1. main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io
   Date   
Re: Recommended solar panel brand

David Crisp
 

Thanks for all the feedback.
Bill Rouse's comment is kind of where I thought we might end up. That is few people have been through enough brands to be able to make a fair comparison, plus the technology has been evolving fast as have the manufacturing techniques. 
Good to hear the positive reports on Trinasolar. The supplier I spoke to sells LG, Trinasolar, Panasonic and other brands as well and when asked recommended Trinasolar on the basis of there being little difference between them and LG to justify the price difference.
--
David Crisp
SV Wilna Grace
Amel 54 #58
Re: rub rail insert

Jarek Zemlo
 

Steve,

did you purchase the insert for rubrail with the same profile as attached in my previous message? AMEL is not sure if it will fit the 1997 model. 

All the best
 --
Jarek Zemlo
NOA BLUE
SM 201
Re: Engine Mounts and Decoupling Vetus/Engine Block

Alan "Woody" Wood
 

That’s all really helpfull, thanks for that Herbert. So you slide the tool back and forth on the shaft to get the alignment right before bringing the engine and shaft back  together after the jobs are done? Unfortunately i’ll Still have to remove the shaft alternator to get to the leak on the flywheel bell housing I think :/ but certainly feel more comfortable abor starting the job now.

Woody
Re: turning direction of prop and thread pitch - Santorin

Volker Hasenauer <volker.hasenauer@...>
 

Hi Everyone,

I wonder if the turning direction of the prop on the Santorin in left or right hand? 

Does anyone of you know the pitch of the thread on the Santorin? I have a drawing on the gearbox, however it only say M 20.....but is silent about the pitch.

Volker
SY Aquamarine, Santorin 027
Borneo/Malaysia
Re: Recommended solar panel brand

