On 12 March 2019 at 07:58 Mark Erdos <mcerdos@...> wrote:

Danny,

 

The opposite is true on Cream Puff. There is a French sticker by the throttle that says to put the gear in forward when sailing and leave it there. We do not have a shaft break or alternator. We also start the engine (when the boat is moving forward) with it in gear per the sign. This seemed odd to me but Miles from Lady Bug has the same sticker and speaks fluent French.

 

We are fitted with an AutoProp and for some reason this makes a difference (and of cause the engine on Amel faces the wrong way – not sure if this also effects it). We are unable to stop the rotation of the shaft in reverse. It will still slowly turn. We hear the reassuring clunk in forward and the shaft will not move. I really do not know all the mechanics involved but just follow the sign.

 

This all obviously varies by vessel, engine, prop etc.

 

 

With best regards,

 

Mark

 

Skipper

Sailing Vessel - Cream Puff

www.creampuff.us

 

From: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io [mailto:main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io] On Behalf Of Danny and Yvonne SIMMS
Sent: Monday, March 11, 2019 2:39 PM
To: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io
Subject: Re: [AmelYachtOwners] Sharki shaft alternator

 

Hi.

The reason being that it locks in reverse but in forward the clutch plates are lightly engaged and the propeller turns slowly causing wear to the plates. Try it with the engine cover up when sailing with the shift in neutral and the prop will be spinning. Engage forward and it will slow, engage reverse and there is a satisfying clunk and it stops.

However mine for some reason not known sometimes stops in reverse, sometimes in forward so I always check for that satisfying clunk.

Regards

Danny

SM 299

Ocean Pearl

On 12 March 2019 at 07:18 Ian <parkianj@...> wrote:


Miles
The Santorin has a Hurth gearbox. The instruction by the gear shift says not to put into forward gear whilst sailing. Must be a reason.

Ian

 

On 12 March 2019 at 07:18 Ian <parkianj@...> wrote:


Miles
The Santorin has a Hurth gearbox. The instruction by the gear shift says not to put into forward gear whilst sailing. Must be a reason.

Ian

On 12 March 2019 at 07:18 Ian <parkianj@...> wrote:


Miles
The Santorin has a Hurth gearbox. The instruction by the gear shift says not to put into forward gear whilst sailing. Must be a reason.

Ian

On Mar 10, 2019, at 11:12 PM, Gregory Shea <gmshea@...> wrote:

James,
I have a 20 kg Spade on my Sharki. Works great in sand, useless in (Med) weed. I am taking a 25 kg Mantus with me next month. I hope it can get through the weed because that would really open up Med anchorages. I used the template on the Mantus website to size it on the roller. It's a bit hokey but better than nothing.
Will report back but that may be too late for you.

Greg Shea
Sharki 133 Cap des iles
In eastern Greece for 2019

---

From: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io <main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io> on behalf of James Alton via Groups.Io <lokiyawl2@...>
Sent: Sunday, March 10, 2019 5:11:13 PM
To: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io
Subject: Re: [AmelYachtOwners] Maramu anchor and chain suggestions

 

Michael,

  Thanks for sharing your experience with the Rocna and for the insight on the Chrome Duplex, I had never heard of it until your post.  From the research I have done to date it appears that the Rocna would be a big step up in holding from my original Buegel anchor and it is well proven.   The Mantus is an anchor of interest to me as well, mostly because it seems to be unusually reliable in resetting.   It can of course be hard to separate the hype from fact so I am still pondering…   I am concerned a bit about how light the shank is on the Mantus. 

  I am really hoping to hear from another Maramu owner that has used the Mantus to know for sure if it would even fit my boat before I make my final decision but I understand that this anchor has not been around all that long so maybe no one has tried it yet.  The side profile and angle of the plough portion of the anchor is very similar to the Rocna which looks encouraging.  The shank is longer in the sizes I am looking at but I think that there should be enough deck space.   I have seen the Mantus on a few Super Maramus and they appear to fit pretty well.  If anyone with a Super Maramu would like to comment on what they think of this anchor on their Amel I would sure appreciate the input.

