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Hi
Steering to port is harder than steering to starboard on my SM. I cleaned the rudder, checked for loose steering cables, and they seem to be OK. I do sometimes hear a quiet metallic clunk when the autopilot makes small steering adjustments, in addition to the normal noise from the rack and pinion system. I read the articles in this forum, especially what happened to Aloha, and the files section for pictures. Finally I decided I should replace the steering cables and the rack and pinion system to be on the safe side.
Here is the problem. Amel do not have the parts anymore. They do not intend to make them anymore. I asked for the specifications but instead was told they might make something to convert my system to hydraulics, when they have time.
I would prefer to replace the worn (I assume) rack and pinion system. I never opened it up, since I read it is difficult in the forum, and I was hoping that I could replace the parts at the same time. I am not keen in changing to hydraulics, I am not sure what that would entail.
Does anyone have the specifications for the rack and pinion system, and the steering cables? Do you know if Amel actually made them or subcontracted the work to another company?
I have the Rotary drive unit connected with a chain to the sprocket behind the steering wheel. I replaced the autopilot with the Raymarine evolution 400 package 3 years ago. I do not have a second autopilot. I have a spare rotary drive unit (would this work with hydraulic steering?).
Eamonn Washington
Travel Bug
Super Maramu #151
Currently in Denia, Spain.
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Hi Eamonn,
What you are experiencing sounds very similar to the beginnings of the failure we experienced on Aloha in 2018. We were getting some noise initially from the racks, and it was more difficult to steer in one direction. Eventually, the noise and steering got worse, and then the steering jammed completely as the racks shed enough teeth to jam everything.
I’m amazed that Amel would stop supporting parts for the steering system on the SM, as more and more boats are likely to have this problem as they age. We were able to obtain new racks, pinion, and steering cables from Amel a little more than a year ago. The conversion to hydraulic steering does not make a lot of sense to me. I’d check back with Amel again, and see if you get the same story. With that said, both the racks and steering cables are provided to Amel by Ultraflex of Italy. The steering cables are marked Ultraflex M61 FT25 498. The cables which came out of our boat were M41 FT23. My theory is that Amel switched from a 23’ cable length to a 25’ cable length somewhere in the production run after our boat was built. While the racks are also from Ultraflex, they are not labeled, and I don’t have a part number. I’ll keep looking for the original documentation they came with, and see and I can get a number. I would think Amel could at least provide the part number for you. We replaced the pinion/steering shaft as well, and I’m assuming this part was machined by Amel, but that is just a guess. While it would be best to replace the pinion with the racks, ours showed very little wear, and could have been reused.
We concluded that the rack failure was ultimately caused by excessive friction in one steering cable. When we had the cables on the dock, one cable moved easily by hand, and the other was almost impossible to move. We cut the bad cable apart, and it appeared the internal lubrication in the cable had gotten hard over time, and eventually created a lot of internal friction. Why one cable, but not the other is anyone’s guess.
If you need to do some sailing prior to getting this repaired, I suggest you rig your emergency tiller, and make sure it’s all working as advertised. The emergency tiller works very well on this boat, but I’d prefer never to use it again. We are also going to add a linear drive prior to leaving Hawaii next year, as having one would of allowed us to continue to steer with the autopilot. I have 2 different methods of adding the linear drive to the older SM quadrant, and have not decided which one I’ll use yet.
Good luck on the steering problems, and I can provide you with some more info on taking it apart if you contact me at flyboyscd at gmail dot com.
Steve Davis Aloha SM 72 Ko Olina, Hawaii
On Oct 4, 2019, at 4:05 AM, Eamonn Washington < eamonn.washington@...> wrote: Hi
Steering to port is harder than steering to starboard on my SM. I cleaned the rudder, checked for loose steering cables, and they seem to be OK. I do sometimes hear a quiet metallic clunk when the autopilot makes small steering adjustments, in addition to the normal noise from the rack and pinion system. I read the articles in this forum, especially what happened to Aloha, and the files section for pictures. Finally I decided I should replace the steering cables and the rack and pinion system to be on the safe side.
Here is the problem. Amel do not have the parts anymore. They do not intend to make them anymore. I asked for the specifications but instead was told they might make something to convert my system to hydraulics, when they have time.
I would prefer to replace the worn (I assume) rack and pinion system. I never opened it up, since I read it is difficult in the forum, and I was hoping that I could replace the parts at the same time. I am not keen in changing to hydraulics, I am not sure what that would entail.
Does anyone have the specifications for the rack and pinion system, and the steering cables? Do you know if Amel actually made them or subcontracted the work to another company?
I have the Rotary drive unit connected with a chain to the sprocket behind the steering wheel. I replaced the autopilot with the Raymarine evolution 400 package 3 years ago. I do not have a second autopilot. I have a spare rotary drive unit (would this work with hydraulic steering?).
Eamonn Washington
Travel Bug
Super Maramu #151
Currently in Denia, Spain.
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I contacted Amel regarding supplying these parts. If they are not going to do it, we need to make arrangements because these will need service when approaching 20-25 years old.
I also contacted to US dealer for UltraFlex: UFLEX USA 6442 Parkland Drive Sarasota, Florida 34243 - USA P 941 351 2628 F 941 360 9171 www.uflexusa.com sales@...