Matt Salatino
 

Let us know how that works. It’s certainly an interesting concept.

~~~⛵️~~~Matt

On Feb 10, 2020, at 9:42 PM, Peter de Groot <pandmdegroot@...> wrote:

I recently installed a 400W "bifacial"  panel from LG on a solar arch In theory the "bifacial" feature allows reflected light from below to contribute (or actually exceed the panels rated output). Since the panel is suspended over highly reflective water it seemed like a good idea.

 

It's too early after installation to know if the benefit is real.  It might be worth considering.

 

Peter de Groot

La Querida SM207

Moss Landing, California
Re: Recommended solar panel brand

Peter de Groot
 

I recently installed a 400W "bifacial"  panel from LG on a solar arch In theory the "bifacial" feature allows reflected light from below to contribute (or actually exceed the panels rated output). Since the panel is suspended over highly reflective water it seemed like a good idea.

 

It's too early after installation to know if the benefit is real.  It might be worth considering.

 

Peter de Groot

La Querida SM207

Moss Landing, California
Re: SM Prop Shaft Seal direction and Bushing

Mike Longcor (SV Trilogy)
 

Alan that sounds great. We might haul out in one of the yards in Whangarei, but I'd definitely appreciate chatting with you on this and other topics.

Cheers,
Mike Longcor
SV Trilogy SM23
Opua, NZ
Re: SM Prop Shaft Seal direction and Bushing

Alan Leslie
 

Mike,

I'll be on Elyse in Opua in April preparing for the trip to Fiji, if you would like any assistance or advice.
I've done the C-drive seal replacement job quite a few times now without issues.

Cheers
Alan
Elyse SM437
G21 Opua
Re: SM Prop Shaft Seal direction and Bushing

CW Bill Rouse
 

You're welcome  I always used normal waterproof wheel/axel grease. 

Best,

CW Bill Rouse
Amel Owners Yacht School - www.AmelOwnersYachtSchool.com
720 Winnie St
Galveston Island, TX 77550
+1(832) 380-4970

On Mon, Feb 10, 2020, 5:48 PM Mike Longcor (SV Trilogy) <svtrilogy53@...> wrote:
Thank you Bill. Those are great tips. Do you have a favorite grease for this job? Is Molykote a good choice?

Mike Longcor
SV Trilogy SM23
Opua, NZ

Re: SM Prop Shaft Seal direction and Bushing

Mike Longcor (SV Trilogy)
 

Thank you Bill. Those are great tips. Do you have a favorite grease for this job? Is Molykote a good choice?

Mike Longcor
SV Trilogy SM23
Opua, NZ
Re: SM Prop Shaft Seal direction and Bushing

CW Bill Rouse
 

Mike, 

My guess is that 99% of water egress is caused by one or more of these mistakes/omissions:
1.) Seals and/or wear bushings NOT purchased from Amel.
2.) The wall of the seal cavity NOT completely cleaned with emery cloth (see below).
3.) The seals NOT oriented according to Amel specs.
4.) The seals NOT inserted the correct depth.
5.) The seals NOT completely greased with waterproof grease
6.) The wear bushing O ring NOT greased and/or not the correct size
7.) The propeller shaft NOT completely cleaned where the wear bushing O ring meets the shaft.
8.) Did not follow the instructions
9.) Trusted a mechanic who said he could do the job

Here is a really good tip for you:
To clean the inside wall of the seal cavity, use a curved file with 400 grit 
wet/dry sandpaper wrapped around the end. This must be clean and smooth. 
Ensure this is done correctly.
image.png
CW Bill Rouse Amel Owners Yacht School
Address: 720 Winnie, Galveston Island, Texas 77550 
   
View My Training Calendar
cloudHQPowered by
cloudHQ


On Mon, Feb 10, 2020 at 4:01 PM Mike Longcor (SV Trilogy) <svtrilogy53@...> wrote:
Thanks everyone for your thoughts on this. I appreciate both schools of thought here. Great diagram Bill, I'm hoping to find my current seals in this orientation. I'll report back any worthwhile findings when I do this job in April. I'm sure thorough prep and careful installation are crucial.

Mike Longcor
SV Trilogy - SM23
Opua, NZ

On Tue, Feb 11, 2020, 5:46 AM CW Bill Rouse <brouse@...> wrote:
If you had a choice of:
Choice A protecting the loss of oil and destruction of the C-Drive
Choice B protecting from some seawater intrusion causing a haulout
Which would you choose?
image.png
CW Bill Rouse Amel Owners Yacht School
Address: 720 Winnie, Galveston Island, Texas 77550 
   
View My Training Calendar
cloudHQPowered by
cloudHQ


On Sun, Feb 9, 2020 at 11:15 AM Jean-Pierre Massicotte <Massicotte.j.p@...> wrote:
Hello Mike, Amel recommandations is to change the seals and bushing every 700 h of use. Also recommend 2 seals protecting the oil side and one on the water side.

We before crossing the Pacific we reverse this logic since haul up facility are fare apart and if water get in here it could make a big mess in the engine room by over flowing.
(We use the shaft alternator during all crossing)
