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Anchor chain galvanizing
Bill Kinney
The last time we had old and tired chain I looked around for a place that could galvanize at a reasonable price. For what ever reason, I could not find anybody, so we bought new chain.
We did get an excellent price on that chain, but as we learned later, it was electrogalvanized, not hot dipped. Electrogalvanizing leaves a VERY thin, although smooth and pretty, layer of zinc on the surface of the chain. it is generally NOT recommended for applications in "severely corrosive" applications. Soaking carbon steel in salt water certainly has to rate as a "severely corrosive" application. Now, a bit less than 3 years later, our chain has lost much of its protective zinc layer and is starting to rust. This time I did manage to find a place reasonably local to where we are who quoted about $300 for 300 feet of chain and our anchor. This was Baltimore Galvanizing. Since we were in Annapolis at the time, this was a reasonable distance to manage. The price was attractive since the best price we could find for 300 feet of 3/8 inch (10 mm) G4 grade chain was about $1500 delivered. We disassembled our Mantus 105 lb anchor, and loaded the three pieces along with the chain on a scrap pallet we scrounged up from the engine dealer at the boat yard. We were fortunate that a visiting friend showed up with a pickup truck to help with the delivery to the plant. A week later, the work was completed. For the anchor, we just ordered new, galvanized structural bolts to replace the originals. The originals from Mantus were standard Grade 5 galvanized bolts. The structural bolts we used were also hot dip galvanized, and the A325 grade has identical strength rating as the Grade 5 originals. The difference is that the structural bolts have an unthreaded shoulder which makes them stronger in shear loading. The chain itself was, as expected, significantly rougher in texture than before. The zinc coating was thick, and well adhered. There were about a dozen places in the length where a few links had stuck together, but a wack with a hammer fixed these easily as we loaded the chain onto the boat. The rougher texture meant that the chain does not "flow" as easily as it did before, and piles up in a steeper cone in the chain locker. No where near high enough to be an issue in the Super Maramu chain locker, but on an Amel54 it might be a problem. The coating on the anchor was also thicker and rougher than the factory original. Not as pretty, but hopefully longer lasting! Our anchor really wasn't in desperate need of new galvanizing, but since we were paying the shop minimum job price, it was included at no additional cost. Even with the cost of renting a pickup truck to move the chain one way, we spent less than 1/3 the cost of what new chain would have been. Bill Kinney SM160, Harmonie Annapolis, MD, USA
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Re: All that stuff hanging off the stern-- Gel batteries, solar panels and inverter - an experience
There is a lot to be said about good seamanship. All things not secured properly will move in any big sea. This is the reason containers fall off ships. I have also seen containers pushed in by the force of waves.
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
We also have a solar arch along with well over a hundred other Amels. Many of which have sailed thousands of sea miles. The only time the solar arch is used with the dinghy hoisted is in sheltered waters otherwise the dinghy is folded and stowed in the lazerette when sailing offshore. When offshore extra tie downs are passed on the solar arch to ensure it is secured well and to limit movement. I too would not hesitate to cut it free if sea state and weather were likely to compromise the safety of our vessel. We are very happy with the solar arch and the self sufficiency it provides us when cruising. Kind regards Ross and Donna SV Intrepid Kiwi
On Friday, October 22, 2021, 7:42 AM, Bill Kinney <cruisingconsulting@...> wrote:
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Ross Hickey & Donna Hammond SV Intrepid Kiwi SM2K #356 Currently in Turkey
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Re: All that stuff hanging off the stern-- Gel batteries, solar panels and inverter - an experience
Eric Freedman <kimberlite@...>
Hi Bill, I like what Ian Jenkins did with his boat . When I am in the Caribbean this season, I hope to be able to have the A similar dodger made with solar panels.
With respect to fuel independence, we can carry 325 gallons all in tanks.
Fair Winds Eric Kimberlite Amel Super Maramu #376
From: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io On Behalf Of Bill Kinney
Eric,
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Re: Bilge pump gear
Great! I did this about 8 years ago and could not remember the circlip. Thanks for the photos. Bill
On Fri, Oct 22, 2021 at 4:49 AM Nicole e Nilson Noronha <marfimmadri@...> wrote: Thank you very much for your help
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Re: FW: Comparing Amel Super Maramu to the Amel 54 & 55
Alain Durante <info@...>
Bonjour Rod,
I am the owner of a beautiful Amel 54 and she will be for sale soon.* The boat is located in south of France.
Let me know if you might be interested?
Cordialement,
Alain Durante Amel 54 / Meige
De : main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io <main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io>
De la part de David Dickman via groups.io
hi Rod, I am just getting ready to purchase an Amel and would really appreciate seeing the article if possible.
