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Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Frigoboat Fridge Door Seal for Super Maramu 2000

karkauai
 

Thank you again, Bill.  Makes perfect sense.  I'm on it!
Kent.

On May 8, 2017, at 8:30 AM, greatketch@... [amelyachtowners] <amelyachtowners@...> wrote:

 

Kent,


My shims are really simple.  They are hard plastic furniture glides.  Exactly 1/4 inch thick, and with adhesive backs.  On the top opening cold boxes I put four on each long side and three across the short ends.  It is not a esthetically perfect solution, but it does the job.

If I had access to my shop, I would have run a continuous frame of wood or plastic 1/4" high to support the seat and allow it to compress the gasket 1/16" out of its total thickness of 5/16".  The brand I used specified 17 to 30% compression.  20% seemed like a good target!

There are of course gaskets, generally of solid "rubber", who can be squeezed as tightly as possible and seal better the tighter they get.  Those are typically not used where there are frequent open/close cycles, and especially not to seal large panels where getting even pressure all the way round is very difficult.  The "D-form" gaskets with hollow interiors are best for these applications, but they do not tolerate constant high compression. 

The hard rubber bits that Bill R describes inserted into the deck hatch gasket I believe are not there to seal, but rather they act as the shim, supporting the weight of the hatch so the rest of the gasket is compressed within tolerance.  A typically very clever solution that would be very easy to miss in a retrofit. Then you wonder why the new gasket has a short lifespan compared to the original no matter how tightly you dog it down.

I don't have an answer for the engine room hatch, I haven't studied it carefully yet.  But you can be sure there is something there that Amel did to make the gasket work.

Bill Kinney
SM160 Harmonie
Road Town, Tortola, BVI
Re: Santorin - propeller generator - Hutchinson belt to be changed

Craig Briggs
 

Ciao amico,
Sorry, but yes, you will have to uncouple the engine and slide it back a little. No problem though, as I'm sure Maria can do it in about 15 minutes.
Looks like you are headed west. Will you be dropping down around the Pelopenese or doing the Canal?
Cheers,
Craig & Katherine 


---In amelyachtowners@..., <attilio.siviero@...> wrote :

Dear Craig,

Before to leave Didim last week, I noticed that the belt coupling the propeller shaft to the secondary generator, useful to have some power when sailing at 4kts or more and with the gear in neutral, was heavily damaged and close to failure. Since there was a spare one already positioned close to the propeller block, I changed the belt and now the system works properly.

Obviously now I do not have a spare belt, therefore the question is: to install a new belt, to keep as spare close to the propeller block, should I disconnect the junction, rise the entire engine, and place the new belt? Or, the belt can be assembled locally?

Thanks for a light

Attilio&Maria
Amel Santorin #84 "Sisila" now in Lavrion, Olympic Marina

Inviato da iPad
Re: Santorin - propeller generator - Hutchinson belt to be changed

Ian Park
 

Attilio
We had a belt replaced in Martinique during some Hurth gearbox work. Yes, you need to separate the Vetus shaft coupling. You do not need to lift the engine. The AMEL mechanic just moved the engine back a little by slackening the engine bolts. It didn't alter the engine alignment.
If your replacement belt is good then you could easily leave putting a spare on until you need to change the Vetus coupling joints. They should last a few years.

Ian
Ocean Hobo SN96
Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Frigoboat Fridge Door Seal for Super Maramu 2000

greatketch@...
 

Kent,

My shims are really simple.  They are hard plastic furniture glides.  Exactly 1/4 inch thick, and with adhesive backs.  On the top opening cold boxes I put four on each long side and three across the short ends.  It is not a esthetically perfect solution, but it does the job.

If I had access to my shop, I would have run a continuous frame of wood or plastic 1/4" high to support the seat and allow it to compress the gasket 1/16" out of its total thickness of 5/16".  The brand I used specified 17 to 30% compression.  20% seemed like a good target!

There are of course gaskets, generally of solid "rubber", who can be squeezed as tightly as possible and seal better the tighter they get.  Those are typically not used where there are frequent open/close cycles, and especially not to seal large panels where getting even pressure all the way round is very difficult.  The "D-form" gaskets with hollow interiors are best for these applications, but they do not tolerate constant high compression. 

The hard rubber bits that Bill R describes inserted into the deck hatch gasket I believe are not there to seal, but rather they act as the shim, supporting the weight of the hatch so the rest of the gasket is compressed within tolerance.  A typically very clever solution that would be very easy to miss in a retrofit. Then you wonder why the new gasket has a short lifespan compared to the original no matter how tightly you dog it down.