I hope to have an answer soon from both Amel and the US distributor. Steve, if you can find the gear numbers that will help.
--
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CW Bill Rouse
Amel Yacht Owners School
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Address:
720 Winnie, Galveston Island, Texas 77550
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On Fri, Oct 4, 2019 at 3:03 PM Stephen Davis < flyboyscd@...> wrote: Hi Eamonn,
What you are experiencing sounds very similar to the beginnings of the failure we experienced on Aloha in 2018. We were getting some noise initially from the racks, and it was more difficult to steer in one direction. Eventually, the noise and steering got worse, and then the steering jammed completely as the racks shed enough teeth to jam everything.
I’m amazed that Amel would stop supporting parts for the steering system on the SM, as more and more boats are likely to have this problem as they age. We were able to obtain new racks, pinion, and steering cables from Amel a little more than a year ago. The conversion to hydraulic steering does not make a lot of sense to me. I’d check back with Amel again, and see if you get the same story. With that said, both the racks and steering cables are provided to Amel by Ultraflex of Italy. The steering cables are marked Ultraflex M61 FT25 498. The cables which came out of our boat were M41 FT23. My theory is that Amel switched from a 23’ cable length to a 25’ cable length somewhere in the production run after our boat was built. While the racks are also from Ultraflex, they are not labeled, and I don’t have a part number. I’ll keep looking for the original documentation they came with, and see and I can get a number. I would think Amel could at least provide the part number for you. We replaced the pinion/steering shaft as well, and I’m assuming this part was machined by Amel, but that is just a guess. While it would be best to replace the pinion with the racks, ours showed very little wear, and could have been reused.
We concluded that the rack failure was ultimately caused by excessive friction in one steering cable. When we had the cables on the dock, one cable moved easily by hand, and the other was almost impossible to move. We cut the bad cable apart, and it appeared the internal lubrication in the cable had gotten hard over time, and eventually created a lot of internal friction. Why one cable, but not the other is anyone’s guess.
If you need to do some sailing prior to getting this repaired, I suggest you rig your emergency tiller, and make sure it’s all working as advertised. The emergency tiller works very well on this boat, but I’d prefer never to use it again. We are also going to add a linear drive prior to leaving Hawaii next year, as having one would of allowed us to continue to steer with the autopilot. I have 2 different methods of adding the linear drive to the older SM quadrant, and have not decided which one I’ll use yet.
Good luck on the steering problems, and I can provide you with some more info on taking it apart if you contact me at flyboyscd at gmail dot com.
Steve Davis Aloha SM 72 Ko Olina, Hawaii Hi
Steering to port is harder than steering to starboard on my SM. I cleaned the rudder, checked for loose steering cables, and they seem to be OK. I do sometimes hear a quiet metallic clunk when the autopilot makes small steering adjustments, in addition to the normal noise from the rack and pinion system. I read the articles in this forum, especially what happened to Aloha, and the files section for pictures. Finally I decided I should replace the steering cables and the rack and pinion system to be on the safe side.
Here is the problem. Amel do not have the parts anymore. They do not intend to make them anymore. I asked for the specifications but instead was told they might make something to convert my system to hydraulics, when they have time.
I would prefer to replace the worn (I assume) rack and pinion system. I never opened it up, since I read it is difficult in the forum, and I was hoping that I could replace the parts at the same time. I am not keen in changing to hydraulics, I am not sure what that would entail.
Does anyone have the specifications for the rack and pinion system, and the steering cables? Do you know if Amel actually made them or subcontracted the work to another company?
I have the Rotary drive unit connected with a chain to the sprocket behind the steering wheel. I replaced the autopilot with the Raymarine evolution 400 package 3 years ago. I do not have a second autopilot. I have a spare rotary drive unit (would this work with hydraulic steering?).
Eamonn Washington
Travel Bug
Super Maramu #151
Currently in Denia, Spain.
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Hi Emmon, I think that difference in loading is common when under motor, to do with prop wash over the rudder is my reasoning. As to replacement of cables and rack and pinion. I had play in the steering and assumed it was rack and pinion wear. Not so. Just needed cable adjustment. Easily done near the rudder head. Worth checking first. Regards Danny SM 299 Ocean Pearl
On 05 October 2019 at 03:05 Eamonn Washington <eamonn.washington@...> wrote:
Hi
Steering to port is harder than steering to starboard on my SM. I cleaned the rudder, checked for loose steering cables, and they seem to be OK. I do sometimes hear a quiet metallic clunk when the autopilot makes small steering adjustments, in addition to the normal noise from the rack and pinion system. I read the articles in this forum, especially what happened to Aloha, and the files section for pictures. Finally I decided I should replace the steering cables and the rack and pinion system to be on the safe side.
Here is the problem. Amel do not have the parts anymore. They do not intend to make them anymore. I asked for the specifications but instead was told they might make something to convert my system to hydraulics, when they have time.
I would prefer to replace the worn (I assume) rack and pinion system. I never opened it up, since I read it is difficult in the forum, and I was hoping that I could replace the parts at the same time. I am not keen in changing to hydraulics, I am not sure what that would entail.