Thanks, David
On Thu, Oct 21, 2021 at 8:02 AM Rod Rance <rjrance@...> wrote:
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Re: Bilge pump gear
Nicole e Nilson Noronha <marfimmadri@...>
Thank you very much for your help
We tried but no success with de mallet. There’s this little “lock” inside that we didn’t know (pictures attached). We asked a mechanic and he helped us. Thank you so much, this group, the amel book and Bill’s help have been a life saver since we bought our first Amel last June. Fair winds Nicole & Nilson SV Marfim Madri Amel 54 #075 Santa Cruz de Tenerife  
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Re: European Fire Extinguishers
Ian Park
I replaced all my extinguishers last year and went for ‘water mist’ extinguishers, including the engine room. They operate by obliterating any space for oxygen. They can be used on cooking fat fires instead of a blanket. Three main criteria were that they don’t leave powder residue, just water, they don’t damage electrics and they are easier to recharge.
I have no evidence from real time situations, but the principles seem sound. Ian. ‘Ocean Hobo’ SN96. UK
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Re: FW: Comparing Amel Super Maramu to the Amel 54 & 55
Scott SV Tengah
I agree that Amel made a big mistake using the Bamar MEJ furlers on the 54. Both our staysail and Genoa furlers failed shortly after we bought the boat. The top seal was poorly designed, dries out and the furlers each had half a liter or more of water in them.
The replacement Bamar EJF are better, although not perfect. The Genoa EJF furler failed a few months after install due to a manufacturing defect (replaced by Bamar under warranty, thankfully) and they inexplicably have aluminum sandwiched right next to stainless, which causes the pretty black paint to bubble right off. Jamie did it right by biting the bullet, opening his wallet wide and replacing his Bamar with Reckmann. That said, our EJF have performed flawlessly since Feb 2019 despite the paint bubbling. Bruno - I am curious what other electrical safety measures Amel introduced with the 55 that do not exist on the earlier boats? Many of us have modified the electrical system on our boats quite a bit to accommodate lithium, so I'd love to hear what else we can do to improve the safety of our systems. I added three fuses, one 450amp for each 12v pair, to the battery bank. It has already saved us once when a marine electrician forgot to turn off the main switches when repairing the bow thruster. We looked at the 55 during our boat buying process and the layout change did not suit OUR needs. We are mostly double handed but sometimes bring friends aboard. And they aren't always couples, so having the bunk beds was really important. And we didn't want the master suite up front. Of course, this is a personal preference. That boat is beautiful, though. -- Scott 2007 A54 #69 SV Tengah http://www.svtengah.com
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Re: Running rigging A54 / SM
mario.rognoni@...
Laurent,
Thank you for sourcing the supplier of the AMEL’s running rigging. I would be interested in replacing the main sheet and the mizzen sheet with cordage of the same quality and in the same colors. As to the rest of the running rigging, it depends on the price. Best regards, Mario Rognoni “Arethuse“ A54 #130
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Re: FW: Comparing Amel Super Maramu to the Amel 54 & 55
Bruno COTTE
Of course the 55 is a little bit more complicated due mainly to the electrical circuit which has more safety elements than on 54 ( relays etc …) it is obviously also more modern as a younger model which also takes into account experience on previous boats . If you are capable to understand and repair electrical potential problems for me the 55 is the best … depending also of the main engine … All engines are good but capability to find spares easily or a good mechanical advise if needed is not easy with some brands … The weakest point of the 55 is the price which is close to the double of a 54… Envoyé de mon iPhone
Le 22 oct. 2021 à 04:42, CW Bill Rouse <brouse@...> a écrit :
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Re: All that stuff hanging off the stern-- Gel batteries, solar panels and inverter - an experience
Bill Kinney
Eric,
I have read your article several times, and it is really a touchstone for me. The conditions you went through are worse than I have ever had to sail in, although I did get pounded pretty hard (for many days) on a trip back across from Hawaii to California. I saw several times the "submarine boat" you described. It was an educational experience. Especially the time I was working to sort out a problem with the furling gear at the bow when the boat disappeared... We had rail mounted solar panels (folded down) that took a hit from waves hard enough to break stanchions. Fortunately just broken metal, not ripped fiberglass. Another lesson learned. I once expressed an opinion that I thought having a dinghy on davits was a hazard offshore. We have seen a boat limping back to harbor with totally twisted and mangled davits when a wave filled the dinghy hanging there. A very popular internet guru responded that he had an Island Packet 38 with REALLY high freeboard and just could not image a wave large enough to poop his dinghy while it was hanging on davits... I was kind of flabbergasted. As if the ocean cares how good your imagination is... We have decided that an intermediate approach fits our risk/benefit equation. A simple arch with only solar panels. No davits, no other attachments. If we ever really expected to be in serious survival conditions offshore, I'd cut the whole thing away without a second thought. Total cost of replacement, about $8K. Peace of mind: Priceless. I don't worry about it at all with wind, it had no issue with winds of 70 knots in Hurricane Dorian. Waves: A totally different story. If we were ever in a situation where waves were large enough to impact the solar panels in any way I KNOW the structure would be compromised. I know and understand that our choice is not the best from all perspectives. But I know that the value of having a solar system that supplies half of our power needs is significant. Not just from a cost perspective but extending our self sufficiency, and off grid fuel independence is really a major addition to our boat's capabilities. Bill Kinney Sm160, Harmonie Annapolis, MD, USA
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Re: All that stuff hanging off the stern-- Gel batteries, solar panels and inverter - an experience
Thanks Eric. I rather suspected that you might have an opinion on the matter. :-). Glad to hear it! I hope that none of us ever have to face those conditions. I’m glad you were in an Amel when you did.