I don't have an answer for the engine room hatch, I haven't studied it carefully yet.  But you can be sure there is something there that Amel did to make the gasket work.

Bill Kinney
SM160 Harmonie
Road Town, Tortola, BVI
Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Creaking floor plate

Bill & Judy Rouse <yahoogroups@...>
 

Dean,

Did you lift the carpet and inspect under the carpet? Was the sound apparent when you walked through the passageway, or was this when sailing the boat?

CW Bill Rouse
Admiral, Texas Navy
Commander Emeritus
Amel School www.amelschool.com
720 Winnie St
Galveston Island, TX 77550
+1(832) 380-4970

On Mon, May 8, 2017 at 3:26 AM, trifin@... [amelyachtowners] <amelyachtowners@yahoogroups.com> wrote:
 

Hi all,
We are the future owners of an Amel 54, we just don't yet know which one !

We have recently inspected a 54 which has a distinct creak coming from the floor plate in front of the battery compartment. We have not found creaky floors in any of the other 54's we've inspected.

Is this unusual? More importantly, could it be symptomatic of some underlying issue? Historical leaks from battery compartment maybe?

Many thanks
Dean
Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Reverse steerage

Bill & Judy Rouse <yahoogroups@...>
 

Daniel,

Of course, I should have included our beautiful baby sister (SN).

James,

In my experience/opinion, the LOA of the Mango, SM and 54, the size of the water tank, the size of the rudder, the size of the skeg, the position of the propeller with regard to the rudder (think propeller wash), and all of that multiplied by the speed of possible crosswinds reduced by lower boat speed; make maneuvering those boats in reverse very challenging without dropping an anchor or having a bow thruster. It is not as big of a challenge with a Maramu or the Santorin, but all of the same things come into play, except the Maramu's propeller position in relation to the rudder.

Best,

CW Bill Rouse
Admiral, Texas Navy
Commander Emeritus
Amel School www.amelschool.com
720 Winnie St
Galveston Island, TX 77550
+1(832) 380-4970



On Mon, May 8, 2017 at 3:53 AM, danielmfrey63@... [amelyachtowners] <amelyachtowners@yahoogroups.com> wrote:
 

Bill

I assume the Santorin is included in Your list, too?

Best - Daniel
Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Creaking floor plate

Alan Leslie
 

Agree with all that..our SM437 is totally silent.....now that we have everything tied down and stowed away!
Only things we could suggest would be slack rigging, moving batteries, other heavy items moving etc...

Cheers
Alan
Elyse SM437
Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Creaking floor plate

John Clark
 

Hi Dean,
   I'm a new owner of an older SM.  One of the things I heard was that unlike other boats Amels don't flex and "creak."  
During survey we did not note any creaking, but after moving aboard I noticed several.  All were traced to either lines stretching through the chocks,  think dock lines, anchor snubber; or were items moving as the boat rocked.  One such sound was just like an old pirate ship and it was coming from the bulkhead in aft passageway...turned out it was only the plastic button on a Hawaiian shirt rubbing on the wall.  Another was the liferaft rocking about 1/8" in its cradle inside the  portside locker.  All were traced to nonsubstantial issues.

In the battery well if the batteries aren't wedged in, they could be moving ever so slightly...or it could be a Hawaiian shirt.

If you are settling on this boat, make it a point that contract is contingent on surveyor signing off on the sound...and then get an Amel saavy surveyor.  

I bet it will turn out to be nothing, but find it before you commit to purchase.

Regards,  John

John Clark
Vent de Soleil. SM 37
Great Bay, Sint Martin

On May 8, 2017 5:02 AM, "trifin@... [amelyachtowners]" <amelyachtowners@...> wrote:
 

Hi all,
We are the future owners of an Amel 54, we just don't yet know which one !

We have recently inspected a 54 which has a distinct creak coming from the floor plate in front of the battery compartment. We have not found creaky floors in any of the other 54's we've inspected.

Is this unusual? More importantly, could it be symptomatic of some underlying issue? Historical leaks from battery compartment maybe?

Many thanks
Dean
Santorin - propeller generator - Hutchinson belt to be changed

Attilio Siviero <attilio.siviero@...>
 

Dear Craig,

Before to leave Didim last week, I noticed that the belt coupling the propeller shaft to the secondary generator, useful to have some power when sailing at 4kts or more and with the gear in neutral, was heavily damaged and close to failure. Since there was a spare one already positioned close to the propeller block, I changed the belt and now the system works properly.