Best,

James

SV Sueno

Maramu #220

On Mar 10, 2019, at 11:31 AM, amel@... wrote:

Hi James,

in my experience the Rocna has excellent holding power. I weathered the Medicane in Greece last October with this Anchor (45+ kn winds for several hours) and also used it on a couple of occasion with similar wind speeds.
It sets quite fast within 1-2 m of the drop point. It has some problems on weed, but so has nearly every other anchor.

Yes, I suggested that a stainless steel chain has a much better tendency to stow itself because it is more "slick". But as you pointed out, stainles steel is not stainless steel. While in cold waters like Northern Europe you may do ok with AISI 316 (1.4401) quality for a while (1.4571 would be better if you anchor often), in the Med and in tropical regions the only material you can use for any prolonged perios without corrosion problems is 1.4462 Chrome Duplex.
Unfortunately it has a price tag 4 times the one of galvanized steel - which did keep me away from it so far ;)

Hi Olivier 

Thanks for the information 

Will give it a try with this good Caribbean wind 

Tom Deasy 

S/Y Aphrodite 

Maramu # 125

On Mar 10, 2019, at 8:36 PM, Warren Traill <trailz@...> wrote:

Interesting information Olivier. I have another question. My propeller is fixed. And I have no shaft a;ternator.

When I am sailing the shaft continues to rotate.

Is it good practise to engage reverse to stop the shaft rotating if I wish. Or is there some potential for damage?

Thanks,

Warren

Manon2

Sharki #15

 

From: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io [mailto:main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io] On Behalf Of Beaute Olivier via Groups.Io
Sent: Sunday, 10 March 2019 10:51 PM
To: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io
Subject: Re: [AmelYachtOwners] Sharki shaft alternator

 

Hello Tom,

 

the prop shaft alternator can work with a MAXPROP. It is a bit tricky, but you should try this:

-while sailing (above 4 knots), start the engine and engage reverse idling

-while your engine is reversing, turn ON the key switch of your alternator

-then set the engine to neutral and stop it

Your MAXPROP should keep the reverse position unless:

a) your batteries are charged enough and the alternator will not oppose much power to the prop, therefore the prop will spin faster and will finally open and the shaft will stop

b) your boat speed is high (while surfing) and the prop will spin faster and will open

 

Good luck.

 

Olivier

 

 

On Friday, March 8, 2019, 7:24:20 PM GMT+1, amel46met <onboardaphrodite@...> wrote:

 

 

Hello 

Does anyone in the group use a Max Prop with the shaft alternator I have read that it does work any tricks?

Tom Deasy 

Maramu 125

On Mar 8, 2019, at 8:10 AM, marklesparkle59 <marklesparkle59@...> wrote:

Thanks Ian. I am struggling to get to grips with the electrical system. The engine/starboard alternator is charging but not sure about the domestic/port alternator and I dont really understand the data my shiney new clamp meter is giving me. I need to read a book I think.

Mark

 

 

 

Sent from my Samsung device

-------- Original message --------
From: Ian <parkianj@...>
Date: 08/03/2019 11:52 (GMT+00:00)
To: main@amelyachtowners.groups.io
Subject: Re: [AmelYachtOwners] Sharki shaft alternator

Mark
On my Santorin you have to put the key in and switch on (next to your ameter). The green light comes on. It sends a current to the alternator to excite it and start it charging. You should turn off when finished using it and put your gear lever in reverse to stop the alternator charging before switching on the engine.
I believe the diodes in each of the engine and alternator should prevent any ‘issues’, but that is the prescribed Amel method.
My knowledge of electrics is limited - someone with a better understanding may chip in here.
The Santorin prop shaft pulley is quite a bit bigger too, so will turn the alternator faster. There is a significant drop in prop shaft speed as soon as you turn the alternator on.

Ian

Interesting information Olivier. I have another question. My propeller is fixed. And I have no shaft a;ternator.

When I am sailing the shaft continues to rotate.

Is it good practise to engage reverse to stop the shaft rotating if I wish. Or is there some potential for damage?