It's very important to clean well the seal seating on the water side and make sure no residue remain.

Regards

Jean Pierre Massicotte
SN 51

On Sun., Feb. 9, 2020, 09:51 Craig Briggs SN 68 Sangaris via Groups.Io, <sangaris=aol.com@groups.io> wrote:
Hi Mike,
I suspect there is nothing new on this nor any particular consensus - it may well have migrated from engineering to philosophy ;-)
If yours is fine you may want to follow the adage of, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it".  Or change it and in a couple of years add to the anecdotal evidence being accumulated.
Cheers, Craig

Re: Recommended solar panel brand

Paul Dowd and Sharon Brown
 

We just installed 3 x LG335 Neon 2 black and have not had to use the generator since. I have seen up to 35A and the sun won’t get directly overhead for another month or two yet. I got them from Solarflexion in California and they cost USD1290 for the three.

 

Cheers,

Paul

S/Y Ya Fohi - Amel 54 #98

 

From: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io <main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io> On Behalf Of David Crisp
Sent: 10 February 2020 09:46
To: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io
Subject: [AmelYachtOwners] Recommended solar panel brand

 

I've been scouring this group and the web looking at what solar panels to get. The various brands appear to all offer very similar specifications yet the price variance is huge.
For example an LG 330 NeON 2Black panel is UK£223 vs. the Trina Solar, 335W Half Cut Mono Solar Module at UK£109 (all exVAT). 
The only significant difference between the two brands that I can see is in the warranty performance after 25 years: LG warranty is for 90% of initial spec'n vs. the Trinasolar's 81%.
I see some of you have bought LG, someone else has gone for Watts/£ and Bisol. Has anyone discovered any major difference between the brands? Any recommendations?

--
David Crisp
SV Wilna Grace
Amel 54 #58


--
Cheers
Paul
Ya Fohi - Amel 54 #98
Re: SM Prop Shaft Seal direction and Bushing

Mike Longcor (SV Trilogy)
 

Thanks everyone for your thoughts on this. I appreciate both schools of thought here. Great diagram Bill, I'm hoping to find my current seals in this orientation. I'll report back any worthwhile findings when I do this job in April. I'm sure thorough prep and careful installation are crucial.

Mike Longcor
SV Trilogy - SM23
Opua, NZ


On Tue, Feb 11, 2020, 5:46 AM CW Bill Rouse <brouse@...> wrote:
If you had a choice of:
Choice A protecting the loss of oil and destruction of the C-Drive
Choice B protecting from some seawater intrusion causing a haulout
Which would you choose?
image.png
CW Bill Rouse Amel Owners Yacht School
Address: 720 Winnie, Galveston Island, Texas 77550 
   
View My Training Calendar
cloudHQPowered by
cloudHQ


On Sun, Feb 9, 2020 at 11:15 AM Jean-Pierre Massicotte <Massicotte.j.p@...> wrote:
Hello Mike, Amel recommandations is to change the seals and bushing every 700 h of use. Also recommend 2 seals protecting the oil side and one on the water side.

We before crossing the Pacific we reverse this logic since haul up facility are fare apart and if water get in here it could make a big mess in the engine room by over flowing.
(We use the shaft alternator during all crossing)
It's very important to clean well the seal seating on the water side and make sure no residue remain.

Regards

Jean Pierre Massicotte
SN 51

On Sun., Feb. 9, 2020, 09:51 Craig Briggs SN 68 Sangaris via Groups.Io, <sangaris=aol.com@groups.io> wrote:
Hi Mike,
I suspect there is nothing new on this nor any particular consensus - it may well have migrated from engineering to philosophy ;-)
If yours is fine you may want to follow the adage of, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it".  Or change it and in a couple of years add to the anecdotal evidence being accumulated.
Cheers, Craig

Re: Recommended solar panel brand

CW Bill Rouse
 

Probably all of the poor performance and poor value solar panels are Chinese-made and not all Chinese-made is poor value.

Also, probably most of us have had experience with one brand, some of us two. Experience with one or two brands can't result in a reliable recommendation of one brand over all the others.

The technology and manufacturing process changes so quickly that what was great yesterday can be not so good today. 

Be careful!

Best,

CW Bill Rouse
Amel Owners Yacht School - www.AmelOwnersYachtSchool.com
720 Winnie St
Galveston Island, TX 77550
+1(832) 380-4970


On Mon, Feb 10, 2020, 1:59 PM Matt Salatino via Groups.Io <helmsmatt=yahoo.com@groups.io> wrote:
We had good luck with Trina’s on our previous boat. Installing 3, SunPower 390’s, 1.7 X 1 meter, on the new boat. They make a 400 in same size, but we’ll save €110 for 30 watts less...... I’m good with that.

