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Re: Important Update Re: No steering parts, rack & pinion, cables, from Amel
To review what I previously wrote: I received an email from Uflex USA, the Ultraflex distributor in the US. Email message to me from Uflex USA: Ultraflex, Italy is in contact with Chantier Amel in France, apparently they will be able to supply them a last batch of cables. When one SM owner noticed that the email from Uflex stated only "cables" and not racks, 3 days ago I wrote: "I believe that the US distributor probably misstated what Ultraflex is doing, but since I am not speaking directly to Ultraflex, Italy, I cannot know for sure. Since apparently Thierry BILLARD, manager of SAV at Amel, is in discussions with Ultraflex, I feel it is improper for me to get directly involved. The answer to your question will come from an owner ordering the racks from Amel. I am sure we will know more soon." Yesterday Thierry Billard SAV Manager emailed me and said: "We suddenly face with numerous emails and phone calls asking for info or order on pinion and rack of the steering system. We suspect you to have posted an anxiolitic message on the social network about a risk of shortage. Does it right ? For your review we are about to receive mid of Décember the first units of the internal toothed bar that must solve almost all this wear issues .The only obligation will be to dismount the pinion rack case to replace this worn toothed bar. Although your help is greatly appreciatly among the Amel community we request you from now to submit us for pre approval any new further message of this sort or to consult us if more info is needed." Of course it is not my intention to cause "panic" as Maud wrote. My only intention is to help any of you find the information that you need. But, in my attempt to help several of you, I have irritated two good people at Amel. Possibly they think that I am causing "panic" because they are on the receiving side of the solution to this steering parts issue. I will assure you that all I did is what I challenge myself every day to do...that is is help each of you enjoy your Amel while you own her. I have the utmost respect for Thierry and Maud who always do an amazing job helping owners of Amels. I CC'd Thierry Billard of this email. He will be able to read this so that there is no misunderstanding. --
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Re: Important Update Re: No steering parts, rack & pinion, cables, from Amel
Antonio, Vagabundo SN108
Hi Bill,
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
Absolutly !!! I have to call monday. This is the amel answer to the mail I sent this morning: Good afternoon, You are correct when you say that the steering rack has been discontinued by ULTRAFLEX. However we think that the message that has been posted is incomplete and has created a situation of panic among the AMEL community. For your reference we are currently working with a local company to have the inner teeth bar made. We should come up with a final solution by the end of this year. The only obligation will be to dismount the pinion rack case to replace this worn toothed bar. I can tell you more about the technical specs and price once I receive the replacement part. I hope I have given you a better appreciation of the situation. Maud TOUILLET Inviato da iPhone
Il giorno 15 nov 2019, alle ore 14:33, CW Bill Rouse <brouse@...> ha scritto:
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Re: Heaving-to experiences/advice, and Jordan series drogue use
Hi Aldo, I have hove-to several times, usually waiting for light to sail into an unfamiliar port. Typically, I use whatever sails I have up for the current conditions. The worst conditions were hove -to for 48 hours waiting for a storm to pass in 35-40 kt winds with gusts to 50, and 8-12 ft seas. I had a handkerchief of jib and 1/3 of the mizzen out. With the mizzen traveler amidships, we sailed slowly forward and out of the windward “slick”. I brought the traveler upwind and we drifted slowly directly downwind, staying in the upwind “slick” which kept all but one small wave from breaking on the side of the boat in 48 hours. The motion was comfortable and we were able to cook a hot meal. I also own a drogue, but haven’t had need to deploy it. We are still working on getting the bridle and other issues worked out that we’re brought up by Eric. Kent & Iris Kristy SM 243 On Nov 15, 2019, at 9:15 AM, Aldo Roldan via Groups.Io <aroldan1796@...> wrote: Hi Amelians I ignore if the subject matter has been discussed before, but I would love to hear from the many of you that have heaved to your Amels. Some of the questions that come to mind ( am sure there is many more I have not thought of) are when do you do it, in what kind of sea state? what wind ranges? What sales do you deploy, how much sail out. Do the mizzen play any role ? At what point it becomes ineffective and you need to run with the storm? When heaving to, do you still get some waves rolling into the cockpit? Also I would really appreciate to hear from some of the Amel 55s our there that have experience on the subject. On the Jordan series drogue use, I have some of Eric’s discussion on his epic experience, but I wonder whether anybody else has use them. I would appreciate hearing from those boats as well. Many thanks, you all Aldo Araucaria Amel 55
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Re: Contract done..boat bought
Congratulations on your new baby, Volker. She will bring you much joy and adventure in a safe and comfortable way.