Brent
On Oct 21, 2021, 10:18 PM -0400, Eric Freedman <kimberlite@...>, wrote:
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Brent Cameron Future Amel Owner & Amel Owner Registry Moderator Oro-Medonte, Ontario, Canada
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Re: Mast rebuilds
Bill Kinney
Paul,
We have a 1996 Super Maramu that has completed two circumnavigations and has been actively sailed every year of its life. The mast and all of its fittings are original. There have been repairs to various things, but nothing major. Masts do get unstepped for various reasons, not the least of which is a good detailed inspection--better than can be done by someone hanging in a bosuns chair. I have never seen a Super Maramu that had a serious mast issue, but... Metal parts on a boat in salt water live a tough life. Failures of maintenance are usually followed by failures in equipment. At the simplest level, on any mast I would always make sure that all of the drain holes at the base are open and clear. In many places we have been birds drop seeds while they are perched on the mast. In Florida, it is seeds of various types of palms. Further north we find pits from wild cherries. Some of these are the PERFECT size to clog drainage holes, and sometimes I can not understand how they get to where we find them. They need to be looked for, and removed. Standing water that doesn't drain as it should can most certainly cause a serious problem. Don't forget to look for these little buggers in the boxes located in the forward and aft heads that collect the drainage water coming down the wires. When drainage from these is impaired, the boxes overflow, and bulkheads are water damaged, and that is absolutely something you want to avoid! On any boat I was considering purchasing I would have complete rigging inspection, which included a top to bottom examination of the mast and standing rigging. This is usually done by someone other than the evaluation surveyor. Bill Kinney SM160, Harmonie Annapolis, MD, USA
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Re: FW: Comparing Amel Super Maramu to the Amel 54 & 55
Jamie, I agree completely. The SM is great, the 54 better, and if Amel had used Reckmann, maybe the 54 would be best. Best, CW Bill Rouse Amel Owners Yacht School +1 832-380-4970 | brouse@... 720 Winnie, Galveston Island, Texas 77550 www.AmelOwnersYachtSchool.com Yacht School Calendar: www.preparetocastoff.blogspot.com/p/calendar.html
On Thu, Oct 21, 2021, 5:30 PM Jamie Wendell <mysticshadow54@...> wrote:
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Re: Rudder Stuffing Box Packing Material
Eric Freedman <kimberlite@...>
I use a piece of pvc pipe to seat the rings (I now have 5 rings). It is the same diameter piece of pipe I use to seat the lip seals on the “C” drive. I use a small sledgehammer and lubricant around the edges to seat them. I have had no problem installing all of them. After a while I get a little seepage and I just use my wrench to tighten the nut and all is well again. Fair Winds Eric Kimberlite Amel Super Maramu #376
From: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io On Behalf Of Alan Leslie
Hi Bob,
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Mast rebuilds
Paul Harries
Saw the video below on a HS owner essentially rebuilding his mast! Is this kind of work ever required on an Amel? How many of you have had to unstep masts for work? I am aware of problem at base of 54s but otherwise do spreaders need re attached, mast head tackle replacement etc?
https://youtu.be/46y7Obmzz4Q -- Paul Harries Prospective Amel Buyer
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Re: How much gear oil is needed for the 'C' Drive
Eric Freedman <kimberlite@...>
Hi Ian, That worked for me today. Thanks Eric
From: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io On Behalf Of ianjenkins1946 <ianjudyjenkins@...>
Sent: Wednesday, October 20, 2021 1:08 AM To: main@amelyachtowners.groups.io Subject: Re: [AmelYachtOwners] How much gear oil is needed for the 'C' Drive
Eric ,
9 litres does it for us . Ian
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The cockpit enclosure vs hurricane Gel batteries, solar panels and inverter - an experience
Eric Freedman <kimberlite@...>
It seems wild but the entire cockpit enclosure (we call it the doghouse) held up for about 20 hours. Then the zippers started opening. We sewed the zippers closed with sail thread and rode out the rest of the hurricane.
