Has anyone used the yacht transport service "Dockwise"? We would be
interested in your experience/comments good or bad. We are thinking
of shipping our Maramu from Mexico to Florida and would appreciate
any feedback.

Hello

I am a delivery skipper (based in Virginia) and am actively seeking to buy a used Super Maramu. I joined the Yahoo Amel Owners Group as it seemed a very good way to learn more about them and network with other owners.

I have never actually used the Dockwise transportation service but have spoken to them regarding shipping of a 50 foot sailboat for a client. The Dockwise people seem very professional and responsive. I normally do the deliveries myself "on their own bottoms" but this particular client wanted to get his yacht from St. Vincent all the way to Thailand and we agreed that for such a long trip (11,000 miles) shipping the yacht made more sense than a delivery skipper and crew. However, since Dockwise doesn't go all the way to the Far East, we will use another shipping line for the Thailand delivery.

Regarding your need to move your boat form Mexico to Florida, if you would be interested in a delivery captain & crew for this trip, I would be personally very interested in discussing it with you. It would be a good opportunity for me to get more personal experience with the Amels, their sailing characteristics, systems and designs. I would consider offering a very competetive, minimal cost delivery estimate if you would be interested.

I have owned my own sailboat for almost thirty years, have a 50 ton Coast Guard License, have extensive racing and ocean cruising experience, including a circumnavigation. I've enclosed my resume that gives more details.

Regards

John Martin

Hello John,

Saw your post that you're looking for a used SM and wanted to let you know there's a great looking one in your area (Chesapeake). She's a 1999 and we'd buy her if we could but the timing is not quite right for us. Contact Marty Ward at Interyacht in Annapolis. Her number is 410/269-5200 or 410/280-2600. We worked with Marty and she was most helpful. Best of luck...keep us posted on how it goes.

I dislike the SuperMaramu dodger. The old Maramu dodger, though truly
ugly, was far superior. My points of criticism are: 1. durability and
strength 2. Window cannot be opened from cockpit, can't be used open
under sail (spray), can't be partially opened, opening system poor at
best 3. Cannot see mainsail with dodger extended and flexible window
difficult to install "leakproof" 4. Always sail dodger extended on
the open sea for weather or sun or spray protection 5. Cannot stand
on top of dodger (as old Maramu) to access boom and main 6.
Ventilation for aforementioned window problem is awful in the tropics
etc. Bottom line: I think we could design a very superior, high
quality, ATTRACTIVE and FUNCTIONAL fixed dodger for this superb boat;
it deserves far better than it has in this department. I propose to
work with Lyman-Morse in Maine, a builder and maintenance facility of
top credentials to either mold in GRP or fabricate a new dodger. It
will meet all the needs. Interested? Let's join together. I intend 3
windscreen windows, one progressively openable from the helm,
windshield wiper, 3 flush hatches (sun shaded) for view/ventilation
in the roof, attachability of a canvas cockpit cover extension, side
windows, etc. Specific attention to an aesthetic solution which will
complement/enhance the boat. Contact me.

Since 1989 we have lived and cruised as far as Australia in our old
boat,an Oyster 435 from which we switched Bali Hai No 319 early last
year,this was a vast improvement over the slow leaky Oyster. Since
then we have sailed to the Med and been in a force 10 storm with no
problems.
We have no problems with the windscreen design.A piece of wood one
inch by two inches by six will prop the window open as required.
So far as the bimini top is concerned Amel retrofitted (welded) clear
panels in the front and centre sections of the Vynil.If we had known
this would have been a free or low cost item but there is a lot of
time involved in taking the frame off.We then made up a white plastic
patch which is attached to the underside with Velcro so that it can
be removed as necessary. It works very well.

I am the owner of Kiwi, Sharki #91. I am planning to install 4 6
volt "golf cart" batteries in the battery box and moving the engine
start battery somewhere else. This would double my reserve amps.
Does anyone have any suggestions or comments? Any suggestions on the
location of the engine start battery. I'm looking at the Optima 800u.

I also need more propane and am considering running a propane hose to
the locker on the rear deck. It's vented overbord and can hold at
least four "tall" format tanks. I already have two back there for
the grill. Any ideas will be appreciated.