Please post any questions here. It is helpful to everyone as many Amel models have similar systems. It will be helpful if you post different topics in different emails under different descriptive headings. That way a search will likely easily find that thread in the future. There are no dumb questions. We’ve all been new to our boats and gotten great help from others here. We are happy to help how ever we can. Fair winds to you and all Amelians. Kent & Iris Kristy SM 243 On Nov 14, 2019, at 8:20 AM, CW Bill Rouse <brouse@...> wrote: Congratulations! You should post your comments and questions to main@amelyachtowners.groups.io You should sign with your name and Santorin hull number. Best, CW Bill Rouse Amel Owners Yacht School - www.AmelOwnersYachtSchool.com 720 Winnie St Galveston Island, TX 77550 +1(832) 380-4970 On Thu, Nov 14, 2019, 6:57 AM Volker Hasenauer <volker.hasenauer@...> wrote:
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Heaving-to experiences/advice, and Jordan series drogue use
Aldo Roldan
Hi Amelians I ignore if the subject matter has been discussed before, but I would love to hear from the many of you that have heaved to your Amels. Some of the questions that come to mind ( am sure there is many more I have not thought of) are when do you do it, in what kind of sea state? what wind ranges? What sales do you deploy, how much sail out. Do the mizzen play any role ? At what point it becomes ineffective and you need to run with the storm? When heaving to, do you still get some waves rolling into the cockpit? Also I would really appreciate to hear from some of the Amel 55s our there that have experience on the subject. On the Jordan series drogue use, I have some of Eric’s discussion on his epic experience, but I wonder whether anybody else has use them. I would appreciate hearing from those boats as well. Many thanks, you all Aldo Araucaria Amel 55
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Re: Amel rudder ultraflex
Antonio To contact Amel SAV, email SAV"at"Amel.fr Best, CW Bill Rouse Amel Owners Yacht School - www.AmelOwnersYachtSchool.com 720 Winnie St Galveston Island, TX 77550 +1(832) 380-4970
On Fri, Nov 15, 2019, 7:30 AM Antonio Scipioni <antonioscipioni@...> wrote: Dear Amel,
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Re: Important Update Re: No steering parts, rack & pinion, cables, from Amel
Antonio, I am sure there are owners who would like know your solution that you worked out with the technician. Please describe. Best, CW Bill Rouse Amel Owners Yacht School - www.AmelOwnersYachtSchool.com 720 Winnie St Galveston Island, TX 77550 +1(832) 380-4970
On Fri, Nov 15, 2019, 3:07 AM Antonio, Vagabundo SN108 <vagabundo@...> wrote:
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Amel rudder ultraflex
Antonio Scipioni <antonioscipioni@...>
Dear Amel,
I read about the problem occoursed to a ultraflex sistem on an Amel Super Maramu and Just last year I was interested to change my cables and rack. My sistem works fine but it is 24 Years old and I like to sail safety. IF you can supply a new One I am interested to have a quote, this morning I asked to an ultraflex tecnician and He have to support me into One day. My boat is lyed in Tuscany, about Two hours from ultraflex headquarter and if necessary I am available for a ispection to find a common solution for all amel owners family. Br Antonio Scipioni Santorin Vagabundo Number 108 Inviato da iPhone
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Re: Important Update Re: No steering parts, rack & pinion, cables, from Amel
Antonio, Vagabundo SN108
Hi guys,
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
I follow with great interested this discussion about ultraflex. I am in Rome and my boat is two hour to ultraflex headquarter, I call today ultraflex and I have the personal phone of his tecnician to find a common solution. My Santorin is 24 Years old and I Was thinking to change the sistem just last year. Br Antonio Vagabundo SN108 In Tuscany Inviato da iPhone
Il giorno 14 nov 2019, alle ore 15:58, CW Bill Rouse <brouse@...> ha scritto:
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Re: Important Update Re: No steering parts, rack & pinion, cables, from Amel
I posted SM 16 Tamango 2 worn rack photo. This was 29 years old and 50,000 miles. You can see the rack is completely worn out. The album can be viewed here: https://amelyachtowners.groups.io/g/main/album?id=84618 --
On Thu, Nov 14, 2019 at 7:27 AM CW Bill Rouse via Groups.Io <brouse=gmail.com@groups.io> wrote:
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Re: Sailing US to Europe 2020
Wolfgang,
We will be making the same trip; Bermuda-Azores-Portugal ... (opr maybe England this time) ... about the first or second week of May 2020. I have had good luck with several wonderful crew combinations and if you wish I can ask some of my former crews if they want to go again. Not necessarily Amel people, but certainly qualified crew that have Amel experience aboard Adagio. Best wishes! Gary W SM 209, Adagio Brunswick, GA USA
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Re: Important Update Re: No steering parts, rack & pinion, cables, from Amel
I have a photo of Hanspeter's old steering rack which I will post for him in Photos. His was 29 years old and about 50,000 miles. Best, CW Bill Rouse Amel Owners Yacht School - www.AmelOwnersYachtSchool.com 720 Winnie St Galveston Island, TX 77550 +1(832) 380-4970
On Wed, Nov 13, 2019, 8:54 PM hanspeter baettig <hanspeter.baettig@...> wrote:
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Re: Contract done..boat bought
Congratulations! You should post your comments and questions to main@amelyachtowners.groups.io You should sign with your name and Santorin hull number. Best, CW Bill Rouse Amel Owners Yacht School - www.AmelOwnersYachtSchool.com 720 Winnie St Galveston Island, TX 77550 +1(832) 380-4970
On Thu, Nov 14, 2019, 6:57 AM Volker Hasenauer <volker.hasenauer@...> wrote:
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Re: Important Update Re: No steering parts, rack & pinion, cables, from Amel
hanspeter baettig
Again its Hp
The problem was coming up suddenly. 20 nm befor going between moonoisland Trinidad, the steering had a problem . I turned the wheel with force and used the bow trouster to sail between the rocks to the marina Peakes. Not so nice, but no wind. I send a picture of the broken steering system to Bill. Hi will decide to post it on our Amel Forum ------ Original Nachricht ------ Am Mittwoch, 13. Nov, 2019 um 20:13, Mark McGovern schrieb: Bill, Just to clarify, Ultraflex is committing to make one last batch of cables ONLY? What about the rack and pinion gears? From reading posts on steering failures on this forum it seems that the racks are prone to failure - even if their failure is preceded, and potentially caused by, cable failures. -- Mark McGovern SM #440 Cara Deale, MD USA
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Re: Important Update Re: No steering parts, rack & pinion, cables, from Amel
hanspeter baettig
Yes this is HP from Tamango 2 I got the chance to order the last piece of Steering material, racks and pinion from SAV. I told that to Bill and SAV will look for new mybe new sources. But; my steereing last for about 50000 nm and 29 years. I did not so much sailing because I was in the med for 20 Years. the installation took me about 2 hours at Trinidad, with the help of Marc; Dynamic Mec. Chagarumas, Port of Spain ------ Original Nachricht ------ Am Mittwoch, 13. Nov, 2019 um 20:22, CW Bill Rouse schrieb: Mark, I believe that the US distributor probably misstated what Ultraflex is doing, but since I am not speaking directly to Ultraflex, I cannot know for sure. Since Thierry BILLARD, manager of SAV at Amel is in discussions with Ultraflex, I feel it is improper for me to get directly involved. The answer to your question will come from an owner ordering the racks from Amel. I am sure we will know more soon. --
On Wed, Nov 13, 2019 at 1:13 PM Mark McGovern <mfmcgovern@...> wrote: Bill,
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Re: Important Update Re: No steering parts, rack & pinion, cables, from Amel