~~~⛵️~~~Matt

On Feb 10, 2020, at 1:44 PM, Mark Erdos <mcerdos@...> wrote:

Some of the newer technologies offer better charging with lower angles of the sun. This is the reason for the primary difference in price. Also, flexible panels can run a lot more money. Of course, there are those manufacturers who like to have higher margins. So, it pays to look closely at the specs. We installed two LG panels and are very happy with the performance.

 

LG 315W Solar Panel LG315N1C-G4 Mono (33.2Vmp,9.5A 60 Cell) Black frame

 

 

With best regards,

 

Mark

 

Skipper

Sailing Vessel - Cream Puff - SM2K - #275

Currently cruising - Galapagos

www.creampuff.us

 

From: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io [mailto:main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io] On Behalf Of David Crisp
Sent: Monday, February 10, 2020 11:46 AM
To: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io
Subject: [AmelYachtOwners] Recommended solar panel brand

 

I've been scouring this group and the web looking at what solar panels to get. The various brands appear to all offer very similar specifications yet the price variance is huge.
For example an LG 330 NeON 2Black panel is UK£223 vs. the Trina Solar, 335W Half Cut Mono Solar Module at UK£109 (all exVAT). 
The only significant difference between the two brands that I can see is in the warranty performance after 25 years: LG warranty is for 90% of initial spec'n vs. the Trinasolar's 81%.
I see some of you have bought LG, someone else has gone for Watts/£ and Bisol. Has anyone discovered any major difference between the brands? Any recommendations?