Obviously now I do not have a spare belt, therefore the question is: to install a new belt, to keep as spare close to the propeller block, should I disconnect the junction, rise the entire engine, and place the new belt? Or, the belt can be assembled locally?

Thanks for a light

Attilio&Maria
Amel Santorin #84 "Sisila" now in Lavrion, Olympic Marina

Inviato da iPad
Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Re: Rub Rail on the SM

danielmfrey63@...
 

Bill

I assume the Santorin is included in Your list, too?

Best - Daniel
Creaking floor plate

Dean Gillies
 

Hi all,
We are the future owners of an Amel 54, we just don't yet know which one !

We have recently inspected a 54 which has a distinct creak coming from the floor plate in front of the battery compartment. We have not found creaky floors in any of the other 54's we've inspected.

Is this unusual? More importantly, could it be symptomatic of some underlying issue? Historical leaks from battery compartment maybe?

Many thanks
Dean
Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Re: Rub Rail on the SM

James Alton
 

Bill,

    I agree with all of the points you made.  Because I purchased my Maramu in Italy, all of my dockings so far have been stern to which is new to me as is having a bow thruster.  Thanks to good conditions with no current, moderate to light crosswinds and perhaps most importantly the excellent handling of the boat with the thruster the dockings have worked out well so far.   I know that I have a lot more to learn about the boat and would like to learn the best techniques.   As a voice of experience, thanks for the tips and suggestions. 

James

On May 7, 2017, at 11:58 AM, 'Bill & Judy Rouse' yahoogroups@... [amelyachtowners] <amelyachtowners@...> wrote:


James, 

When reversing out of a berth (in a Maramu, Mango, SM, and 54) when you are bow-in, you have very limited control of the stern, especially in the beginning. With any crosswinds, you'll likely go in a direction different than you intended. Even trying to point the stern using the bow thruster is limited with the bow because of the side limitations of the slip. Of the Amels I mentioned above, and in the conditions above, the Maramu stands a better chance of reversing from a berth with crosswinds because of less windage. 

And when stern in, bow out, the thruster steers the bow for tight turns in narrow fairways at even zero speed. As the speed increases and the berth is cleared by the stern, the rudder can turn the stern while the thruster steers the bow. 

I mentioned crosswinds above. Remember crosswind gusts can come out of nowhere and when conditions are calm. 

Although I know that most people don't do it, I always dropped the Bimini on a Super Maramu when manoeuvering into a berth...and with a dinghy on the mizzen deck, I always wanted to have crew tell me distance between the stern and dock. I preferred​ hand signals indicating distance in meters. 


CW Bill Rouse
Admiral, Texas Navy
Commander Emeritus
Amel School www.amelschool.com
720 Winnie St
Galveston Island, TX 77550
+1(832) 380-4970

    

On May 7, 2017 9:12 AM, "James Alton lokiyawl2@... [amelyachtowners]" <amelyachtowners@...> wrote:
 

Bill,


   Good information on dealing with dockhands.   Could you elaborate on the reasons for having the boat stern to if you have working thruster?  

James Alton
SV,  Sueno,  Maramu #220

On May 7, 2017, at 9:45 AM, 'Bill & Judy Rouse' yahoogroups@... [amelyachtowners] <amelyachtowners@yahoogroups.com> wrote:


THIS IS MORE THAN YOU ASKED FOR, BUT...
I agree that dock staff around the world will know less than most Amel owners. But, they will experience the inexperienced crew more than a few times. They tend to take control all the time. 

I believe the crew should communicate with dock crews in a firm and specific manner. There should be no question as to who is in charge. For instance when you hand them a line tell them precisely what to do. If a dock hand starts giving direction to one of the crew, the captain should tell the dock hand that the captain of the vessel gives direction to the boat's crew. 

Obviously, when manoeuvering in a new-to-you marina, dock hands may have information that is u nknown to the crew. If that is the case, your crew should either direct the dockhand to communicate with the captain, or relay the information to the captain. If dock hands are handed a line, the boat's crew should identify the line, like spring, stern, bow, and point to the cleat or bollard the crew expects it to be placed on, even if there is only one possibility. I also prefer that dock hands are handed a line with a loop to place over the cleat or bollard, and that the tightness of the line is adjusted on the boat...this is a problem if single-handed, and should not be done. I also believe your Amel should be stern-to if you have a working bow thruster...lots of reasons for this. 

One last thing. We are always aware of wind when docking. Current can be your enemy, especially in a new-to-you marina. Be sure to pay attention to this, especially in riverside marinas. I saw a Super Maramu in a fairway come against the bows of berthed boats because he was unaware of a 5 knot current on his beam. He was experienced and more than halfway through his circumnavigation. 