Does anyone have the specifications for the rack and pinion system, and the steering cables? Do you know if Amel actually made them or subcontracted the work to another company?
I have the Rotary drive unit connected with a chain to the sprocket behind the steering wheel. I replaced the autopilot with the Raymarine evolution 400 package 3 years ago. I do not have a second autopilot. I have a spare rotary drive unit (would this work with hydraulic steering?).
Eamonn Washington
Travel Bug
Super Maramu #151
Currently in Denia, Spain.
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Hello we had same problem in New Zealand on our Santorin #52 1992 with the same system.rack and pignon is the same just cable length is longer for SM. Your cables are probably ok, but the racks at least one of them must be damage!
Dismantling the system was not hard, take pics along the way helps. Worst case scenario have a new rack machine in a shop base on the remaining good one.
This is troubling that they don't want to help, over 300 boats are equip with this system and those parts are subject to wear and tear Over the years specially with a rotary drive autopilot.
We pressure Amel at the time to make a special order! Will look further to try to give you manufacturer and ref. Part number.
Sorry for my very bad English, write to my email address and will respond directly.
Regards
JP Massicotte S/V Vanille, Jacare Brésil
Hi
Steering to port is harder than steering to starboard on my SM. I cleaned the rudder, checked for loose steering cables, and they seem to be OK. I do sometimes hear a quiet metallic clunk when the autopilot makes small steering adjustments, in addition to the normal noise from the rack and pinion system. I read the articles in this forum, especially what happened to Aloha, and the files section for pictures. Finally I decided I should replace the steering cables and the rack and pinion system to be on the safe side.
Here is the problem. Amel do not have the parts anymore. They do not intend to make them anymore. I asked for the specifications but instead was told they might make something to convert my system to hydraulics, when they have time.
I would prefer to replace the worn (I assume) rack and pinion system. I never opened it up, since I read it is difficult in the forum, and I was hoping that I could replace the parts at the same time. I am not keen in changing to hydraulics, I am not sure what that would entail.
Does anyone have the specifications for the rack and pinion system, and the steering cables? Do you know if Amel actually made them or subcontracted the work to another company?
I have the Rotary drive unit connected with a chain to the sprocket behind the steering wheel. I replaced the autopilot with the Raymarine evolution 400 package 3 years ago. I do not have a second autopilot. I have a spare rotary drive unit (would this work with hydraulic steering?).
Eamonn Washington
Travel Bug
Super Maramu #151
Currently in Denia, Spain.
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Hello juste find the part number for the Ultraflex rack: 33014R
T58 Steering system trav. 230.
Good luck
Jp S/V Vanille
Hi
Steering to port is harder than steering to starboard on my SM. I cleaned the rudder, checked for loose steering cables, and they seem to be OK. I do sometimes hear a quiet metallic clunk when the autopilot makes small steering adjustments, in addition to the normal noise from the rack and pinion system. I read the articles in this forum, especially what happened to Aloha, and the files section for pictures. Finally I decided I should replace the steering cables and the rack and pinion system to be on the safe side.
Here is the problem. Amel do not have the parts anymore. They do not intend to make them anymore. I asked for the specifications but instead was told they might make something to convert my system to hydraulics, when they have time.
I would prefer to replace the worn (I assume) rack and pinion system. I never opened it up, since I read it is difficult in the forum, and I was hoping that I could replace the parts at the same time. I am not keen in changing to hydraulics, I am not sure what that would entail.
Does anyone have the specifications for the rack and pinion system, and the steering cables? Do you know if Amel actually made them or subcontracted the work to another company?
I have the Rotary drive unit connected with a chain to the sprocket behind the steering wheel. I replaced the autopilot with the Raymarine evolution 400 package 3 years ago. I do not have a second autopilot. I have a spare rotary drive unit (would this work with hydraulic steering?).
Eamonn Washington
Travel Bug
Super Maramu #151
Currently in Denia, Spain.
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eric freedman <kimberlite@...>
Hi, It is not difficult to take the rack and pinion apart. You have the same problem that I had the rack makes a thunk noise when it hits the damaged rack area Fortunately I had bought a spare set when I had Kimberlite made. They are standard racks. I will look at my old set and see if there is a part number on them’ Fair Winds Eric Kimberlite Amel Super Maramu #376
From: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io [mailto:main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io] On Behalf Of Eamonn Washington
Sent: Friday, October 04, 2019 10:06 AM
To: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io
Subject: [AmelYachtOwners] No steering parts, rack & pinion, cables, from Amel Hi
Steering to port is harder than steering to starboard on my SM. I cleaned the rudder, checked for loose steering cables, and they seem to be OK. I do sometimes hear a quiet metallic clunk when the autopilot makes small steering adjustments, in addition to the normal noise from the rack and pinion system. I read the articles in this forum, especially what happened to Aloha, and the files section for pictures. Finally I decided I should replace the steering cables and the rack and pinion system to be on the safe side.
Here is the problem. Amel do not have the parts anymore. They do not intend to make them anymore. I asked for the specifications but instead was told they might make something to convert my system to hydraulics, when they have time.
I would prefer to replace the worn (I assume) rack and pinion system. I never opened it up, since I read it is difficult in the forum, and I was hoping that I could replace the parts at the same time. I am not keen in changing to hydraulics, I am not sure what that would entail.
