Passarelle Question


Doug Smith
 

Quick question for those who are familiar with the hydraulic passarelle found on some of the 54’s.

I am repairing a burst hose on the one I have and replacing all 6 hoses.  While doing this, I am also getting some of the componants replaced that have become rusty due to the water that I was getting into the stern locker.

As others have noted that locker can get wet.  In my case, it turns out that the location of the water ingress was around the two hoses that provided the inward and outward rotation of the passarelle.  I will use a better sealant to repair those holes once reassembled. 
But I have these 4 items, that are difficult to identify or know their purpose.  I thought originally that they may be check valves, but not sure why only 4 would be there.  Also when I blow air through them, the air flows both directions. This may be due to the higher viscosity of the hydraulic fluid causes them to ‘check’ and the air flow isn’t enough force.  Not sure.

I am seeing markings of what appear to be, VSR0400, with HE above it and OR in the logo. Pictures attached.  Any advice on what they are, and replacement options would be greatly appreciated. Just left the hydraulic shop to get the new hoses and the nice people there were unable to identify or help much with this piece. 

 

Thanks, Doug

SV Aventura, 54-113

Deltaville, VA USA

Doug Smith


Bill Kinney
 

Doug,  

I believe these are flow control valves, made by Dana Brevini. 

https://paro.nl/library/components/dana-brevini/vsr0400

They limit the maximum flow of hydraulic fluid through any single circuit, and thereby the speed of movement. 

Bill Kinney
SM 160, Harmonie
Terre de Haut, Guadeloupe 
http://www.cruisingconsulting.com


Doug Smith
 

Thanks Bill, you just saved me a major headache.  I agree, it appears this is the device.  It is 1/4” BSP threads.

The hose shop measured the threads on the hose and they thought they were metric, but this confirms they were using the BSP type.  It would have created a bit of a mess once we got them under pressure.

I will see if I can get hold of those flow control valves, and keep that link to how you found them. Very handy!

 

Thanks, Doug

SV Aventura, 54-113

Deltaville, VA USA

Doug Smith

 

From: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io <main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io> on behalf of Bill Kinney <cruisingconsulting@...>
Date: Friday, December 30, 2022 at 12:28 PM
To: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io <main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io>
Subject: Re: [AmelYachtOwners] Passarelle Question

Doug,  

I believe these are flow control valves, made by Dana Brevini. 

https://paro.nl/library/components/dana-brevini/vsr0400

They limit the maximum flow of hydraulic fluid through any single circuit, and thereby the speed of movement. 

Bill Kinney
SM 160, Harmonie
Terre de Haut, Guadeloupe 
http://www.cruisingconsulting.com


Arno Luijten
 

Having gained extensive experience with the Opacmare passerelle (at immense cost), I can confirm these are flow restrictors. You need them specifically to limit the up-down speed. As the passerelle folds in it automatically adjusts the horizontal position of the passerelle to fit inside the slot. The system cannot respond fast enough if the up-down movement is too fast. This can potentially damage the stern. Despite the claims in the user manual the system is perfectly capable to damage the stern anyway so be careful when operating.
There is also a pressure balancing device across the two up-down cylinders. It lives at the back of the rotating part of the passerelle.
You can rotate the restrictors to change the flow-rate and there is a contra-ring/nut to lock the adjustment.
Be careful changing the settings. It took me quite some time to get everything dialed in correctly after the passerelle was overhauled. And make sure to exercise the whole thing at regular basis. Also keep it as much as possible free from salt as the rotational actuator is NOT corrosion proof. A new rotational actuator is around 6000 Eur new…

Regards,
Arno Luijten
SV Luna,
A45-121


Courtney Gorman
 

Hi
Has anyone ever successfully removed their hydraulic passerelle? Or converted it to manual operation?  Every time I repair it within 6 months it fails again.  
Happy New Year 🎆 
Courtney 
Trippin 
54#101


On Dec 31, 2022, at 6:14 AM, Arno Luijten <arno.luijten@...> wrote:

Having gained extensive experience with the Opacmare passerelle (at immense cost), I can confirm these are flow restrictors. You need them specifically to limit the up-down speed. As the passerelle folds in it automatically adjusts the horizontal position of the passerelle to fit inside the slot. The system cannot respond fast enough if the up-down movement is too fast. This can potentially damage the stern. Despite the claims in the user manual the system is perfectly capable to damage the stern anyway so be careful when operating.
There is also a pressure balancing device across the two up-down cylinders. It lives at the back of the rotating part of the passerelle.
You can rotate the restrictors to change the flow-rate and there is a contra-ring/nut to lock the adjustment.
Be careful changing the settings. It took me quite some time to get everything dialed in correctly after the passerelle was overhauled. And make sure to exercise the whole thing at regular basis. Also keep it as much as possible free from salt as the rotational actuator is NOT corrosion proof. A new rotational actuator is around 6000 Eur new…

Regards,
Arno Luijten
SV Luna,
A45-121


Arno Luijten
 

On Sat, Dec 31, 2022 at 10:58 AM, Courtney Gorman wrote:
Hi
Has anyone ever successfully removed their hydraulic passerelle? Or converted it to manual operation?  Every time I repair it within 6 months it fails again.  
Happy New Year 🎆 
Courtney 
Trippin 
54#101
If you mean remove it permanently, no. But I did remove it completely at some point to have it overhauled. The base is bolted to the stern with caulking in between. That makes it a pig to get off. I my case even worse because I had to remove it without any disassembly (rotational actuator was frozen solid). It is really heavy. It took 4 men to get it off all balancing at the stern of the boat trying not to make it into a boat anchor... Breaking the caulking bond was a nightmare and I was very fortunate it did not rip off the gelcoat.
I don't know what fails on your passerelle so often, but I found the electronics to be quite reliable. The sensors are a mess and fail frequently. I now make the habit of turning off the whole thing with the circuit breaker as the sensors are always on, even with the passerelle not active.
The rotary actuator needs to kept be well greased to prevent rust. As said before, I also exercise the device regularly.
Taking it off permanently will give you the challenge of modifying the stern to match the new reality. Not impossible but not easy as well. You could make up a manual operated passerelle but the telescopic function would be hard to replicate. Also I don't like passerelles that have to rest on the shore-side as well. Movements of the boat will lead to damage sooner or later.
In short, no simple solution get rid of the Opacmare and not affect the aesthetics of the stern too much.

Regards,
Arno Luijten
SV Luna
A54-121
Rotterdam


Peter Forbes
 

Arno,

Can you e-mail me on ppsforbes@... I need some advice re Amsterdam.

Peter
Carango 
Amel 54-035

On Sun, 1 Jan 2023 at 12:04, Arno Luijten <arno.luijten@...> wrote:
On Sat, Dec 31, 2022 at 10:58 AM, Courtney Gorman wrote:
Hi
Has anyone ever successfully removed their hydraulic passerelle? Or converted it to manual operation?  Every time I repair it within 6 months it fails again.  
Happy New Year 🎆 
Courtney 
Trippin 
54#101
If you mean remove it permanently, no. But I did remove it completely at some point to have it overhauled. The base is bolted to the stern with caulking in between. That makes it a pig to get off. I my case even worse because I had to remove it without any disassembly (rotational actuator was frozen solid). It is really heavy. It took 4 men to get it off all balancing at the stern of the boat trying not to make it into a boat anchor... Breaking the caulking bond was a nightmare and I was very fortunate it did not rip off the gelcoat.
I don't know what fails on your passerelle so often, but I found the electronics to be quite reliable. The sensors are a mess and fail frequently. I now make the habit of turning off the whole thing with the circuit breaker as the sensors are always on, even with the passerelle not active.
The rotary actuator needs to kept be well greased to prevent rust. As said before, I also exercise the device regularly.
Taking it off permanently will give you the challenge of modifying the stern to match the new reality. Not impossible but not easy as well. You could make up a manual operated passerelle but the telescopic function would be hard to replicate. Also I don't like passerelles that have to rest on the shore-side as well. Movements of the boat will lead to damage sooner or later.
In short, no simple solution get rid of the Opacmare and not affect the aesthetics of the stern too much.