CW Bill Rouse
Admiral, Texas Navy
Commander Emeritus
Amel School www.amelschool.com
720 Winnie St
Galveston Island, TX 77550
+1(832) 380-4970

    

On May 7, 2017 07:24, "sangaris@... [amelyachtowners]" <amelyachtowners@yahoogroups.com> wrote:
 

Agree totally about marina crew. They are a rub-rail's worst enemy and usually have little sense about boat handling. It's impossible to tell them not to snub the dock line on the cleat while the boat is moving, so we try never to hand over a line until the boat is stopped where we want it, although that is often met with shouting and wild gesticulations which we largely ignore.

Cheers, Craig SN68


---In amelyachtowners@yahoogroups.com, wrote :

I'm thinking about putting a metal or rubber extrusion on the center part of the rub rail to keep the red part off of dock pilings.


Has anyone looked at this and what product did you use?


It seems like even with a perfect docking maneuver the marina crew insists on dragging us tight to the piling before we can position a fender.  I have fenderboards that take two or three fenders but they are tough to pre-position.  I'm thinking of rigging the fenderboards so there is a board keyed on top of the liferail so you only have to move the one thing (instead of two lines for the fenderboard and three fenders).


Duane

Wanderer, SM#477
Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Frigoboat Fridge Door Seal for Super Maramu 2000

greatketch@...
 

That problem with the bending of the seat was one of the reasons we added shims when we replaced the gaskets so the lid did not over compress the new gaskets.

Bill Kinney
SM160 Harmonie
Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Re: Rub Rail on the SM

Bill & Judy Rouse <yahoogroups@...>
 

James, 

When reversing out of a berth (in a Maramu, Mango, SM, and 54) when you are bow-in, you have very limited control of the stern, especially in the beginning. With any crosswinds, you'll likely go in a direction different than you intended. Even trying to point the stern using the bow thruster is limited with the bow because of the side limitations of the slip. Of the Amels I mentioned above, and in the conditions above, the Maramu stands a better chance of reversing from a berth with crosswinds because of less windage. 

And when stern in, bow out, the thruster steers the bow for tight turns in narrow fairways at even zero speed. As the speed increases and the berth is cleared by the stern, the rudder can turn the stern while the thruster steers the bow. 

I mentioned crosswinds above. Remember crosswind gusts can come out of nowhere and when conditions are calm. 

Although I know that most people don't do it, I always dropped the Bimini on a Super Maramu when manoeuvering into a berth...and with a dinghy on the mizzen deck, I always wanted to have crew tell me distance between the stern and dock. I preferred​ hand signals indicating distance in meters. 


CW Bill Rouse
Admiral, Texas Navy
Commander Emeritus
Amel School www.amelschool.com
720 Winnie St
Galveston Island, TX 77550
+1(832) 380-4970

   

On May 7, 2017 9:12 AM, "James Alton lokiyawl2@... [amelyachtowners]" <amelyachtowners@...> wrote:
 

Bill,


   Good information on dealing with dockhands.   Could you elaborate on the reasons for having the boat stern to if you have working thruster?  

James Alton
SV,  Sueno,  Maramu #220

On May 7, 2017, at 9:45 AM, 'Bill & Judy Rouse' yahoogroups@... [amelyachtowners] <amelyachtowners@yahoogroups.com> wrote:


THIS IS MORE THAN YOU ASKED FOR, BUT...
I agree that dock staff around the world will know less than most Amel owners. But, they will experience the inexperienced crew more than a few times. They tend to take control all the time. 

I believe the crew should communicate with dock crews in a firm and specific manner. There should be no question as to who is in charge. For instance when you hand them a line tell them precisely what to do. If a dock hand starts giving direction to one of the crew, the captain should tell the dock hand that the captain of the vessel gives direction to the boat's crew. 

Obviously, when manoeuvering in a new-to-you marina, dock hands may have information that is u nknown to the crew. If that is the case, your crew should either direct the dockhand to communicate with the captain, or relay the information to the captain. If dock hands are handed a line, the boat's crew should identify the line, like spring, stern, bow, and point to the cleat or bollard the crew expects it to be placed on, even if there is only one possibility. I also prefer that dock hands are handed a line with a loop to place over the cleat or bollard, and that the tightness of the line is adjusted on the boat...this is a problem if single-handed, and should not be done. I also believe your Amel should be stern-to if you have a working bow thruster...lots of reasons for this. 