Does anyone have the specifications for the rack and pinion system, and the steering cables? Do you know if Amel actually made them or subcontracted the work to another company?
I have the Rotary drive unit connected with a chain to the sprocket behind the steering wheel. I replaced the autopilot with the Raymarine evolution 400 package 3 years ago. I do not have a second autopilot. I have a spare rotary drive unit (would this work with hydraulic steering?).
Eamonn Washington
Travel Bug
Super Maramu #151
Currently in Denia, Spain.
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Thanks guys for your welcome input!
I have the Ultraflex M61 FT25 C42M cables.
Although the steering quadrant had no loose nuts and the 2 cables connected to it were well greased, I did notice a problem that I never noticed before and it probably was not there a year ago (maybe this is what Danny referred to). Both cables leave their plastic sheath and are screwed into shafts with large adaptor nuts; these shafts in turn are screwed through what I would call a ball and socket joint to go through the last bulkhead on the port side just about 30cm before the steering quadrant itself, where they are connected to the quadrant. In my case, the aft cable shaft had unscrewed itself about 2cm through the ball and socket joint towards the quadrant; I could see the grease mark where it previously was. I was easily able to turn it back and it made a huge difference, both steering to port and starboard. If anything, steering to starboard is slightly harder now. I noticed there is about 1cm of play in the steering wheel.
Then I disconnected the autopilot drive unit and removed the chain from the wheel sprocket. That eliminated some noise and I guess minimal friction. It made no difference to the steering feel, but I could concentrate on the remaining noise better.
I noticed that every time there is a change of direction when turning the wheel, there is a quiet clunk (around the 1cm of play on the wheel). This is regardless if the wheel is already turned to port or starboard or centered. It might be normal, I don’t know. I also noticed that the one of the cables moves in or out of the tube containing the rack a couple of mm when the wheel changes direction. All this while tied up in a marina with no currents.
All in all, I don’t think my situation is as bad as I feared, the wheel is much lighter now, but I would still like to have the new racks and cables. Nevertheless, the point of this thread to is to establish how we can get these critical spares going forward, knowing exactly what to order from Ultraflex seems to be the way to go (unless Amel takes up the reins again). I appreciate Bill contacting Amel on our behalf ... I was dealing with Mediterranean sales, I guess Bill has a better network inside Amel.
Also it would be great if Eric or someone could confirm what Jean-Pierre wrote for the Santorin also applies for the Super Maramu, that the rack is 33014R (with T58 steering system trav. 230 ... not sure what that is).
I will contact Steve offline for help dismantling the rack and pinion system, to inspect it further.
Thanks.
Eamonn Washington
Travel Bug
Super Maramu #151
Currently in Denia, Spain.
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Steve, Eamonn,
I had a similar experience on my older SM #6. Crossing the Atlantic in 2010, after stopping in Azores we were right on the middle of the trip to Spain when our steering broke, same thing, one rack just exploded. We had to use the emergency tiller for about 300 miles, not easy, you have to rig lines to blocks on either side, then you can sit in the cockpit and steer. Back then Amel still sold the cables and delivered ours after about 5 days. Never figured out the cause, my guess is just metal fatigue as my boat was 1989, this may be a problem as the fleet gets older. Steve, I also am considering adding a linear drive pilot before our next long passage, please let me know what you choose and how it works out. Good luck Bob s/v Minaxi Grenada
On Oct 4, 2019, at 4:03 PM, Stephen Davis < flyboyscd@...> wrote: Hi Eamonn,
What you are experiencing sounds very similar to the beginnings of the failure we experienced on Aloha in 2018. We were getting some noise initially from the racks, and it was more difficult to steer in one direction. Eventually, the noise and steering got worse, and then the steering jammed completely as the racks shed enough teeth to jam everything.
I’m amazed that Amel would stop supporting parts for the steering system on the SM, as more and more boats are likely to have this problem as they age. We were able to obtain new racks, pinion, and steering cables from Amel a little more than a year ago. The conversion to hydraulic steering does not make a lot of sense to me. I’d check back with Amel again, and see if you get the same story. With that said, both the racks and steering cables are provided to Amel by Ultraflex of Italy. The steering cables are marked Ultraflex M61 FT25 498. The cables which came out of our boat were M41 FT23. My theory is that Amel switched from a 23’ cable length to a 25’ cable length somewhere in the production run after our boat was built. While the racks are also from Ultraflex, they are not labeled, and I don’t have a part number. I’ll keep looking for the original documentation they came with, and see and I can get a number. I would think Amel could at least provide the part number for you. We replaced the pinion/steering shaft as well, and I’m assuming this part was machined by Amel, but that is just a guess. While it would be best to replace the pinion with the racks, ours showed very little wear, and could have been reused.
We concluded that the rack failure was ultimately caused by excessive friction in one steering cable. When we had the cables on the dock, one cable moved easily by hand, and the other was almost impossible to move. We cut the bad cable apart, and it appeared the internal lubrication in the cable had gotten hard over time, and eventually created a lot of internal friction. Why one cable, but not the other is anyone’s guess.