--
David Crisp
SV Wilna Grace
Amel 54 #58

Re: Recommended solar panel brand

Matt Salatino
 

We had good luck with Trina’s on our previous boat. Installing 3, SunPower 390’s, 1.7 X 1 meter, on the new boat. They make a 400 in same size, but we’ll save €110 for 30 watts less...... I’m good with that.

~~~⛵️~~~Matt

On Feb 10, 2020, at 1:44 PM, Mark Erdos <mcerdos@...> wrote:

Some of the newer technologies offer better charging with lower angles of the sun. This is the reason for the primary difference in price. Also, flexible panels can run a lot more money. Of course, there are those manufacturers who like to have higher margins. So, it pays to look closely at the specs. We installed two LG panels and are very happy with the performance.

 

LG 315W Solar Panel LG315N1C-G4 Mono (33.2Vmp,9.5A 60 Cell) Black frame

 

 

With best regards,

 

Mark

 

Skipper

Sailing Vessel - Cream Puff - SM2K - #275

Currently cruising - Galapagos

www.creampuff.us

 

From: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io [mailto:main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io] On Behalf Of David Crisp
Sent: Monday, February 10, 2020 11:46 AM
To: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io
Subject: [AmelYachtOwners] Recommended solar panel brand

 

I've been scouring this group and the web looking at what solar panels to get. The various brands appear to all offer very similar specifications yet the price variance is huge.
For example an LG 330 NeON 2Black panel is UK£223 vs. the Trina Solar, 335W Half Cut Mono Solar Module at UK£109 (all exVAT). 
The only significant difference between the two brands that I can see is in the warranty performance after 25 years: LG warranty is for 90% of initial spec'n vs. the Trinasolar's 81%.
I see some of you have bought LG, someone else has gone for Watts/£ and Bisol. Has anyone discovered any major difference between the brands? Any recommendations?

--
David Crisp
SV Wilna Grace
Amel 54 #58

Re: Steering racks for SN, SM & 54

Aras Grinius
 

I too am looking forward to have the steering cables replaced for my Sharki

Aras
S/V Fiasco Sharki #163


On Mon, Feb 10, 2020 at 12:25 PM smiles bernard via Groups.Io <smilesbernard=yahoo.com@groups.io> wrote:
Hi Tom
It would be great to hear what Amel say about this
My 1985 Maramu has the Morse Commander 401
rack and pinion setup. Perhaps you have the same ?
I took the rack apart a year ago before an ocean passage and it all looked in great shape but I’d certainly consider this as a useful spare to have in the locker !

All the very best

Miles
#162 Maramu


On Sunday, February 9, 2020, 04:18:02 PM GMT, amel46met <onboardaphrodite@...> wrote:


Thanks Bill
On the to do list 
Tom
Aphrodite 


On Feb 9, 2020, at 10:04 AM, CW Bill Rouse <brouse@...> wrote:


Tom,

I am not sure. I believe that Maramus have the same rack. You should send an email to SAV"@"Amel.fr and ask. Please let me know at email below what they say.
CW Bill Rouse Amel Owners Yacht School
Address: 720 Winnie, Galveston Island, Texas 77550 
   
View My Training Calendar
cloudHQPowered by
cloudHQ


On Sun, Feb 9, 2020 at 9:53 AM amel46met <onboardaphrodite@...> wrote:
Good day Bill
I was wondering if Amel would have the racks for a 1983 Maramu # 125.
Barra De Navidad Mexico
200 miles to go for a circumnavigation !!
Thanks TOM Deasy 


On Feb 7, 2020, at 9:07 AM, CW Bill Rouse <brouse@...> wrote:


This is to notify you that SAV"at"Amel.fr will have the steering racks available to ship in a few weeks. I understand that they have them, and are currently testing the installation.

I would like to point out to everyone that this is really admirable on the part of Amel. When I contacted the US branch of the company that originally made these racks, there was not any desire on their part to make these discontinued racks available. I am not sure if Amel convinced them, or found someone else to make the racks, but in either case, Amel used their expertise and leverage to support owners with a discontinued manufacturer's part that Amel has not used since the last 54 was produced. Among boat builders, I believe this is remarkable. I know that Maud and Thierry were very supportive of all of us.

Bill
CW Bill Rouse Amel Owners Yacht School
Address: 720 Winnie, Galveston Island, Texas 77550 
   
View My Training Calendar
cloudHQPowered by
cloudHQ



--
Aras
Re: Recommended solar panel brand

Mark Erdos
 

Some of the newer technologies offer better charging with lower angles of the sun. This is the reason for the primary difference in price. Also, flexible panels can run a lot more money. Of course, there are those manufacturers who like to have higher margins. So, it pays to look closely at the specs. We installed two LG panels and are very happy with the performance.

 

LG 315W Solar Panel LG315N1C-G4 Mono (33.2Vmp,9.5A 60 Cell) Black frame

 

 

With best regards,

 

Mark

 

Skipper

Sailing Vessel - Cream Puff - SM2K - #275

Currently cruising - Galapagos

www.creampuff.us

 