One last thing. We are always aware of wind when docking. Current can be your enemy, especially in a new-to-you marina. Be sure to pay attention to this, especially in riverside marinas. I saw a Super Maramu in a fairway come against the bows of berthed boats because he was unaware of a 5 knot current on his beam. He was experienced and more than halfway through his circumnavigation. 


CW Bill Rouse
Admiral, Texas Navy
Commander Emeritus
Amel School www.amelschool.com
720 Winnie St
Galveston Island, TX 77550
+1(832) 380-4970

    

On May 7, 2017 07:24, "sangaris@... [amelyachtowners]" <amelyachtowners@yahoogroups.com> wrote:
 

Agree totally about marina crew. They are a rub-rail's worst enemy and usually have little sense about boat handling. It's impossible to tell them not to snub the dock line on the cleat while the boat is moving, so we try never to hand over a line until the boat is stopped where we want it, although that is often met with shouting and wild gesticulations which we largely ignore.

Cheers, Craig SN68


---In amelyachtowners@yahoogroups.com, wrote :

I'm thinking about putting a metal or rubber extrusion on the center part of the rub rail to keep the red part off of dock pilings.


Has anyone looked at this and what product did you use?


It seems like even with a perfect docking maneuver the marina crew insists on dragging us tight to the piling before we can position a fender.  I have fenderboards that take two or three fenders but they are tough to pre-position.  I'm thinking of rigging the fenderboards so there is a board keyed on top of the liferail so you only have to move the one thing (instead of two lines for the fenderboard and three fenders).


Duane

Wanderer, SM#477
Clearance of SM including VHF antennas

Paul Osterberg
 

Hello
The vertical clearances according to my old brochure is 20 m for our SM #259, does anyone know what clearence required to pass under a bridge with the standard supplied VHF antennas at the top of the mast?
We would like to pass under the bridges between Nassau and Paradise Island and the bridge clearence is 21 m
Paul on S/Y Kerpa SM#259
Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Frigoboat Fridge Door Seal for Super Maramu 2000

karkauai
 

Thanks Bill, will do

Kent Robertson
S/V Kristy
SM243

On May 6, 2017, at 10:48 AM, 'Bill & Judy Rouse' yahoogroups@... [amelyachtowners] <amelyachtowners@...> wrote:

 

Kent,

Correct. My mistake. 

Now, to your issue: I think in 12 years I moved the latches twice. Remember if you run it as a fridge and have the thermostat set low enough that it doesn't freeze, you'll get a lot of condensate. Top opening fridges and freezers have less frost than front opening because every time you open the front opening unit, you spill and replace 90% of the air. This replaced air is what causes most of the frost build up. If you open the fridge half the number of times, you will cut the frost and the frost build up time in half. 

I would use the dollar bill check on your salon top opening fridge/freezer just to see if it is sealed normally. 

Then look closely at the lid closure with the heaviest crew member, first in the middle of the cushion, then on the ends of the cushion. That top will bend. I saw it open about 1/2" when unlatched, and my 6'5" 350 pound son sat in the middle of the cushion. Let me know how this all checks out. 

Best,

CW Bill Rouse
Admiral, Texas Navy
Commander Emeritus
Amel School www.amelschool.com
720 Winnie St
Galveston Island, TX 77550
+1(832) 380-4970




   

On May 6, 2017 10:34, "Kent Robertson karkauai@... [amelyachtowners]" <amelyachtowners@...> wrote:
 

Hi Bill.  I think your reply is what you did for the galley fridge??  My problem is with the two fridge/freezer boxes under the dinette seats.  These use two seals that stick to the boxes (or lids) with adhesive (not magnetic).  I have already moved the latches ~1/4inch down to tighten the seal, but am still getting a lot of condensation (and ice buildup at the seals when used as a freezer).

Just replacing the seals should do the trick if I can find the right seals.

Kent Robertson
S/V Kristy
SM 243
Heading for the Chesapeake.

On Apr 28, 2017, at 5:47 PM, 'Bill & Judy Rouse' yahoogroups@... [amelyachtowners] <amelyachtowners@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

 

Kent,

I attempted to find a new magnetic fridge gasket, but found it nearly impossible. Had I sent the model number and serial number of the Frigoboat fridge to Coastal Climate Control (info"at"coastalclimatecontrol.com), they would have queried Frigoboat in Italy and possibly they could have ordered it.