Thanks,

Warren

Manon2

Sharki #15

 

From: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io [mailto:main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io] On Behalf Of Beaute Olivier via Groups.Io
Sent: Sunday, 10 March 2019 10:51 PM
To: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io
Subject: Re: [AmelYachtOwners] Sharki shaft alternator

 

Hello Tom,

 

the prop shaft alternator can work with a MAXPROP. It is a bit tricky, but you should try this:

-while sailing (above 4 knots), start the engine and engage reverse idling

-while your engine is reversing, turn ON the key switch of your alternator

-then set the engine to neutral and stop it

Your MAXPROP should keep the reverse position unless:

a) your batteries are charged enough and the alternator will not oppose much power to the prop, therefore the prop will spin faster and will finally open and the shaft will stop

b) your boat speed is high (while surfing) and the prop will spin faster and will open

 

Good luck.

 

Olivier

 

 

On Friday, March 8, 2019, 7:24:20 PM GMT+1, amel46met <onboardaphrodite@...> wrote:

 

 

Hello 

Does anyone in the group use a Max Prop with the shaft alternator I have read that it does work any tricks?

Tom Deasy 

Maramu 125

On Mar 8, 2019, at 8:10 AM, marklesparkle59 <marklesparkle59@...> wrote:

Thanks Ian. I am struggling to get to grips with the electrical system. The engine/starboard alternator is charging but not sure about the domestic/port alternator and I dont really understand the data my shiney new clamp meter is giving me. I need to read a book I think.

Mark

 

 

 

Sent from my Samsung device

-------- Original message --------
From: Ian <parkianj@...>
Date: 08/03/2019 11:52 (GMT+00:00)
To: main@amelyachtowners.groups.io
Subject: Re: [AmelYachtOwners] Sharki shaft alternator

Mark
On my Santorin you have to put the key in and switch on (next to your ameter). The green light comes on. It sends a current to the alternator to excite it and start it charging. You should turn off when finished using it and put your gear lever in reverse to stop the alternator charging before switching on the engine.
I believe the diodes in each of the engine and alternator should prevent any ‘issues’, but that is the prescribed Amel method.
My knowledge of electrics is limited - someone with a better understanding may chip in here.
The Santorin prop shaft pulley is quite a bit bigger too, so will turn the alternator faster. There is a significant drop in prop shaft speed as soon as you turn the alternator on.

Ian

On Mar 10, 2019, at 7:09 PM, Gary Wells <gary@...> wrote:

I can only report on Marina Gammarth. 
I was there in Sept., 2018 for a few days.
The marina facilities are nice, but the complex is basically deserted. While there are many shop-front spaces available, they are all empty save one small service shop and an ATM.  No provisions available and a cab ride is required to go shopping.
.
I also had an extremely distasteful experience with the Customs officers there. The Immigration office was fine, but Customs officer came aboard and systematically began emptying drawers and cupboards onto the bed and setees. They questioned the sources and purposes of my wife's jewelery, our U.S. emergency money and our prescriptions. Each item was ceremoniously inspected (some were phone-photographed) 
It got bad, so I finally asked "What do I need to do?" and I received "Well, perhaps a gift." as a reply.

I was under the impression that Government officials had stopped playing that game but it is apparently not so in Gammarth. 
I was very disappointed and cannot recommend the marina for that reason alone.

Gary W. 
SM 209, Adagio
BVI/USVI

Joel,

 

You can call me dense, but I still do not understand if the dark brown gel-coat was added to the mold as a first step or done after the deck was removed from the mold as a last step?

 

Cindy says, hi.

 

 

With best regards,

 

Mark

 

Skipper

Sailing Vessel - Cream Puff - SM2K - #275

Currently cruising - Santa Marta, Colombia

www.creampuff.us

 

From: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io [mailto:main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io] On Behalf Of amelforme
Sent: Sunday, March 10, 2019 3:00 PM
To: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io
Subject: Re: [AmelYachtOwners] Faux Teak and Deck Paint

 

Hi Mark and Cindy. I saw this process in action many times over the years. The “grooves” between the faux teak planks are recessed on the finished deck. On the mold they are quite proud of the planking. The dark brown of the “ grooves “ are the first thing to be done well before the brown of the deck is applied over. This dark  brown gel coat, I was told, had a wax component that surfaced and supplied a barrier against the atmosphere for proper curing. The brown gel coat of the decking was applied on top of the grooves/very dark brown gel coat.

 

I might add that the gals doing this process were very skilled and experienced at this process. They also had incredible focus and would not respond to conversation while doing this.