After that experience I had our sailmaker sew 4 loops made of webbing on the side curtains and the back “window”. If we ever encounter these conditions again, we can tie the sides and back together.
If you have ever had to remove the bimini by sliding the supports through the material, you will confirm it is a project. Our bimini now has zipper pockets at each support. The bimini comes off in minutes. As a word of caution, make sure you lubricate the zippers with zipper lube.
Fair Winds Eric Kimberlite Amel Super Maramu #376
From: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io On Behalf Of Brent Cameron via groups.io
Sent: Thursday, October 21, 2021 7:54 AM To: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io Subject: Re: [AmelYachtOwners] Gel batteries, solar panels and inverter - an experience
I’m curious if anyone has had huge breaking waves across the stern of an Amel that would be high enough to get at the panels on an arch. I’ve been out in some (for me at least) boisterous conditions in the North Atlantic but nothing that even remotely looked like it would come aboard despite following seas higher than the arch and the boat surfing down the steep waves under minimal sails. I’ve seen the bow and the cockpit take breaking waves a few times but never the stern. That said I’m a complete Newb so I certainly don’t look at my extremely limited experience as indicative.
On Oct 21, 2021, 5:22 AM -0400, Scott SV Tengah <Scott.nguyen@...>, wrote:
Future Amel Owner & Amel Owner Registry Moderator Oro-Medonte, Ontario, Canada
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All that stuff hanging off the stern-- Gel batteries, solar panels and inverter - an experience
Eric Freedman <kimberlite@...>
I have waited years to voice my opinion. I have seen many Amels with fabulous solar panel arrays. I really admire them. However, in my experience they pose a HAZARD to the boat.
I think it was 2010 and we were in a hurricane for 36 hours in 60-foot seas in 100 knots of wind. Without fail the boat would be totally submerged by breaking waves to the point that we would have to hold our breath till the water subsided . The first thing I recall seeing were just the masts sticking out of the water with no boat visible. Then the rest of the rest of Kimberlite would pop up. I thought that was cool. This happened 15-20 times during this ordeal.
It takes about 20 seconds for the boat to pop up.
I have always envisioned having an arch causing 4 large holes in the stern deck where the solar panels and the arch were torn out of the hull. Just My opinion.
Here is the article if you are interested. Fair Winds Eric Kimberlite Amel Super Maramu #376 https://www.oceannavigator.com/prepare-for-survival-conditions/
From: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io On Behalf Of David Crisp
A lot of really helpful information has been written and shared about converting to lithium batteries and the benefits thereof (thank you all). Compared to my experience 20 years ago, when I lived aboard my SM for 3 years, lithium batteries with a large inverter and solar panels sounds like paradise. In 2019 I was on the verge of going this route but delays caused by the Covid pandemic caused me to follow a compromise route and to drop the lithium battery element.
My route has been to replace the old Dolphin 100A charger with a Victron 24V/3000/70A Multiplus inverter/charger along with 990W of solar panels (three LG Neon2Black (LG330N1K-V5)) managed by a Victron Smart Solar MPPT 100/50. A Victron VE Smart Bus provides voltage and temperature data to the MPPT. I also replaced the old battery monitor with a Victron BMV-712. The solar panels are mounted above some Simpson electric davits I had installed at the same time. This year the batteries that came with Wilna Grace gave up the ghost and I replaced them with Victron Gel 110AH instead of going over to Lithium.
My cruising plans are to remain in and explore the Mediterranean, spending ~6+months aboard each year. Consequently my demands, and the cost vs. benefit analysis, are perhaps not those of a live aboard round-the-world cruiser.
I’m hopeful that with such shallow cycling the Gel batteries should last 6+ years, not as good a Lithium but not bad. I’ve only had one season’s experience with this setup, but at the moment the only reason I would change to lithium would be to run an induction stove or to run an air conditioner. I’m not ruling out lithium, there’s absolutely no doubt in my mind about the benefits; should my cruising plans/needs change I will install lithium in the blink of an eye.
For someone on a limited budget and with my type of cruising profile I would prioritise the key elements in the following order: (1) large solar array. (2) large inverter. (3) lithium batteries.
Attached are some photos of the installation on Wilna Grace and drawings of the solar panel array. From this installation I have had two learnings: -
We had two other mini-projects this year which have also delivered big benefits.
Hope it is helpful.
David Crisp
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Re: European Fire Extinguishers
Michael Winand
We installed the fireboy system, it is safe for the engine, as if it were to go off it won't destroy the interior of the engine, the system has a auto shut down of the blowers and the engine. It has override in case you need to start the engine again. Michael Nebo sm251
On Fri, 22 Oct 2021, 5:08 am Bill Kinney, <cruisingconsulting@...> wrote: Richard,
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