Here is what I found that solved my issue and the same thing for a number of other owners...even if you get a new gasket, you will need to follow this procedure:
1. With the fridge door closed, use a dollar bill to determine the correct seal of the magnetic gasket. If the dollar bill can be moved freely anywhere between the gasket and the cabinet, the gasket is not sealing correctly.
2. Is the external door lock adjusted correctly and is it in the locked position?
3. Is the door aligned and adjusted correctly?
4. There are 3 bolts on each hinge, locking the hinge in place.
1. Are they tight?
5. Is the top of the door and side of the door parallel with the cabinet? This is the hardest thing to get right!
6. Is the door flat against the cabinet on all sides? i.e. the door being "pulled in" or "pushed out" by either hinge?

If the door is not parallel or totally flat on all 4 sides against the door frame:
1. Loosen all 6 bolts
2. Press the door evenly so that all 4 sides are against the frame and the top and sides of the door are parallel with the cabinet. HINT: use some blue masking tape on the cabinet where the gasket meets the frame (thanks to Rick Grimes)...this will make parallel visibility easier in determining that the door is in the right position.
7. Holding the door in position, tighten all 6 bolts. (This will test your patience)
8. Test again using a dollar bill.
9. Repeat the process if the dollar bill is loose anywhere between the gasket and the cabinet.

Also, you may want to completely remove the fridge to do this job and use a shop vac to clean the condenser fins, etc. If so, refer to this Photo Album:

Best,

CW Bill Rouse
Admiral, Texas Navy
Commander Emeritus
Amel School www.amelschool.com 
720 Winnie St
Galveston Island, TX 77550
+1(832) 380-4970
X-BeBe SM387






On Fri, Apr 28, 2017 at 2:35 PM, Kent Robertson karkauai@... [amelyachtowners] <amelyachtowners@...om> wrote:
 

I need to replace the seals on my two fridge/freezer boxes under the dinette seats. Has anyone found a suitable replacement for these?
Thanks,
Kent
SM243
Kristy
Currently New Orleans, headed for St Michaels, Maryland.

Kent Robertson
S/V Kristy
Panama cell: +507-61171896
USA cell: 828-234-6819

On Apr 20, 2017, at 1:19 PM, 'Bill & Judy Rouse' yahoogroups@... [amelyachtowners] <amelyachtowners@...om> wrote:

 

Ken,

I attempted to find a new magnetic fridge gasket, but found it nearly impossible. Had I sent the model number and serial number of the Frigoboat fridge to Coastal Climate Control (info"at"coastalclimatecontrol.com), they would have queried Frigoboat in Italy and possibly they could have ordered it.

Here is what I found that solved my issue and the same thing for a number of other owners...even if you get a new gasket, you will need to follow this procedure:
  1. With the fridge door closed, use a dollar bill to determine the correct seal of the magnetic gasket. If the dollar bill can be moved freely anywhere between the gasket and the cabinet, the gasket is not sealing correctly.
  2. Is the external door lock adjusted correctly and is it in the locked position?
  3. Is the door aligned and adjusted correctly? 
  4. There are 3 bolts on each hinge, locking the hinge in place.
    1. Are they tight?
  5. Is the top of the door and side of the door parallel with the cabinet? This is the hardest thing to get right!
  6. Is the door flat against the cabinet on all sides? i.e. the door being "pulled in" or "pushed out" by either hing?
    1. If the door is not parallel or totally flat on all 4 sides against the door frame:
      1. Loosen all 6 bolts
      2. Press the door evenly so that all 4 sides are against the frame and the top and sides of the door are parallel with the cabinet. HINT: use some blue masking tape on the cabinet where the gasket meets the frame (thanks to Rick Grimes)...this will make parallel visibility easier in determining that the door is in the right position.
  7. Holding the door in position, tighten all 6 bolts. (This will test your patience)
  8. Test again using a dollar bill.
  9. Repeat the process if the dollar bill is loose anywhere between the gasket and the cabinet.
Also, you may want to completely remove the fridge to do this job and use a shop vac to clean the condenser fins, etc. If so, refer to this Photo Album: https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/amelyachtowners/search/photos?query=fridge#zax/albums_1556459704

Best,

CW Bill Rouse
Admiral, Texas Navy
Commander Emeritus
Amel School 
720 Winnie St
Galveston Island, TX 77550
+1(832) 380-4970




On Thu, Apr 20, 2017 at 11:43 AM, sailingaquarius@... [amelyachtowners] <amelyachtowners@...om> wrote:
 

Hello all,


I just joined the group, and was looking for some help with the Frigoboat Fridge.  Has anyone found a replacement door seal for the standard Frigoboat Dood Seal?


Any help would be appreciated!