...Tom Bennett

Has any one out there with a Maramu been hit with lightning, We have
all heard Joel's answer... but what happens when the boat is hit.
Paul and Helen Camp

Thank you for the suggestion. I want something more
substantial however. Perhaps it is the fact that I
sail in cold seas as well as warm. Thanks again.
Claude Roessiger
--- hollambyuk <hollamby@compuserve.com> wrote:

Since 1989 we have lived and cruised as far as
Australia in our old
boat,an Oyster 435 from which we switched Bali Hai
No 319 early last
year,this was a vast improvement over the slow leaky
Oyster. Since
then we have sailed to the Med and been in a force
10 storm with no
problems.
We have no problems with the windscreen design.A
piece of wood one
inch by two inches by six will prop the window open
as required.
So far as the bimini top is concerned Amel
retrofitted (welded) clear
panels in the front and centre sections of the
Vynil.If we had known
this would have been a free or low cost item but
there is a lot of
time involved in taking the frame off.We then made
up a white plastic
patch which is attached to the underside with Velcro
so that it can
be removed as necessary. It works very well.

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
LAUNCH - Your Yahoo! Music Experience
http://launch.yahoo.com

I have 4 Trojan T125 6 volt installed the orginall battery box. I
insatlled a new box for an Optima starting battery on the starboard
side under the batter selcetor swith. I glassed in a support. The
Optima 800 battery spins the 4108 over with no problem. I can send a
photograph if you need one. I am going to relocate my propane tanks
to the same locker have you given any thoughts on how to run the
propane line?


-- In amelyachtowners@y..., "wbs9971" <wbs9971@a...> wrote:

I am the owner of Kiwi, Sharki #91. I am planning to install 4 6
volt "golf cart" batteries in the battery box and moving the engine
start battery somewhere else. This would double my reserve amps.
Does anyone have any suggestions or comments? Any suggestions on

the

location of the engine start battery. I'm looking at the Optima

800u.

I also need more propane and am considering running a propane hose

to

the locker on the rear deck. It's vented overbord and can hold at
least four "tall" format tanks. I already have two back there for
the grill. Any ideas will be appreciated.

...Tom Bennett

Thanks for the response. I assume you installed the Optima starting battery
in the engine room under the selector switch. As for the propane line, we
are going to run the line sometime next week. I'll let you know how we route
it. I am going to move the solenoid shut-off valve to the aft locker also
for safety reasons.

...Tom

--- In amelyachtowners@y..., "sv_red_red_wine" <sv_red_red_wine@y...>
wrote:

Has any one out there with a Maramu been hit with lightning, We

have

all heard Joel's answer... but what happens when the boat is hit.
Paul and Helen Camp

My Maramu was struck by lightening some years ago. The VHF antenna
vanished. The charge went through the fuses, cooked the VHF radio,
radar (it was smoking) and other electronics that were on and then
silvered the fuses. Lights on below: cooked. A friend was at the
wheel (fortunately covered in leather). His hair stood on end.
Fortunately neither the engine nor seacocks were affected. Seeing
the storm coming I took in the sails and dropped a copper plate
attached to a chain overboard, wrapping the chain around the mast. I
don't believe it had any purposeful effect. Subsequently I read
everything available and checked all the advertised protective
devices, had conversations with so called experts. Over the years
I've spoken to a dozen people who have been struck. My conclusion: I
was lucky. My advice: disconnect all electronics, if possible
unplug them. At the very least disconnect at the circuit breakers.
If possible shut down your engine. Put your battery switches on
disconnect. Hang a copper plate overboard via a chain rather than a
wire. Who knows, maybe mine helped. If your wheel's not insulated,
do so. Need I say get as far away from the mast(s) and rigging as
possible. If I were building a boat from scratch I'd seriously
consider using Marlon seacocks.

I suspect that Amel's stepping the mast on the deck, and the chain
plates not being connected to the keel kept significant current from
getting to the seacocks and engine. Just a guess. Fortunately there
are not as many thunder ststorms in the Caribbean as in Long Island
Sound and the Chesapeake. If anyone out there has any useful
suggestions I'd be happy to learn them.

Arnold Grubin

Yes under the battery switch actual forward towards the bow. I
glassed a support into the stringer and removed the insulation to
located battery box next to bulkhead. I look forward to your report
on running the new propane line. How did you mount the bottles in the
back locker? Have you found a solution to the rub rail oxidization
problem?

Fairwinds

--- In amelyachtowners@y..., wbs9971@a... wrote:

Thanks for the response. I assume you installed the Optima

starting battery

in the engine room under the selector switch. As for the propane

line, we

are going to run the line sometime next week. I'll let you know

how we route

it. I am going to move the solenoid shut-off valve to the aft

locker also

for safety reasons.