If you need to do some sailing prior to getting this repaired, I suggest you rig your emergency tiller, and make sure it’s all working as advertised. The emergency tiller works very well on this boat, but I’d prefer never to use it again. We are also going to add a linear drive prior to leaving Hawaii next year, as having one would of allowed us to continue to steer with the autopilot. I have 2 different methods of adding the linear drive to the older SM quadrant, and have not decided which one I’ll use yet.
Good luck on the steering problems, and I can provide you with some more info on taking it apart if you contact me at flyboyscd at gmail dot com.
Steve Davis Aloha SM 72 Ko Olina, Hawaii Hi
Steering to port is harder than steering to starboard on my SM. I cleaned the rudder, checked for loose steering cables, and they seem to be OK. I do sometimes hear a quiet metallic clunk when the autopilot makes small steering adjustments, in addition to the normal noise from the rack and pinion system. I read the articles in this forum, especially what happened to Aloha, and the files section for pictures. Finally I decided I should replace the steering cables and the rack and pinion system to be on the safe side.
Here is the problem. Amel do not have the parts anymore. They do not intend to make them anymore. I asked for the specifications but instead was told they might make something to convert my system to hydraulics, when they have time.
I would prefer to replace the worn (I assume) rack and pinion system. I never opened it up, since I read it is difficult in the forum, and I was hoping that I could replace the parts at the same time. I am not keen in changing to hydraulics, I am not sure what that would entail.
Does anyone have the specifications for the rack and pinion system, and the steering cables? Do you know if Amel actually made them or subcontracted the work to another company?
I have the Rotary drive unit connected with a chain to the sprocket behind the steering wheel. I replaced the autopilot with the Raymarine evolution 400 package 3 years ago. I do not have a second autopilot. I have a spare rotary drive unit (would this work with hydraulic steering?).
Eamonn Washington
Travel Bug
Super Maramu #151
Currently in Denia, Spain.
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We have many Amel owners going to Annapolis Boat Show. For those who going to Amel exposition please talk to Amel people about spare parts availability. Amel must have ALL spare parts for our boats in stock. That is very important.
Vladimir SM 345 Life is Good
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Hello in regard of the Ultraflex system:
The model is T58 System trav. 230
Part number: 33014R
You need 2 parts (rack).one for each cable.
The rack is in aluminium and need periodic maintenance (grease).
Hope this helps.
Regards
Jp ,. Vanille, SN #51.
Thanks guys for your welcome input!
I have the Ultraflex M61 FT25 C42M cables.
Although the steering quadrant had no loose nuts and the 2 cables connected to it were well greased, I did notice a problem that I never noticed before and it probably was not there a year ago (maybe this is what Danny referred to). Both cables leave their plastic sheath and are screwed into shafts with large adaptor nuts; these shafts in turn are screwed through what I would call a ball and socket joint to go through the last bulkhead on the port side just about 30cm before the steering quadrant itself, where they are connected to the quadrant. In my case, the aft cable shaft had unscrewed itself about 2cm through the ball and socket joint towards the quadrant; I could see the grease mark where it previously was. I was easily able to turn it back and it made a huge difference, both steering to port and starboard. If anything, steering to starboard is slightly harder now. I noticed there is about 1cm of play in the steering wheel.
Then I disconnected the autopilot drive unit and removed the chain from the wheel sprocket. That eliminated some noise and I guess minimal friction. It made no difference to the steering feel, but I could concentrate on the remaining noise better.
I noticed that every time there is a change of direction when turning the wheel, there is a quiet clunk (around the 1cm of play on the wheel). This is regardless if the wheel is already turned to port or starboard or centered. It might be normal, I don’t know. I also noticed that the one of the cables moves in or out of the tube containing the rack a couple of mm when the wheel changes direction. All this while tied up in a marina with no currents.
All in all, I don’t think my situation is as bad as I feared, the wheel is much lighter now, but I would still like to have the new racks and cables. Nevertheless, the point of this thread to is to establish how we can get these critical spares going forward, knowing exactly what to order from Ultraflex seems to be the way to go (unless Amel takes up the reins again). I appreciate Bill contacting Amel on our behalf ... I was dealing with Mediterranean sales, I guess Bill has a better network inside Amel.
Also it would be great if Eric or someone could confirm what Jean-Pierre wrote for the Santorin also applies for the Super Maramu, that the rack is 33014R (with T58 steering system trav. 230 ... not sure what that is).
I will contact Steve offline for help dismantling the rack and pinion system, to inspect it further.
Thanks.
Eamonn Washington
Travel Bug
Super Maramu #151
Currently in Denia, Spain.
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Eamonn
Because you reported that Amel will no longer supply these parts, I contacted the US distributor, who said they would get in touch with the Italy headquarters.
I also wrote Amel to verify that they will not supply these parts. If Amel replies that they will supply parts, I will drop my efforts with the manufacturer because I firmly believe that we should support Amel. Frankly, had I known that you had requested parts from any source other than La Rochelle, I would have never contacted the distributor.
Now, I really wonder who you spoke to because the comment that when we have time, we will work on a hydraulic solution," seems very un-Amel to me. Maybe you spoke to the wrong person. In either case, hopefully I will have a response from SAV manager shortly.