From: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io [mailto:main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io] On Behalf Of David Crisp
Sent: Monday, February 10, 2020 11:46 AM
To: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io
Subject: [AmelYachtOwners] Recommended solar panel brand

 

I've been scouring this group and the web looking at what solar panels to get. The various brands appear to all offer very similar specifications yet the price variance is huge.
For example an LG 330 NeON 2Black panel is UK£223 vs. the Trina Solar, 335W Half Cut Mono Solar Module at UK£109 (all exVAT). 
The only significant difference between the two brands that I can see is in the warranty performance after 25 years: LG warranty is for 90% of initial spec'n vs. the Trinasolar's 81%.
I see some of you have bought LG, someone else has gone for Watts/£ and Bisol. Has anyone discovered any major difference between the brands? Any recommendations?

--
David Crisp
SV Wilna Grace
Amel 54 #58

Re: A54: Cable length between main mast head and chart table

CW Bill Rouse
 

I believe that 25m is not correct. 

On an SM, I replaced the B&G 213MHU Mount which comes with a choice of cable length. I bought the 25m length. It terminates in a junction box behind a panel on the aft bulkhead of the forward head on an SM. I had about 2m extra. I believe on a 54 you will need 25m for a B&G 213 MHU Mount, so certainly to go to the Nav Table, you'll need more than 25m.
CW Bill Rouse Amel Owners Yacht School
Address: 720 Winnie, Galveston Island, Texas 77550 
   
View My Training Calendar
cloudHQPowered by
cloudHQ


On Mon, Feb 10, 2020 at 11:16 AM Sv Garulfo <svgarulfo@...> wrote:
Hi all,

Does anyone know the precise length of cable required to go from the top of the main mast to the chart table through the standard conduit on the Amel 54? For instance for the VHF antenna cable.

I’m considering using an pre-crimped FME-terminated RG-8x VHF cable and I need to select the correct length.

A contact at Pochon said « probably » 25m and a trusted owner said maybe 28m.


Thanks
Thomas
GARULFO 
A54-122
Nuku Hiva, French Polynesia 
Re: New Wheel Leather

Annsofie & Jonas Svanberg
 

Here is how we did on Lady Annila.



Regards
Ann-Sofie on S/Y Lady Annila, SM232, 1998


Skickat från min iPhone

10 feb. 2020 kl. 14:37 skrev karkauai via Groups.Io <karkauai@...>:


We want to wrap our wheel and companionway handrail, too.  That's the nicest one I have seen yet!  Does that braid have a name?  Instructions on how to do it?

Michelle, you are hired!

Thanks

Kent and Iris
SM 243
Kristy
Bahamas, heading South

On Feb 8, 2020 3:33 AM, Steve Bode <Whatsup@...> wrote:
I think Michelle did a really nice job on our helm...

--
Steve Bode
Capt. SV Intention
Amel SM #117 (1994)
+1 415 710-6659 Mobile/Text/WhatsApp
facebook.com/stevebodesanfrancisco
svintention.com

Re: Steering racks for SN, SM & 54

smiles bernard
 

Hi Tom
It would be great to hear what Amel say about this
My 1985 Maramu has the Morse Commander 401
rack and pinion setup. Perhaps you have the same ?
I took the rack apart a year ago before an ocean passage and it all looked in great shape but I’d certainly consider this as a useful spare to have in the locker !

All the very best

Miles
#162 Maramu


On Sunday, February 9, 2020, 04:18:02 PM GMT, amel46met <onboardaphrodite@...> wrote:


Thanks Bill
On the to do list 
Tom
Aphrodite 


On Feb 9, 2020, at 10:04 AM, CW Bill Rouse <brouse@...> wrote:


Tom,

I am not sure. I believe that Maramus have the same rack. You should send an email to SAV"@"Amel.fr and ask. Please let me know at email below what they say.
CW Bill Rouse Amel Owners Yacht School
Address: 720 Winnie, Galveston Island, Texas 77550 
   
View My Training Calendar
cloudHQPowered by
cloudHQ


On Sun, Feb 9, 2020 at 9:53 AM amel46met <onboardaphrodite@...> wrote:
Good day Bill
I was wondering if Amel would have the racks for a 1983 Maramu # 125.
Barra De Navidad Mexico
200 miles to go for a circumnavigation !!
Thanks TOM Deasy 


On Feb 7, 2020, at 9:07 AM, CW Bill Rouse <brouse@...> wrote:


This is to notify you that SAV"at"Amel.fr will have the steering racks available to ship in a few weeks. I understand that they have them, and are currently testing the installation.

I would like to point out to everyone that this is really admirable on the part of Amel. When I contacted the US branch of the company that originally made these racks, there was not any desire on their part to make these discontinued racks available. I am not sure if Amel convinced them, or found someone else to make the racks, but in either case, Amel used their expertise and leverage to support owners with a discontinued manufacturer's part that Amel has not used since the last 54 was produced. Among boat builders, I believe this is remarkable. I know that Maud and Thierry were very supportive of all of us.

Bill
CW Bill Rouse Amel Owners Yacht School
Address: 720 Winnie, Galveston Island, Texas 77550 
   
View My Training Calendar
cloudHQPowered by
cloudHQ
5721 - 5740 of 56168  
More
Home Messages Hashtags Subgroups About Features Pricing Updates Terms Help Twitter