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[Amel Yacht Owners] A take on the 55
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James Wendell <ms42phantom54@...>
I have been reading the interesting comments regarding the Amel "progression" from the early models through the newer 55. I have a 54 that is nearing ten years old (2007) now. I can attest to the layout differences and can honestly say that I prefer the 54 layout (water-slapping on the stern notwithstanding - yes it is loud, but that is why Amel provided a "pontoon"). I have been on the 55 and feel that it is a huge departure from the Amel philosophy. Even though it had a full aft cabin, I did not like the forward arrangements. One good thing, though, is the fact that you can now walk under the mizzen boom - at least I can. And I do like the coordinated mainsail furling operation. One of my main peeves with the 55, if you will, is the incredibly high free board. You literally have to climb up into the boat at any normal dock, and it is quite a shock. Although I have not sailed the 55, I have to believe that is not going to be a good thing in high crosswinds. I further do not like the contemporary look of the interior, although that may just be my appeal for the "traditional" look of the SM and 54. Part of my opinions may stem from the fact that I could not afford a new 55, so I have completely retrofitted my 54 to an almost new condition. That includes (unfortunately) a new Volvo Penta D3-150, which I am expecting in the next month or so. But I have to look at the sliver lining in the cloud - had my engine not failed, I would not have been able to do a full refit. While there might be those who feel that newer is better, in my opinion the 54 is a better boat - and a true Amel. The 55 appears as a high-class Dufour. Best wishes to future Amel owners regardless of how they proceed. Jamie Wendell s/v Phantom Amel 54 On Monday, March 21, 2016 8:49 PM, "svperegrinus@... [amelyachtowners]" The 55 features a massive aft owner's cabin and it has a large number of features that make it more comfortable to live on than a 53. The 55 is even easier to sail than the 53. The 55 keeps most of the classic Amel features and introduces several new Amel features. The 55 does not have every single feature that the old Amels had. Some have been superseded. A few mechanical features such as the mechanical fresh water meter, formerly present, may no longer be there. If this is critical to one, one should consider an older Amel, but this is no reason to deem the 55 unworthy of its legacy. The 55 is faster and roomier than prior models and features up-to-date available technologies in many areas that are very difficult or not cost-effective to retrofit to older models. Is the 55 perfect? No. The 54 was not perfect. The 53 was not perfect. No boat is perfect. Every boat is a series of compromises. The 55 is the contemporary version of an Amel. If we had the money now, we would have a 55. As it is, we are very happy with our 53. Someday, we way upgrade. Cheerio, Peregrinus SM2K N. 350 docked Reial Club Maritim, Barcelona |
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galacsea2000 <no_reply@...>
I am surprised that no one is referring to the CRITICAL difference in the construction process: All AMEL, prior to the 55, have their bulkheads positioned and (more importantly) laminated/epoxied to the hull while the hull is still in the mold. Amel originally wanted to do the same for the 55 but could not proceed with it as it resulted in a total boat weight exceedingly high.
So the 55 is indeed built like a Beneteau/Jeanneau. |
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galacsea2000 <no_reply@...>
I fail to mention in my previous post that with the 55, you lose the twin head sails (Genoa and Ballooner) on the same profile (only one halyard, thus the possibility, for example, of furling both at the same time).
If you go around the world (East to West obviously), this make a hell of a difference. I crossed the Atlantic twice, once to Brazil (8 days between Cap Verde and Fernando De Noronha) and once to the West Indies (15 days between Canary Islands and Martinique) and the Pacific once (17 days between Galapagos and Marquesas Islands) - presently in New Zealand - and would not have done that without the twin head sails set up. Comparing Amel ans Oyster designs is legitimate. Comparing Amel Boats with Oyster Boats does not make sense. Amel is a Yard (chantier de construction). Oyster boats are built in several independent yards with different quality standards and thus different results. |
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Bill & Judy Rouse <yahoogroups@...>
Are you sure about this posting regarding bulkheads. What is your source of information? Best Bill On Mar 22, 2016 11:44 AM, "galacsea2000" <no_reply@...> wrote:
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galacsea2000 <no_reply@...>
Oliver Racoupeau
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Bill Kinney <greatketch@...>
Are the hull and deck still glassed together? Bill Kinney Harmonie, SM160 Port Canaveral, Florida On Mar 23, 2016, at 05:55, 'Jean Boucharlat' jean.boucharlat@... [amelyachtowners] <amelyachtowners@...> wrote:
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I am stunned !!
The structural integrity of the Amel monocoque was one of the main reasons I bought an SM. I find it hard to believe that they would stop doing this....and especially for reasons of weight. How much extra weight would be involved...seriously ? Alan Elsye SM437 |
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Bill Kinney <greatketch@...>
I think before we all run off half-cocked on stories and rumors, about how far Amel has fallen, maybe we should actually look at what Amel says. This is cut and pasted from their current Amel 55 web brochure (link here: http://www.amel.fr/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/AMEL-55-standard-equipment-January-2016.pdf)
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That very much sounds like their tried and true production techniques to me… Always remember—half of everything you read on the internet is wrong, and the rest is suspect! Bill Kinney Harmonie, SM160 Port Canaveral, Florida
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Thanks Bill for the clarity ......