Thanks


Ken Powers 

Aquarius, ASM2K Hull number 262
Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Re: Rub Rail on the SM

James Alton
 

Bill,

   Good information on dealing with dockhands.   Could you elaborate on the reasons for having the boat stern to if you have working thruster?  

James Alton
SV,  Sueno,  Maramu #220

On May 7, 2017, at 9:45 AM, 'Bill & Judy Rouse' yahoogroups@... [amelyachtowners] <amelyachtowners@...> wrote:


THIS IS MORE THAN YOU ASKED FOR, BUT...
I agree that dock staff around the world will know less than most Amel owners. But, they will experience the inexperienced crew more than a few times. They tend to take control all the time. 

I believe the crew should communicate with dock crews in a firm and specific manner. There should be no question as to who is in charge. For instance when you hand them a line tell them precisely what to do. If a dock hand starts giving direction to one of the crew, the captain should tell the dock hand that the captain of the vessel gives direction to the boat's crew. 

Obviously, when manoeuvering in a new-to-you marina, dock hands may have information that is unknown to the crew. If that is the case, your crew should either direct the dockhand to communicate with the captain, or relay the information to the captain. If dock hands are handed a line, the boat's crew should identify the line, like spring, stern, bow, and point to the cleat or bollard the crew expects it to be placed on, even if there is only one possibility. I also prefer that dock hands are handed a line with a loop to place over the cleat or bollard, and that the tightness of the line is adjusted on the boat...this is a problem if single-handed, and should not be done. I also believe your Amel should be stern-to if you have a working bow thruster...lots of reasons for this. 

One last thing. We are always aware of wind when docking. Current can be your enemy, especially in a new-to-you marina. Be sure to pay attention to this, especially in riverside marinas. I saw a Super Maramu in a fairway come against the bows of berthed boats because he was unaware of a 5 knot current on his beam. He was experienced and more than halfway through his circumnavigation. 


CW Bill Rouse
Admiral, Texas Navy
Commander Emeritus
Amel School www.amelschool.com
720 Winnie St
Galveston Island, TX 77550
+1(832) 380-4970

    

On May 7, 2017 07:24, "sangaris@... [amelyachtowners]" <amelyachtowners@...> wrote:
 

Agree totally about marina crew. They are a rub-rail's worst enemy and usually have little sense about boat handling. It's impossible to tell them not to snub the dock line on the cleat while the boat is moving, so we try never to hand over a line until the boat is stopped where we want it, although that is often met with shouting and wild gesticulations which we largely ignore.

Cheers, Craig SN68


---In amelyachtowners@yahoogroups.com, wrote :

I'm thinking about putting a metal or rubber extrusion on the center part of the rub rail to keep the red part off of dock pilings.


Has anyone looked at this and what product did you use?


It seems like even with a perfect docking maneuver the marina crew insists on dragging us tight to the piling before we can position a fender.  I have fenderboards that take two or three fenders but they are tough to pre-position.  I'm thinking of rigging the fenderboards so there is a board keyed on top of the liferail so you only have to move the one thing (instead of two lines for the fenderboard and three fenders).


Duane

Wanderer, SM#477
Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Frigoboat Fridge Door Seal for Super Maramu 2000

Bill & Judy Rouse <yahoogroups@...>
 

Kent,

Bill Kinney is right on, especially today when the polyurethane foam used in most D gasket seals has less polyurethane and more air in the product. 

Also, I want to thank Bill Kinney because he just unknowingly solved the problem in placing a new gasket on the engine room hatch with the "D" gaskets available today. The issue is the D gaskets available in the US, maybe worldwide, will distort under the weight of the engine room hatch. 

Here are two ideas that may work to avoid over-compressing the D gaskets. 

1.) I noticed that Amel had placed about 6" of about 1/4" (8mm) solid round rubber line inside the D gasket on the aft lazzerette at the four corners. I am thinking that this would be a perfect solution as long as the rubber line is hard enough. I would slip it all the way through, not just the corners. 

2.) I assume that you could use the same contact glue that you attach the new D gasket to attach several 2" long shims cut from starboard alongside the new D gasket. This may be perfect for those seat-lids inside the salon that can seriously compress under the weight of crew members sitting at the table. 

I am hopping that Bill Kinney adds to this. 


CW Bill Rouse
Admiral, Texas Navy
Commander Emeritus
Amel School www.amelschool.com
720 Winnie St
Galveston Island, TX 77550
+1(832) 380-4970

   

On May 7, 2017 07:48, "Kent Robertson karkauai@... [amelyachtowners]" <amelyachtowners@...> wrote:
 

Thank you, Bill K. Just what I need.  Can you explain the shims further?
Kent
SM 243
Kristy

On Apr 29, 2017, at 11:23 PM, greatketch@... [amelyachtowners] <amelyachtowners@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

 

When we re-did our under-seat fridge gaskets, we used a product from MD Building, #1025, D-profile, 5/16 x 23/64.  We got it from Amazon.


