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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
Re: Important Update Re: No steering parts, rack & pinion, cables, from Amel

Antonio, Vagabundo SN108
 

Hi guys,
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:


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


--
CW Bill Rouse Amel Yacht Owners School
Address: 720 Winnie, Galveston Island, Texas 77550 
   


On Thu, Nov 14, 2019 at 7:27 AM CW Bill Rouse via Groups.Io <brouse=gmail.com@groups.io> wrote:
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:

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.

--
CW Bill Rouse Amel Yacht Owners School
+1 832-380-4970 | brouse@...
Address: 720 Winnie, Galveston Island, Texas 77550 
   


On Wed, Nov 13, 2019 at 1:13 PM Mark McGovern <mfmcgovern@...> wrote:
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

Re: Important Update Re: No steering parts, rack & pinion, cables, from Amel

CW Bill Rouse
 

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


--
CW Bill Rouse Amel Yacht Owners School
Address: 720 Winnie, Galveston Island, Texas 77550 
   


On Thu, Nov 14, 2019 at 7:27 AM CW Bill Rouse via Groups.Io <brouse=gmail.com@groups.io> wrote:
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:

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.

--
CW Bill Rouse Amel Yacht Owners School
+1 832-380-4970 | brouse@...
Address: 720 Winnie, Galveston Island, Texas 77550 
   


On Wed, Nov 13, 2019 at 1:13 PM Mark McGovern <mfmcgovern@...> wrote:
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

Re: Sailing US to Europe 2020

Gary Wells
 

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
Re: Important Update Re: No steering parts, rack & pinion, cables, from Amel

CW Bill Rouse
 

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:

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.

--
CW Bill Rouse Amel Yacht Owners School
+1 832-380-4970 | brouse@...
Address: 720 Winnie, Galveston Island, Texas 77550 
   


On Wed, Nov 13, 2019 at 1:13 PM Mark McGovern <mfmcgovern@...> wrote:
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

Re: Contract done..boat bought

CW Bill Rouse
 

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:
Hi Bill,

about a week ago I joint your group and from today onwards I can be named a proud Amel owner. Contract signed, money send.....so all should be fine.

I bought a Amel Santorin, Sloop from 1990. She is currently in Miri, Sarawak - Malaysia. I live in Langkawi/Malaysia which is about +/- 1,200 NM away from Miri. I will pick up my new "baby" in January and give her a good overhaul before she should bring me to nice places in this world.

I saw so far many email within the group, however I am honest that I have not 100% understood if I can filter them and if I can post a question by myself.

I have certain questions, however to not want to load the entire group with all my issues.

Is there a way I can contact only a certain group of Amel owners - Santorin owners - or would my email posted to all within the group?

Greetings from Langkawi, Volker
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
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.

--
CW Bill Rouse Amel Yacht Owners School
Address: 720 Winnie, Galveston Island, Texas 77550 
   


On Wed, Nov 13, 2019 at 1:13 PM Mark McGovern <mfmcgovern@...> wrote:
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

Re: Important Update Re: No steering parts, rack & pinion, cables, from Amel

CW Bill Rouse
 

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,

I may have missed the answer to this question but is this rack/cables also for the 54?

Regards,

Arno
SVLuna,
A54-121

Re: Important Update Re: No steering parts, rack & pinion, cables, from Amel

Arno Luijten
 

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
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

On Nov 13, 2019, at 5:11 PM, CW Bill Rouse <brouse@...> wrote:

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.
<worn out rack.JPG>
--  
 
Best,
 
CW Bill Rouse
Amel Owners Yacht School
720 Winnie St
Galveston Island, TX 77550
+1(832) 380-4970
My Calendar 
Re: Important Update Re: No steering parts, rack & pinion, cables, from Amel

James Alton
 

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

On Nov 13, 2019, at 5:11 PM, CW Bill Rouse <brouse@...> wrote:

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.
<worn out rack.JPG>
--  
 
Best,
 
CW Bill Rouse
Amel Owners Yacht School
720 Winnie St
Galveston Island, TX 77550
+1(832) 380-4970
Re: Important Update Re: No steering parts, rack & pinion, cables, from Amel

CW Bill Rouse
 

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.

--  
 
Best,
 
CW Bill Rouse
Amel Owners Yacht School
720 Winnie St
Galveston Island, TX 77550
+1(832) 380-4970
Re: Important Update Re: No steering parts, rack & pinion, cables, from Amel

CW Bill Rouse
 

I am not sure, but I believe there is a good chance they are the same. check with SAV"at"Amel.fr

--
CW Bill Rouse Amel Yacht Owners School
Address: 720 Winnie, Galveston Island, Texas 77550 
   


On Wed, Nov 13, 2019 at 2:17 PM rob dillmann <rob.dillmann@...> wrote:
Dear Bill,

Are these cables the same as those used in an Amel Mango? 