Just like my SM ! Good ! Alan Elyse SM437 |
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Danny and Yvonne SIMMS
The structural strength of monocoque construction allows lighter scantlings and reduced overall weight so I find it hard to believe there was weight saving. Perhaps more likely to be trying for the "modern" layout. Danny SM 299 Ocean Pearl From: "divanz620@... [amelyachtowners]" To: amelyachtowners@... Sent: Wednesday, 23 March 2016 4:59 PM Subject: Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] A take on the 55 I am stunned !! The structural integrity of the Amel monocoque was one of the main reasons I bought an SM. I find it hard to believe that they would stop doing this....and especially for reasons of weight. How much extra weight would be involved...seriously ? Alan Elsye SM437
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Jean Boucharlat
Well, well, well ! That’s the very horse’s mouth.
Jean Boucharlat Formerly SM 232
From: amelyachtowners@... [mailto:amelyachtowners@...] On Behalf Of galacsea2000
Sent: mercredi 23 mars 2016 00:48 To: amelyachtowners@... Subject: Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] A take on the 55
Oliver Racoupeau |
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Kenneth Olsen <kennetholsen468@...>
I hope no one took my own inquiries about the layout of the 55 as derogatory -- I'm in love with Amel and chomping at the bit to land one. I didn't mean to bring the group down a rabbit hole or anything. Just doing my own assessment of pros and cons of 54 v. 55. I would be in heaven with either. This is almost a Sophie's Choice -- unfair to have to choose, but chose we must. I have never participated in a yahoo group before that displays so much knowledge and passion about their brand. If there's anything positively clear about the last few days of discussion, it's that everyone who owns their Amel and participated in these threads is loyal and passionate about Amel and protective of its reputation. I'm extremely impressed by that. Thank you for jumping on my neophyte questions with such much energy. I know it is all constructive and well motivated and I certainly do not compare these with with "B" word boats. I could not live with myself for settling for such a thing. I only meant to compare layout trends and not build quality, reputation, over-all value, etc. m: "Bill Kinney greatketch@... [amelyachtowners]" To: amelyachtowners@... Sent: Wednesday, March 23, 2016 12:42 AM Subject: Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] A take on the 55 I think before we all run off half-cocked on stories and rumors, about how far Amel has fallen, maybe we should actually look at what Amel says. This is cut and pasted from their current Amel 55 web brochure (link here: http://www.amel.fr/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/AMEL-55-standard-equipment-January-2016.pdf)
That very much sounds like their tried and true production techniques to me… Always remember—half of everything you read on the internet is wrong, and the rest is suspect! Bill Kinney Harmonie, SM160 Port Canaveral, Florida
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Richard Piller <richard03801@...>
We said and a bit of an early welcome to the group. We help each other. This has been a great I need a hand site. Fair Winds and Smooth Sailing to ALL Capt. Richard Piller RP Yacht Brokerage Newport RI 603 767 5330 On Wednesday, March 23, 2016 10:00 AM, "Kenneth Olsen kennetholsen468@... [amelyachtowners]" wrote: I hope no one took my own inquiries about the layout of the 55 as derogatory -- I'm in love with Amel and chomping at the bit to land one. I didn't mean to bring the group down a rabbit hole or anything. Just doing my own assessment of pros and cons of 54 v. 55. I would be in heaven with either. This is almost a Sophie's Choice -- unfair to have to choose, but chose we must. I have never participated in a yahoo group before that displays so much knowledge and passion about their brand. If there's anything positively clear about the last few days of discussion, it's that everyone who owns their Amel and participated in these threads is loyal and passionate about Amel and protective of its reputation. I'm extremely impressed by that. Thank you for jumping on my neophyte questions with such much energy. I know it is all constructive and well motivated and I certainly do not compare these with with "B" word boats. I could not live with myself for settling for such a thing. I only meant to compare layout trends and not build quality, reputation, over-all value, etc. m: "Bill Kinney greatketch@... [amelyachtowners]" To: amelyachtowners@... Sent: Wednesday, March 23, 2016 12:42 AM Subject: Re: [Amel Yacht Owners] A take on the 55 I think before we all run off half-cocked on stories and rumors, about how far Amel has fallen, maybe we should actually look at what Amel says. This is cut and pasted from their current Amel 55 web brochure (link here: http://www.amel.fr/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/AMEL-55-standard-equipment-January-2016.pdf)
That very much sounds like their tried and true production techniques to me… Always remember—half of everything you read on the internet is wrong, and the rest is suspect! Bill Kinney Harmonie, SM160 Port Canaveral, Florida
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