...Tom

well,
just got back from La R and saw the new kimberlite almost finished.
i had a wonderful time with Jean-Jacques including a fabulous lunch.
My thanks to all my friends at amel.

they have made a few changes since i saw the boat with Joel. there
is now a shelf at the top of the wet locker and a shelf across the
top of the nav station just below the code marin board.
they also now have 13 batteries in the battery locker. i am sure
they changed many more things that i didn't notice. they also did a
beautiful job fitting my weather fax on the shelf to starboard of
the companionway.

speak to you all soon
eric freedman- kimberlite sm#376

Listmates:
My SM 2000 has developed what looks like a grease leak beneath the
furling motor for the genny. It appears as black spots under the
motor on the forestay. I suspect a failing seal of some type.
Before I open up the genny furling motor, does anyone have any sage
advice or similar experiences. Thanks
Michael Glass
"Second Call"
mglass@rapplaw.com
West Islip, NY

Dear Michael,

The roller furling headstay extrusion is packed with grease when first
installed. What you are seeing is this grease finding it's way out of the
bottom of the extrusion. It's quite common.

There is enough grease in the extrusion to last approximately five years.
Coincidentally, you should take the entire rig down every five years for
maintenance and a through inspection. Many insurance companies are now
requiring replacement of the standing rigging every ten years and a take
down inspection every five years. It's just a good idea. Unless you notice
a marked decrease in performance of your furling, I'm sure your problem is
as I have described and, other than being messy, it's not really a problem.
Best Regards,
Joel F. Potter
Cruising Yacht Specialist
Amel's Sole Associate for the Americas

Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.

Dear All,

We were the owner of an Amel Santorin by name " Aeolian Fantasy" and we are
going to take delivery of a New SM 2000 in Hyeres next week. The name of the
boat is "ALMA LIBRE". If you wish you can see our web site www.almalibre.gr
<http://www.almalibre.gr>; to find out more about us.

I am very interested to receive information from previous Santorin owners
that have upgraded to the SM 2000 . Is it really sailing better? We were
extremely happy with the Santorin and I am anxious to know how much better
the SM is.

Regards



Dimitrios Krassopoulos
Athens-Greece

--- In amelyachtowners@y..., mcgosprey2000 <no_reply@y...> wrote:

Listmates:
My SM 2000 has developed what looks like a grease leak beneath the
furling motor for the genny. It appears as black spots under the
motor on the forestay.

Don't panic!!! Don't undo anything. The grease that you are seeing
is grease that the factory used to slide the foil onto the forestay.
It is NOT coming from the furling motor. The only problem is that it
is very unsightly and all you have to do is clean up the mess.
This is the information that was given to me by M. Selo when I
visited the factory last summer.
Peter V. Weston SM 248

Shearwater is a 1984 Maramu, and we're undergoing a huge refit, one
very small part of which was replacing the companionway vertical
sliding door. The problem we've encountered is the deterioration of
the rubber gasket which goes along the bottom of the door sill, so
water running down the outside of the door goes aft over the sill
into the cockpit, rather than into the door's "pocket" and thence
eventually into the bilge. Any idea of where to get the same or
similar gasket, short of trying to deal directly with Amel? Our
prior efforts with them have been frustrating due to the language
barrier, as well as contending with US Customs.

Bob and Laurie Wright

Hello Bob and Laurie,

I am all but 101% sure that the rubber seal strip used at the base of the
companionway slide board is the same one today on the Super Maramu, as it
was on the Maramu. If you describe it as above when inquiring of Amel, they
will know what it is. You can email your request to Colette at amel@amel.fr
in the Apres Vende Department. She speaks English at least as well as I do.

An alternate source would be a GOOD automotive trim/upholstery shop. I have
seen window seal strips (such as on my 1996 Chevy Impala) that look very
much like what you seek.

Good hunting.
Joel F. Potter
Cruising Yacht Specialist
Amel's Sole Associate for the Americas

Dear All;

As I am going to be in Hyeres next week to take my SM2000 I want to know
if the stailless steel anchor they provide has good holding. Can you
help me on that? I was asking for a Delta but I was convinced that the
35 Kg CQR is sufficient. How long is the chain they supply? What do you
think?

Should I ask for something that can be done during the training period?

Dimitris