Regards,
Arno Luijten
SV Luna
A54-121
Rotterdam

--
Best wishes
Peter Forbes
+44 (0) 7836 209730


Teun BAAS
 

Peter,

 

Big, big mistake asking a “Rotterdammer” advice re Amsterdam and then on top of all that specifically asking Arno who absolutely despises Amsterdam hahahahahahahaha

 

Best Regards Teun

SV AMELIT  A54  #128

 

HOPE ISLAND MARINA (near BRISBANE) QLD AUSTRALIA

January 7, 2023 10:06:54

 

You can follow AMELIT via this link: https://forecast.predictwind.com/tracking/display/AMELIT

 

 

From: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io <main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io> On Behalf Of Peter Forbes via groups.io
Sent: Sunday, January 1, 2023 22:31
To: main@amelyachtowners.groups.io
Subject: Re: [AmelYachtOwners] Passarelle Question

 

Arno,

 

Can you e-mail me on ppsforbes@... I need some advice re Amsterdam.

 

Peter

Carango 

Amel 54-035

 

On Sun, 1 Jan 2023 at 12:04, Arno Luijten <arno.luijten@...> wrote:

On Sat, Dec 31, 2022 at 10:58 AM, Courtney Gorman wrote:

Hi

Has anyone ever successfully removed their hydraulic passerelle? Or converted it to manual operation?  Every time I repair it within 6 months it fails again.  

Happy New Year 🎆 

Courtney 

Trippin 

54#101

If you mean remove it permanently, no. But I did remove it completely at some point to have it overhauled. The base is bolted to the stern with caulking in between. That makes it a pig to get off. I my case even worse because I had to remove it without any disassembly (rotational actuator was frozen solid). It is really heavy. It took 4 men to get it off all balancing at the stern of the boat trying not to make it into a boat anchor... Breaking the caulking bond was a nightmare and I was very fortunate it did not rip off the gelcoat.
I don't know what fails on your passerelle so often, but I found the electronics to be quite reliable. The sensors are a mess and fail frequently. I now make the habit of turning off the whole thing with the circuit breaker as the sensors are always on, even with the passerelle not active.
The rotary actuator needs to kept be well greased to prevent rust. As said before, I also exercise the device regularly.
Taking it off permanently will give you the challenge of modifying the stern to match the new reality. Not impossible but not easy as well. You could make up a manual operated passerelle but the telescopic function would be hard to replicate. Also I don't like passerelles that have to rest on the shore-side as well. Movements of the boat will lead to damage sooner or later.
In short, no simple solution get rid of the Opacmare and not affect the aesthetics of the stern too much.

Regards,
Arno Luijten
SV Luna
A54-121
Rotterdam

--

Best wishes

Peter Forbes

+44 (0) 7836 209730


Mark Baxter
 

HI Arno,

I recently bought my A54 and very pleased to find this thread on the hydraulic passerelle.

It seems you have some great experience working on this beast, so I would be extremely grateful for any help you may be willing to offer.

My own passerelle was not working when i bought the boat, so I intend to investigate just how bad things are, when I return to the boat next month.

I look forward to your reply, (please feel free to PM me with any details if that's easier)

Kind regards,
Mark

SV Summer Breeze
A54-75
Abu Dhabi


Ruslan Osmonov
 

Hi Mark, 

do you have Opacmare? 
I just finished fixing my Opacmare Passerelle, it's actually quite good piece if equipment and "simple". I used to worry about what would I do if it stops working, now I know that like many things on AMEL it can be operated manually and you can stow it away, unless there's some major damage. 
In my case control box got fried last year and what seemed like simple buy new one and replace turned out (luckily for me, since I learned heck a lot about the unit) to be quite a job to make it all work. 

Here is the document for the Opacmare that was installed on 54s. It will explain how to operate it manually and also give you layout of solenoids if you are to activate manually to perform actions. 

I would start with the control box and see if it is has power and if sensor LEDs are on. if no power check fuse, it is on the bottom of the box. If you have power and not all 3 bottom sensor LEDs are ON that means the passerelle is not leveled and when you try to press rotate out, the box will attempt to level it up and prepare for the rotation. Don't be surprised if you press rotate but retract OUT lights up, that means that the Box is trying to retract before it moves to the next step in leveling sequence. Once all 3 sensor LEDs are ON, only then it will start rotating.   
if it the control box, you can buy replacement. Some dealers will immediately ask you for a serial number. The plaque is on the inside and you will need to rotate out manually. It's actually not that hard, you can use 3mm Allen key to press 'rotate ccw' solenoid and pump out. One tip, the manual pump is easy to operate when you press enough, if you don't it will feel like it is stuck, but once you press enough it will open solenoid and the manual pump will be "easy" to pump. Since it was not operational for awhile it may be resting on fiberglass, so try to manually "UP" before you manually "Rotate out".

if you cannot manually rotate, you may have oil, pump, or actuator problems. 