Thanks guys for your welcome input!
I have the Ultraflex M61 FT25 C42M cables.
Although the steering quadrant had no loose nuts and the 2 cables connected to it were well greased, I did notice a problem that I never noticed before and it probably was not there a year ago (maybe this is what Danny referred to). Both cables leave their plastic sheath and are screwed into shafts with large adaptor nuts; these shafts in turn are screwed through what I would call a ball and socket joint to go through the last bulkhead on the port side just about 30cm before the steering quadrant itself, where they are connected to the quadrant. In my case, the aft cable shaft had unscrewed itself about 2cm through the ball and socket joint towards the quadrant; I could see the grease mark where it previously was. I was easily able to turn it back and it made a huge difference, both steering to port and starboard. If anything, steering to starboard is slightly harder now. I noticed there is about 1cm of play in the steering wheel.
Then I disconnected the autopilot drive unit and removed the chain from the wheel sprocket. That eliminated some noise and I guess minimal friction. It made no difference to the steering feel, but I could concentrate on the remaining noise better.
I noticed that every time there is a change of direction when turning the wheel, there is a quiet clunk (around the 1cm of play on the wheel). This is regardless if the wheel is already turned to port or starboard or centered. It might be normal, I don’t know. I also noticed that the one of the cables moves in or out of the tube containing the rack a couple of mm when the wheel changes direction. All this while tied up in a marina with no currents.
All in all, I don’t think my situation is as bad as I feared, the wheel is much lighter now, but I would still like to have the new racks and cables. Nevertheless, the point of this thread to is to establish how we can get these critical spares going forward, knowing exactly what to order from Ultraflex seems to be the way to go (unless Amel takes up the reins again). I appreciate Bill contacting Amel on our behalf ... I was dealing with Mediterranean sales, I guess Bill has a better network inside Amel.
Also it would be great if Eric or someone could confirm what Jean-Pierre wrote for the Santorin also applies for the Super Maramu, that the rack is 33014R (with T58 steering system trav. 230 ... not sure what that is).
I will contact Steve offline for help dismantling the rack and pinion system, to inspect it further.
Thanks.
Eamonn Washington
Travel Bug
Super Maramu #151
Currently in Denia, Spain.
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Hi Bill
i only had written contact with Sonja Kessler at amel dot med at amel dot com. She has managed all my purchases over the past 5 years. She did write that she confirmed with La Rochelle before replying to me. I can forward you the email chain privately if you wish. I did not contact Ultraflex or any other company, besides this forum.
I agree, it is very un-Amel to suggest switching to a hydraulic system: “ I’m sorry, Amel have unfortunately none of these parts any more, I have asked confirmation from my colleagues in La Rochelle.” and “I think we have found a craftsman who is able to change the system for a hydraulic one. This the only idea we have, since there are no parts available any more.”.
Regards
Eamonn Washington
Travel Bug
Super Maramu #151
Currently in Denia, Spain
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Thanks for that. I will hopefully have a good solution next week
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CW Bill Rouse
Amel Yacht Owners School
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Address:
720 Winnie, Galveston Island, Texas 77550
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Hi Bill
i only had written contact with Sonja Kessler at amel dot med at amel dot com. She has managed all my purchases over the past 5 years. She did write that she confirmed with La Rochelle before replying to me. I can forward you the email chain privately if you wish. I did not contact Ultraflex or any other company, besides this forum.
I agree, it is very un-Amel to suggest switching to a hydraulic system: “ I’m sorry, Amel have unfortunately none of these parts any more, I have asked confirmation from my colleagues in La Rochelle.” and “I think we have found a craftsman who is able to change the system for a hydraulic one. This the only idea we have, since there are no parts available any more.”.
Regards
Eamonn Washington
Travel Bug
Super Maramu #151
Currently in Denia, Spain
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Hi Bill and all. I totally agree. If we want Amel to continue to provide spares for boats 15,20,30 and 40 years old they must be our first port of call for parts. This service is a colosall commitment on their part and I believe unique in the marine world. They cannot provide this service without throughput. That is down to us. We might get something "cheaper" elsewhere but long term the loss of this service would be very expensive. Use it or lose it as they say. Kind Regards from that little bit of heaven called Fiji Danny SM 299 Ocean Pearl
On 06 October 2019 at 02:14 CW Bill Rouse <brouse@...> wrote:
Eamonn
Because you reported that Amel will no longer supply these parts, I contacted the US distributor, who said they would get in touch with the Italy headquarters.
I also wrote Amel to verify that they will not supply these parts. If Amel replies that they will supply parts, I will drop my efforts with the manufacturer because I firmly believe that we should support Amel. Frankly, had I known that you had requested parts from any source other than La Rochelle, I would have never contacted the distributor.
Now, I really wonder who you spoke to because the comment that when we have time, we will work on a hydraulic solution," seems very un-Amel to me. Maybe you spoke to the wrong person. In either case, hopefully I will have a response from SAV manager shortly.
Thanks guys for your welcome input!
I have the Ultraflex M61 FT25 C42M cables.