Best regards,
Rob Dillmann 
Westwind Mango 43

Verstuurd vanaf mijn iPhone

Op 13 nov. 2019 om 12:09 heeft CW Bill Rouse <brouse@...> het volgende geschreven:

All SN, SM & 54 owners:

If you recall, one owner attempted to order steering rack and/or cable parts from Amel and was told the parts were no longer available. As soon as I read this, I got in touch with Amel, who told me Ultraflex, the Italian rack and cable manufacturer, abruptly and without notice stopped production of these parts. I asked Amel for some help and they said that they were working on a solution. I continued to follow-up with Uflex, the US distributor for Ultraflex, Italy. I asked Uflex USA to get involved with Ultraflex and push them for a solution. I promised all of you that I would post any results here.

The following is from Uflex USA. If you need/want replacement steering rack or cable parts, you should probably order them now from SAV"at"Amel.fr. It seems as though the steering rack normally lasts 20+ years. Cables usually last longer. Without replacement parts you will be forced to install a major steering change.
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. 
Uflex USA, Inc.

6442 Parkland Drive

Sarasota, FL 34243

www.uflexusa.com

--
 
Best,
 
Bill Rouse
Amel Owners Yacht School
720 Winnie St
Galveston Island, TX 77550
+1(832) 380-4970
Re: 3-D printing of furler motor parts

Alan Leslie
 

Sav@... have a smaller inner diameter ring to fit that new motor.
I posted info on it some time ago
Alan 
Elyse SM437
Re: Important Update Re: No steering parts, rack & pinion, cables, from Amel

rob dillmann
 

Dear Bill,

Are these cables the same as those used in an Amel Mango? 

Best regards,
Rob Dillmann 
Westwind Mango 43

Verstuurd vanaf mijn iPhone

Op 13 nov. 2019 om 12:09 heeft CW Bill Rouse <brouse@...> het volgende geschreven:

All SN, SM & 54 owners:

If you recall, one owner attempted to order steering rack and/or cable parts from Amel and was told the parts were no longer available. As soon as I read this, I got in touch with Amel, who told me Ultraflex, the Italian rack and cable manufacturer, abruptly and without notice stopped production of these parts. I asked Amel for some help and they said that they were working on a solution. I continued to follow-up with Uflex, the US distributor for Ultraflex, Italy. I asked Uflex USA to get involved with Ultraflex and push them for a solution. I promised all of you that I would post any results here.

The following is from Uflex USA. If you need/want replacement steering rack or cable parts, you should probably order them now from SAV"at"Amel.fr. It seems as though the steering rack normally lasts 20+ years. Cables usually last longer. Without replacement parts you will be forced to install a major steering change.
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. 
Uflex USA, Inc.

6442 Parkland Drive

Sarasota, FL 34243

www.uflexusa.com

--
 
Best,
 
Bill Rouse
Amel Owners Yacht School
720 Winnie St
Galveston Island, TX 77550
+1(832) 380-4970
Re: Important Update Re: No steering parts, rack & pinion, cables, from Amel

Mark McGovern
 

Bill,

Understood.

Thanks,
Mark
--
Mark McGovern
SM #440 Cara
Deale, MD USA
Re: Important Update Re: No steering parts, rack & pinion, cables, from Amel

karkauai
 

Thank you for doing this leg work Bill.

My steering functions, feels, and sounds fine.  Kristy is 19 years old and we are embarking on a planned Caribbean, S Pacific and Mediterranean cruise in a few weeks.
If you were in my shoes, would you order these spares now?  Would you carry them with you?

Kent & Iris
Kristy
SM 243

On Nov 13, 2019, at 2:13 PM, Mark McGovern <mfmcgovern@...> wrote:

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

Re: Important Update Re: No steering parts, rack & pinion, cables, from Amel

CW Bill Rouse
 

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.

--
CW Bill Rouse Amel Yacht Owners School
Address: 720 Winnie, Galveston Island, Texas 77550 
   


On Wed, Nov 13, 2019 at 1:13 PM Mark McGovern <mfmcgovern@...> wrote:
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

Re: 3-D printing of furler motor parts

karkauai
 

Hi Tom,
I had new mounting discs made from 3/4” delrin by a machinist.  They were about $125 US each plus material.  I had to buy a 1 ft square of 3/4” delrin.

Kent
SM 243
Kristy

On Nov 13, 2019, at 2:02 PM, Thomas Kleman <lorient422@...> wrote:

My old furler motor (original) called it quits. While It will be rebuilt, tested, and become a spare, my spare furling motor (bought from Amel years ago) is slightly different in that the old motor's upper jacket which holds the white vinyl motor cover is slightly too big. It doesnt fit snugly on the new motor, which came without one. I measured what I need and have given the task to Ronan (Kent's 3-D printing vendor). We will see how this goes. Price was quoted as about $25 so why not ?

I'm also interested in making the upper and lower gear box mounting discs (that hold it in the mast).

I will supply pics in the event of success or remain completely silent if this ends up being a fools errand. 

Tom and Kirstin
SV L'ORIENT
SM 2K 422

9361 - 9380 of 58503