramu, or Amel 54 so don’t go looking for that as there is none

Anybody close to Graham in Barbados? I think you will be getting a dinner invite.

I waited to chime in as I make my living selling experienced Amels and I wanted someone else to make the suggestion that Trevor did. I can’t afford to have anyone feel I have scolded them and I sure hope you don’t. You will love and appreciate this owners group.

Have Fun With Your Amel, Joel

Joel F. Potter/Cruising Yacht Specialist LLC

THE EXPERIENCED AMEL GUY

954 462 5869 office

954 812 2485 cell

From: amelyachtowners@... [mailto:amelyachtowners@...]
Sent: Thursday, December 31, 2015 12:24 PM
To: amelyachtowners@...
Subject: Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Re: Intermittent bow thruster - Maramu

Graham,

The motor (15hp) has so much torque it will either throw off weed or light plastic immediately, or break the nylon shear bolts.

This is a really lame suggestion, but as it is all a bit new to you, is it possible you turned off the switch beside the toggle switch in the heat of the moment?

The good news is the more that you practice the easier it will become, you will quickly be able to wander through a marina in 25kts+ of winds stern too, without a thought.

Happy new year.

Trevor

Seafever of Cuan

SM 425 Redline 2004

For Sale

$295k

Mexico
Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Recommendtions for replacement fridge for a Santorin

Ric Gottschalk <ric@...>
 

I used vitrifrigo DW180. It is a 2 drawer ac/dc unit that has a freezer top & frig below. Stainless steel finish. I like the big freezer. Easy installation. I also have Engel mt30 and mt60. The engel 60 I use in the cockpit for drinks only for crew. Easy to set on seat to access engine

Ric Gottschalk
Kitchen Magic Refacers, Inc
Office 410-923-5800
Fax 410-923-5802

On Jan 2, 2016, at 4:13 AM, joemac4sail@... [amelyachtowners] <amelyachtowners@...> wrote:

 

Hi All 

            Can anyone recommend a replacement fridge (one that requires the minimum amount of surgery to fit) for the original Electrolux fitted to the Santorin's. After 23 years of service ours has finally said enough. 

Regards and Happy New Year to you all

                                                             Joe McDonnell  
Re: Recommendtions for replacement fridge for a Santorin

Ian Park <oceanhobo@...>
 

I replaced mine with a 140 litre Waeco. Fits ok and I also installed a computer fan above the condenser on the wooden facia at the back of the work surface. Helps on a hot day.
Ian

Ocean Hobo. SN96

Sent from my iPod
Re: Santorin: Why no starter battery?

Ian Park
 

My Santorin has a separate starter battery plus four house batteries. My Amel factory plans for the boat show one starter and two house batteries. Perhaps a previous owner decided to use all the batteries as house batteries given that the Santorin has a prop shaft alternator and also came with a Honda EX350 2 stroke generator as an emergency back up charger, albeit only 6 amps.

Ian

Ocean Hobo SN96
Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Re: Santorin: Why no starter battery?

Bill & Judy Rouse <yahoogroups@...>
 

Bob,

Bob, KAIMI S&M :-) 429 wrote: "("BeBe Bill" pressured me into posting this)"

I never realized I had such an influence on you. However, come polish my boat as soon as possible! ;)  ;)  :>)


Bill
BeBe 387

On Sat, Jan 2, 2016 at 10:47 AM, rossidesigngroup@... [amelyachtowners] <amelyachtowners@...> wrote:
 

My 1993 Santorin #86 had a single dedicated 12V 31 series battery for starting in its own Amel factory battery box near the back of the engine. Was charged by the engine alternator along with house 31s using a battery isolator. When I bought her in 2003 ABYC standards required a manual shut off switch to the starter battery (house already had the Amel lever). This was to prevent a fire in the case of a stuck starter. A 250 amp fuse was also required for the house batteries, never needed replacement despite the judicious use of the bow thruster.

Bob, KAIMI S&M :-) 429 ("BeBe Bill" pressured me into posting this)
Re: Santorin: Why no starter battery?

rossirossix4
 

My 1993 Santorin #86 had a single dedicated 12V 31 series battery for starting in its own Amel factory battery box near the back of the engine. Was charged by the engine alternator along with house 31s using a battery isolator. When I bought her in 2003 ABYC standards required a manual shut off switch to the starter battery (house already had the Amel lever). This was to prevent a fire in the case of a stuck starter. A 250 amp fuse was also required for the house batteries, never needed replacement despite the judicious use of the bow thruster.

Bob, KAIMI S&M :-) 429 ("BeBe Bill" pressured me into posting this)
Re: Recommendtions for replacement fridge for a Santorin

rossirossix4
 

In 2010 I replaced my 1993 Santorin #86 with the Isotherm Cruise 130 Classic with ASU. It fit perfectly with no modifications although I elected not to reinstall the old wooden door. I especially liked the ASU which simply runs the unit at full tilt if it senses an alternator, generator or solar panel is charging...adjustable if you are plugged in at a dock. It consumed less energy than the old one. From my actual order history. http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|2276179|2276204|2276226|2276234&id=922241. (Defender product number 402159) There was also room to attach some kind of super foam board I got to Home Depot to 3 sides and top using 2 sided tape Eric M has the boat now....he might update.
Bob, KAIMI SM429
Recommendtions for replacement fridge for a Santorin

joseph mc donnell
 

Hi All 

            Can anyone recommend a replacement fridge (one that requires the minimum amount of surgery to fit) for the original Electrolux fitted to the Santorin's. After 23 years of service ours has finally said enough. 

Regards and Happy New Year to you all

                                                             Joe McDonnell  
38781 - 38800 of 63319