Although the steering quadrant had no loose nuts and the 2 cables connected to it were well greased, I did notice a problem that I never noticed before and it probably was not there a year ago (maybe this is what Danny referred to). Both cables leave their plastic sheath and are screwed into shafts with large adaptor nuts; these shafts in turn are screwed through what I would call a ball and socket joint to go through the last bulkhead on the port side just about 30cm before the steering quadrant itself, where they are connected to the quadrant. In my case, the aft cable shaft had unscrewed itself about 2cm through the ball and socket joint towards the quadrant; I could see the grease mark where it previously was. I was easily able to turn it back and it made a huge difference, both steering to port and starboard. If anything, steering to starboard is slightly harder now. I noticed there is about 1cm of play in the steering wheel.
Then I disconnected the autopilot drive unit and removed the chain from the wheel sprocket. That eliminated some noise and I guess minimal friction. It made no difference to the steering feel, but I could concentrate on the remaining noise better.
I noticed that every time there is a change of direction when turning the wheel, there is a quiet clunk (around the 1cm of play on the wheel). This is regardless if the wheel is already turned to port or starboard or centered. It might be normal, I don’t know. I also noticed that the one of the cables moves in or out of the tube containing the rack a couple of mm when the wheel changes direction. All this while tied up in a marina with no currents.
All in all, I don’t think my situation is as bad as I feared, the wheel is much lighter now, but I would still like to have the new racks and cables. Nevertheless, the point of this thread to is to establish how we can get these critical spares going forward, knowing exactly what to order from Ultraflex seems to be the way to go (unless Amel takes up the reins again). I appreciate Bill contacting Amel on our behalf ... I was dealing with Mediterranean sales, I guess Bill has a better network inside Amel.
Also it would be great if Eric or someone could confirm what Jean-Pierre wrote for the Santorin also applies for the Super Maramu, that the rack is 33014R (with T58 steering system trav. 230 ... not sure what that is).
I will contact Steve offline for help dismantling the rack and pinion system, to inspect it further.
Thanks.
Eamonn Washington
Travel Bug
Super Maramu #151
Currently in Denia, Spain.
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Peter Forbes
I totally agree and am having lots of work done on Carango by AMEL in La Rochelle.
Let’s support them to support us.
Peter Peter Forbes Carango AMEL 54 #035 La Rochelle
0044 7836 209730
On 5 Oct 2019, at 19:30, Danny and Yvonne SIMMS <simms@...> wrote:
Hi Bill and all. I totally agree. If we want Amel to continue to provide spares for boats 15,20,30 and 40 years old they must be our first port of call for parts. This service is a colosall commitment on their part and I believe unique in the marine world. They cannot provide this service without throughput. That is down to us. We might get something "cheaper" elsewhere but long term the loss of this service would be very expensive. Use it or lose it as they say. Kind Regards from that little bit of heaven called Fiji Danny SM 299 Ocean Pearl On 06 October 2019 at 02:14 CW Bill Rouse <brouse@...> wrote:
Eamonn
Because you reported that Amel will no longer supply these parts, I contacted the US distributor, who said they would get in touch with the Italy headquarters.
I also wrote Amel to verify that they will not supply these parts. If Amel replies that they will supply parts, I will drop my efforts with the manufacturer because I firmly believe that we should support Amel. Frankly, had I known that you had requested parts from any source other than La Rochelle, I would have never contacted the distributor.
Now, I really wonder who you spoke to because the comment that when we have time, we will work on a hydraulic solution," seems very un-Amel to me. Maybe you spoke to the wrong person. In either case, hopefully I will have a response from SAV manager shortly.
Thanks guys for your welcome input!
I have the Ultraflex M61 FT25 C42M cables.
Although the steering quadrant had no loose nuts and the 2 cables connected to it were well greased, I did notice a problem that I never noticed before and it probably was not there a year ago (maybe this is what Danny referred to). Both cables leave their plastic sheath and are screwed into shafts with large adaptor nuts; these shafts in turn are screwed through what I would call a ball and socket joint to go through the last bulkhead on the port side just about 30cm before the steering quadrant itself, where they are connected to the quadrant. In my case, the aft cable shaft had unscrewed itself about 2cm through the ball and socket joint towards the quadrant; I could see the grease mark where it previously was. I was easily able to turn it back and it made a huge difference, both steering to port and starboard. If anything, steering to starboard is slightly harder now. I noticed there is about 1cm of play in the steering wheel.
Then I disconnected the autopilot drive unit and removed the chain from the wheel sprocket. That eliminated some noise and I guess minimal friction. It made no difference to the steering feel, but I could concentrate on the remaining noise better.
I noticed that every time there is a change of direction when turning the wheel, there is a quiet clunk (around the 1cm of play on the wheel). This is regardless if the wheel is already turned to port or starboard or centered. It might be normal, I don’t know. I also noticed that the one of the cables moves in or out of the tube containing the rack a couple of mm when the wheel changes direction. All this while tied up in a marina with no currents.
All in all, I don’t think my situation is as bad as I feared, the wheel is much lighter now, but I would still like to have the new racks and cables. Nevertheless, the point of this thread to is to establish how we can get these critical spares going forward, knowing exactly what to order from Ultraflex seems to be the way to go (unless Amel takes up the reins again). I appreciate Bill contacting Amel on our behalf ... I was dealing with Mediterranean sales, I guess Bill has a better network inside Amel.