Do not hesitate to ask, there is not much info out there, so happy to share what I know. 

--
Fair winds
Ruslan Osmonov
Phantom, A54 #44


Laurens Vos
 

Hi Arno,

As I read you have a big amount experienced with our passerelle will it be possible to contact me via private email. 

As I’m having some questions regarding the passerelle which are for me more easy to discuss in our own Dutch language

laurensrineke@... 

Regards 
Laurens 
Fun@Sea A54 - 092


Doug Smith
 

The only thing I would add to Ruslan’s great description is that if you are having erratic behavior, or electrical control issues with the control box, disconnect the control cable from the box and use some electrical contact cleaner spray on the connectors.  Then a squirt or two of CorrosionX, to ensure the connections are in good condition.  The connections to the control box were a problem, that this “Rouse” trick, fixed on mine.

 

Thanks, Doug

SV Aventura, 54-113

Deltaville, VA USA

Doug Smith

 

From: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io <main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io> on behalf of Ruslan Osmonov <rosmonov@...>
Date: Saturday, May 6, 2023 at 8:47 AM
To: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io <main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io>
Subject: Re: [AmelYachtOwners] Passarelle Question

Hi Mark, 

do you have Opacmare? 
I just finished fixing my Opacmare Passerelle, it's actually quite good piece if equipment and "simple". I used to worry about what would I do if it stops working, now I know that like many things on AMEL it can be operated manually and you can stow it away, unless there's some major damage. 
In my case control box got fried last year and what seemed like simple buy new one and replace turned out (luckily for me, since I learned heck a lot about the unit) to be quite a job to make it all work. 

Here is the document for the Opacmare that was installed on 54s. It will explain how to operate it manually and also give you layout of solenoids if you are to activate manually to perform actions. 

I would start with the control box and see if it is has power and if sensor LEDs are on. if no power check fuse, it is on the bottom of the box. If you have power and not all 3 bottom sensor LEDs are ON that means the passerelle is not leveled and when you try to press rotate out, the box will attempt to level it up and prepare for the rotation. Don't be surprised if you press rotate but retract OUT lights up, that means that the Box is trying to retract before it moves to the next step in leveling sequence. Once all 3 sensor LEDs are ON, only then it will start rotating.   
if it the control box, you can buy replacement. Some dealers will immediately ask you for a serial number. The plaque is on the inside and you will need to rotate out manually. It's actually not that hard, you can use 3mm Allen key to press 'rotate ccw' solenoid and pump out. One tip, the manual pump is easy to operate when you press enough, if you don't it will feel like it is stuck, but once you press enough it will open solenoid and the manual pump will be "easy" to pump. Since it was not operational for awhile it may be resting on fiberglass, so try to manually "UP" before you manually "Rotate out".

if you cannot manually rotate, you may have oil, pump, or actuator problems. 

Do not hesitate to ask, there is not much info out there, so happy to share what I know. 

--
Fair winds
Ruslan Osmonov
Phantom, A54 #44


Mark Baxter
 

Hi Ruslan,

Thanks so much for your response. Yes, mine is the opacmare like yours.

That's some great info to start with, very much appreciated.

I'm almost sure I will have to do some work on the hydraulics. The pump looks cosmetically poor but I guess could be functioning. The mounts are rusted, so my first action will be to check the unit and replace those. I suspect none of it has operated for sometime which could mean the rotating parts also need attention.

I'd be very grateful for your input, so will let you know my findings.

Many thanks,

Mark
Summer Breeze
A54-75
Abu Dhabi


Scott SV Tengah
 

Does anyone have the specs (length/terminations/pressure rating) for all of the hoses? 

We replaced ours 5 years ago and the plastic cover is crumbling off, revealing the cloth sleeve underneath it. We would be ordering the hoses during our visit back to the US so I'd rather not take the used hoses in my luggage with me. Hopefully someone who has replaced the hoses has the old invoice.

Part of me is just considering putting a 10mm ID split hose sleeve on the current hoses. I can't imagine the hose plastic cover does much. Fixing this Opacmare is getting on my nerves!