Arno, Yes Best, CW Bill Rouse Amel Yacht Owners School - www.AmelYachtOwnersSchool.com 720 Winnie St Galveston Island, TX 77550 +1(832) 380-4970
On Wed, Nov 13, 2019, 4:52 PM Arno Luijten <arno.luijten@...> wrote: Hi Bill,
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Re: Important Update Re: No steering parts, rack & pinion, cables, from Amel
Hi Bill,
I may have missed the answer to this question but is this rack/cables also for the 54? Regards, Arno SVLuna, A54-121
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Re: Important Update Re: No steering parts, rack & pinion, cables, from Amel
Patrick McAneny
James , That seems like a good idea , I will begin to fix it off center.
I was wondering if the rack could be rehabbed ,is the rack cast metal or could metal be welded and teeth fashioned .
Pat
SM Shenanigans
-----Original Message-----
From: James Alton via Groups.Io <lokiyawl2@...> To: main <main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io> Sent: Wed, Nov 13, 2019 4:51 pm Subject: Re: [AmelYachtOwners] Important Update Re: No steering parts, rack & pinion, cables, from Amel Bill,
That is interesting speculation about the smoothness of an autopilot affecting the life expectancy of the steering rack and makes sense to me. I have also been concerned about the possible wear due to wind and wave while the boat is not underway. I have started turning the wheel at least some off center before tying off the wheel so that the center wheel position on the rack is not being used sine this seems to be where the rack fails most often. I have found that turning the wheel fully to the stops and securing seems to remove essentially all of the movement in the steering system. Do you or others have an opinion on what is the best course of action when securing the wheel at anchor or dockside to create the least amount of wear?
James
SV Sueno
Maramu #220
Preveza, Greece
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Re: Important Update Re: No steering parts, rack & pinion, cables, from Amel
James Alton
Bill,
toggle quoted messageShow quoted text
That is interesting speculation about the smoothness of an autopilot affecting the life expectancy of the steering rack and makes sense to me. I have also been concerned about the possible wear due to wind and wave while the boat is not underway. I have started turning the wheel at least some off center before tying off the wheel so that the center wheel position on the rack is not being used sine this seems to be where the rack fails most often. I have found that turning the wheel fully to the stops and securing seems to remove essentially all of the movement in the steering system. Do you or others have an opinion on what is the best course of action when securing the wheel at anchor or dockside to create the least amount of wear? James SV Sueno Maramu #220 Preveza, Greece
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Re: Important Update Re: No steering parts, rack & pinion, cables, from Amel
I realize that I was probably too conservative when I stated that "the steering rack normally lasts 20+ years." I think with very few exceptions, the rack has lasted closer to 30 years, than 20 years.
And, more importantly, I believe the smoother that autopilot shifts from port to starboard, the longer the rack will last. In the past 10-15 years most autopilots that I have seen have improved dramatically in the smoothing of this shift. For instance, when BeBe, SM387 was new, there was a Raymarine 400G course computer installed. I later installed the next generation of course computers, the Raymarine S3. There was a dramatic difference. Also, most 54's have Furuno autopilots with hydraulic steering. The hydraulic ram's shift is much smoother than the Raymarine electric motor drives. It is likely that 54s with Furuno hydraulic steering may never have the issue shown in the photo below. I believe that this extraordinary mid-rack wear is cause by the abrupt shift we find from older autopilots. The rack below is worn in the center. --
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