 

Having restored the plank separating gel coat with gel coat by brush and also the paint method by the striping tool, you will achieve better cosmetic results with the striping tool, especially the first few times you do it until you acquire some skills.

 

Hope this is helpful.

 

All The Best, Joel   

 

          JOEL F. POTTER-CRUISING YACHT SPECIALIST~L.L.C.

                                           THE  EXPERIENCED AMEL GUY

UNSURPASSED AMEL MARKETING EXPERIENCE AND PRODUCT KNOWLEDGE

                                   Office 954-462-5869  Cell 954-812-2485

 

 

From: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io <main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io> On Behalf Of Mark Erdos
Sent: Sunday, March 10, 2019 11:56 AM
To: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io
Subject: Re: [AmelYachtOwners] Faux Teak and Deck Paint

 

James,

 

I feel very enlighten. Thank you. However, a question still nags me. If the deck stripes were applied by the French ladies of Amel, did they do it in the mold so the underside of the deck stripes were exposed to air, or did they paint the stripes once the decks were removed from the mold? If it is the latter, then the products and technique used by Amel seems like it would be the option to go with.

 

 

With best regards,

 

Mark

 

Skipper

Sailing Vessel - Cream Puff - SM2K - #275

Currently cruising - Santa Marta, Colombia

www.creampuff.us

 

From: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io [mailto:main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io] On Behalf Of James Alton via Groups.Io
Sent: Sunday, March 10, 2019 12:16 PM
To: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io
Subject: Re: [AmelYachtOwners] Faux Teak and Deck Paint

 

Mark,

 

   That is not a stupid question, in fact it is a great one!  It is certainly possible to recoat gelcoat with new gelcoat.  In general however it is important to understand that the gelcoat used for boatbuilding are “air inhibited cure”.  This means that the exposure to air prevents a full cure so the surface remains soft and tacky.  This is a benefit when boatbuilding since this increases the bond between the gel coat and the layers of fibreglass being added.  The gelcoat against the mold itself cures nice and hard since air is excluded. So there are additives that can be used with regular gelcoat or coatings that can applied allow the gelcoat to fully cure.  One is simply a wax additive which floats to the surface and helps exclude the air, another option is to spray the fresh gelcoat with PVA which is poly vinyl acetate, it just forms a film over the gelcoat to exclude the air. You can just wash the PVA off with water later after the gel coat is fully cured. There are also some specialty additives that you can purchase from major suppliers of polyester resins, some of which work well when patching gelcoat.  So you want to use one of these options to help your gelcoat cure properly on the surface if you are using regular boat building type gel coat.  There are also non air inhibited gel coats and I have used one called Simtec Prestec which can be tinted to any colour.  The material cures hard as glass without any additives but for some reason the UV resistance is inferior. I have never looked into the reason but there could be other non air inhibited gel coats that have better UV resistance.  New gelcoat will bond pretty well to old gel coat if you really roughen up the surface and do not have any contaminants on the surface.  60-80 grit would not be too coarse.  I am absolutely sure that if done correctly that gel coat will outlast any one part paint and possibly even the two part paints.  Unfortunately gel coat is not too easy to brush on.   So you have to apply it smoothly since It does not self level like paints do..  Adding some styrene thinner can help with brushing some but mostly you need to apply it as smooth as possible via your technique.  The good thing with the gel coat is that if you have thick or uneven spots you can come back and sand and polish out those areas but what a lot of work that would be if you had a lot of them!  So yes, this is actually an excellent idea IMO.

 

Best,

 

James

SV Sueno

Maramu #220

 

On Mar 10, 2019, at 10:50 AM, Mark Erdos <mcerdos@...> wrote:

 

I feel the need to ask a stupid question.

 

If the original deck striping was done with tinted gel-coat and brushed by hand, then why does nobody use this option to recondition the deck stripes. After all, the gel-coat applied by the French ladies of Amel lasted a very long time. Having never really done much work with gel-coat other than the occasional patch, I don’t really understand why this would be a non-option. If someone could enlighten me, that would be appreciated. 

 

 

With best regards,

 

Mark

 

Skipper

Sailing Vessel - Cream Puff - SM2K - #275

Currently cruising - Santa Marta, Colombia

www.creampuff.us