--
Scott 
2007 A54 #69
SV Tengah
http://www.svtengah.com


Doug Smith
 

Scott, I just replaced my hoses, but unfortunately don’t have the exact lengths.  There were two shorter ones, approximately 80 cm, 3 that were about 100-110 cm and one longer one that was 130 or about that.  All 3/16” hoses and pressure rating is on your hoses and I think 200 Bar which is about 2900 psi.  Also, since you are going through all this trouble, I replaced the 4 smaller hoses that are used in the up/down actuator on the back of the rotating cylinder.  Those have different fittings on each end, so might stick those in a ziplock and bring them back to US.

I warn you that my hydraulic shop that made the new hoses, they didn’t think it was a big deal to use hoses that were ¼” as this is more common.  Those ¼ inch hosesbarely fit in the rotating center hole and I have had trouble getting the in/out cylinder hoses to fit in the channel provided due to that small increase in size.  Make sure they give you 3/16 hoses.

Also, I agree, about traveling with them, so if you can measure them in place, then cut off each end of one hose to ensure you have the correct fitting, just bring those back to the US. As you know, the lengths of these are such that a little long is ok, just not too short.  That left over hose just sits in the lazarette

 

Thanks, Doug

SV Aventura, 54-113

Deltaville, VA USA

Doug Smith

 

From: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io <main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io> on behalf of Scott SV Tengah <Scott.nguyen@...>
Date: Monday, May 8, 2023 at 4:20 PM
To: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io <main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io>
Subject: Re: [AmelYachtOwners] Passarelle Question

Does anyone have the specs (length/terminations/pressure rating) for all of the hoses? 

We replaced ours 5 years ago and the plastic cover is crumbling off, revealing the cloth sleeve underneath it. We would be ordering the hoses during our visit back to the US so I'd rather not take the used hoses in my luggage with me. Hopefully someone who has replaced the hoses has the old invoice.

Part of me is just considering putting a 10mm ID split hose sleeve on the current hoses. I can't imagine the hose plastic cover does much. Fixing this Opacmare is getting on my nerves!

--
Scott 
2007 A54 #69
SV Tengah
http://www.svtengah.com


Mark Baxter
 

Hi Doug,

Many thanks for your added input, much appreciated.

To be honest, as of yet, I haven't even tried to put power to the passerelle because of the way the pumps looks. It's possible I may have electrical as well as hydraulic issues. The surface rust build up on the pump might mean I have to attempt an overhaul of that first. Would you happen to know any of the part numbers for the solenoid valves?

Kind regards,

Mark
Summer Breeze
A54-75
Abu Dhabi


Arno Luijten
 

Hi Mark,

Here you go (see attachments). These are basically the small versions of what is mostly used in the industry. Regrettably it is not reflected in the price or the availability.

Regards,
Arno Luijten
SV Luna,
A54-121
Rotterdam


Mark Baxter
 

Hi Arno, 

Many thanks, 

Mark
Summer Breeze 
A54-75
Abu Dhabi 


Doug Smith
 

Mark, 
When you are seeing a lot of rust, you are also probably looking at the sleeve variable flow control valves. They are carbon steel and rust quickly. Keep them coated with some lithium grease once you get them set to the flow rate you desire. They are coming off the solenoid valves and are in between the solenoids and the hoses on four of the six hoses. You will use them to adjust the speed of movement in that hoses intended direction. They can be set and then locked in place with a retaining screw. 
They are labeled VSR-0400. 
I was able to get them from Aquamarine.com and they were supplied from Italy. Cost of $90 USD each. Took them about two to three weeks to get them to me. 
Alan was very helpful and efficient. 

alan@...

Thanks, Doug Smith

Amel 54-113, Aventura
Deltaville VA, USA
Dugsmith98@...

On May 14, 2023, at 1:01 PM, Mark Baxter <markabaxter@...> wrote:

Hi Doug,

Many thanks for your added input, much appreciated.

To be honest, as of yet, I haven't even tried to put power to the passerelle because of the way the pumps looks. It's possible I may have electrical as well as hydraulic issues. The surface rust build up on the pump might mean I have to attempt an overhaul of that first. Would you happen to know any of the part numbers for the solenoid valves?

Kind regards,

Mark
Summer Breeze
A54-75
Abu Dhabi


Mark Baxter
 

Hi Doug,

Thanks very much for your additional info and comments. Much appreciated

Kind regards,
Mark
Summer Breeze
A54-75
Abu Dhabi