It is important to note that with gaskets like this, there is a maximum specified compression that needs to be adhered to for best sealing and longest life.  If the gasket is over-compressed it might seem to seal better at first, but it quickly takes on a permanent "set" and is then no longer flexible enough to make a good seal.  For most hollow rubber gaskets, such as this this, maximum compression is 25% of the uncompressed thickness.  
I have installed shims that take the weight of the lid so the gaskets do not get squeezed too much.

Bill Kinney
SM#160, Harmonie
Charlotte Amalie, StT, USVI
Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Re: Rub Rail on the SM

Bill & Judy Rouse <yahoogroups@...>
 

THIS IS MORE THAN YOU ASKED FOR, BUT...
I agree that dock staff around the world will know less than most Amel owners. But, they will experience the inexperienced crew more than a few times. They tend to take control all the time. 

I believe the crew should communicate with dock crews in a firm and specific manner. There should be no question as to who is in charge. For instance when you hand them a line tell them precisely what to do. If a dock hand starts giving direction to one of the crew, the captain should tell the dock hand that the captain of the vessel gives direction to the boat's crew. 

Obviously, when manoeuvering in a new-to-you marina, dock hands may have information that is unknown to the crew. If that is the case, your crew should either direct the dockhand to communicate with the captain, or relay the information to the captain. If dock hands are handed a line, the boat's crew should identify the line, like spring, stern, bow, and point to the cleat or bollard the crew expects it to be placed on, even if there is only one possibility. I also prefer that dock hands are handed a line with a loop to place over the cleat or bollard, and that the tightness of the line is adjusted on the boat...this is a problem if single-handed, and should not be done. I also believe your Amel should be stern-to if you have a working bow thruster...lots of reasons for this. 

One last thing. We are always aware of wind when docking. Current can be your enemy, especially in a new-to-you marina. Be sure to pay attention to this, especially in riverside marinas. I saw a Super Maramu in a fairway come against the bows of berthed boats because he was unaware of a 5 knot current on his beam. He was experienced and more than halfway through his circumnavigation. 


CW Bill Rouse
Admiral, Texas Navy
Commander Emeritus
Amel School www.amelschool.com
720 Winnie St
Galveston Island, TX 77550
+1(832) 380-4970

   

On May 7, 2017 07:24, "sangaris@... [amelyachtowners]" <amelyachtowners@...> wrote:
 

Agree totally about marina crew. They are a rub-rail's worst enemy and usually have little sense about boat handling. It's impossible to tell them not to snub the dock line on the cleat while the boat is moving, so we try never to hand over a line until the boat is stopped where we want it, although that is often met with shouting and wild gesticulations which we largely ignore.

Cheers, Craig SN68


---In amelyachtowners@yahoogroups.com, wrote :

I'm thinking about putting a metal or rubber extrusion on the center part of the rub rail to keep the red part off of dock pilings.


Has anyone looked at this and what product did you use?


It seems like even with a perfect docking maneuver the marina crew insists on dragging us tight to the piling before we can position a fender.  I have fenderboards that take two or three fenders but they are tough to pre-position.  I'm thinking of rigging the fenderboards so there is a board keyed on top of the liferail so you only have to move the one thing (instead of two lines for the fenderboard and three fenders).


Duane

Wanderer, SM#477
Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] Frigoboat Fridge Door Seal for Super Maramu 2000

karkauai
 

Thank you, Bill K. Just what I need.  Can you explain the shims further?
Kent
SM 243
Kristy

On Apr 29, 2017, at 11:23 PM, greatketch@... [amelyachtowners] <amelyachtowners@...> wrote:

 

When we re-did our under-seat fridge gaskets, we used a product from MD Building, #1025, D-profile, 5/16 x 23/64.  We got it from Amazon.


It is important to note that with gaskets like this, there is a maximum specified compression that needs to be adhered to for best sealing and longest life.  If the gasket is over-compressed it might seem to seal better at first, but it quickly takes on a permanent "set" and is then no longer flexible enough to make a good seal.  For most hollow rubber gaskets, such as this this, maximum compression is 25% of the uncompressed thickness.  
I have installed shims that take the weight of the lid so the gaskets do not get squeezed too much.

Bill Kinney
SM#160, Harmonie
Charlotte Amalie, StT, USVI