Also it would be great if Eric or someone could confirm what Jean-Pierre wrote for the Santorin also applies for the Super Maramu, that the rack is 33014R (with T58 steering system trav. 230 ... not sure what that is).
I will contact Steve offline for help dismantling the rack and pinion system, to inspect it further.
Thanks.
Eamonn Washington
Travel Bug
Super Maramu #151
Currently in Denia, Spain.
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eric freedman <kimberlite@...>
The Amel 50 has hydraulic steering. Fair Winds Eric Kimberlite Amel Super Maramu #376
From: main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io [mailto:main@AmelYachtOwners.groups.io] On Behalf Of CW Bill Rouse
Sent: Saturday, October 05, 2019 9:14 AM
To: main@amelyachtowners.groups.io
Subject: Re: [AmelYachtOwners] No steering parts, rack & pinion, cables, from Amel Eamonn Because you reported that Amel will no longer supply these parts, I contacted the US distributor, who said they would get in touch with the Italy headquarters. I also wrote Amel to verify that they will not supply these parts. If Amel replies that they will supply parts, I will drop my efforts with the manufacturer because I firmly believe that we should support Amel. Frankly, had I known that you had requested parts from any source other than La Rochelle, I would have never contacted the distributor. Now, I really wonder who you spoke to because the comment that when we have time, we will work on a hydraulic solution," seems very un-Amel to me. Maybe you spoke to the wrong person. In either case, hopefully I will have a response from SAV manager shortly. Thanks guys for your welcome input!
I have the Ultraflex M61 FT25 C42M cables.
Although the steering quadrant had no loose nuts and the 2 cables connected to it were well greased, I did notice a problem that I never noticed before and it probably was not there a year ago (maybe this is what Danny referred to). Both cables leave their plastic sheath and are screwed into shafts with large adaptor nuts; these shafts in turn are screwed through what I would call a ball and socket joint to go through the last bulkhead on the port side just about 30cm before the steering quadrant itself, where they are connected to the quadrant. In my case, the aft cable shaft had unscrewed itself about 2cm through the ball and socket joint towards the quadrant; I could see the grease mark where it previously was. I was easily able to turn it back and it made a huge difference, both steering to port and starboard. If anything, steering to starboard is slightly harder now. I noticed there is about 1cm of play in the steering wheel.
Then I disconnected the autopilot drive unit and removed the chain from the wheel sprocket. That eliminated some noise and I guess minimal friction. It made no difference to the steering feel, but I could concentrate on the remaining noise better.
I noticed that every time there is a change of direction when turning the wheel, there is a quiet clunk (around the 1cm of play on the wheel). This is regardless if the wheel is already turned to port or starboard or centered. It might be normal, I don’t know. I also noticed that the one of the cables moves in or out of the tube containing the rack a couple of mm when the wheel changes direction. All this while tied up in a marina with no currents.
All in all, I don’t think my situation is as bad as I feared, the wheel is much lighter now, but I would still like to have the new racks and cables. Nevertheless, the point of this thread to is to establish how we can get these critical spares going forward, knowing exactly what to order from Ultraflex seems to be the way to go (unless Amel takes up the reins again). I appreciate Bill contacting Amel on our behalf ... I was dealing with Mediterranean sales, I guess Bill has a better network inside Amel.
Also it would be great if Eric or someone could confirm what Jean-Pierre wrote for the Santorin also applies for the Super Maramu, that the rack is 33014R (with T58 steering system trav. 230 ... not sure what that is).
I will contact Steve offline for help dismantling the rack and pinion system, to inspect it further.
Thanks.
Eamonn Washington
Travel Bug
Super Maramu #151
Currently in Denia, Spain.
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Hi Peterr,Bill and Danny I totally also agree I got my new steering systems in one week (rack and pistons) from Amel. Easy to install , 3 houres, And Bill , i shall send you a email, how it was done here in Trinidad. Hanspeter Tamango 2, SM16 Trinidad, ------ Original Nachricht ------ Am Samstag, 5. Okt, 2019 um 23:13, Peter Forbes schrieb: I totally agree and am having lots of work done on Carango by AMEL in La Rochelle.
Let’s support them to support us.
Peter Peter Forbes Carango AMEL 54 #035 La Rochelle
0044 7836 209730
On 5 Oct 2019, at 19:30, Danny and Yvonne SIMMS <simms@...> wrote:
Hi Bill and all. I totally agree. If we want Amel to continue to provide spares for boats 15,20,30 and 40 years old they must be our first port of call for parts. This service is a colosall commitment on their part and I believe unique in the marine world. They cannot provide this service without throughput. That is down to us. We might get something "cheaper" elsewhere but long term the loss of this service would be very expensive. Use it or lose it as they say. Kind Regards from that little bit of heaven called Fiji Danny SM 299 Ocean Pearl On 06 October 2019 at 02:14 CW Bill Rouse <brouse@...> wrote:
Eamonn
Because you reported that Amel will no longer supply these parts, I contacted the US distributor, who said they would get in touch with the Italy headquarters.
I also wrote Amel to verify that they will not supply these parts. If Amel replies that they will supply parts, I will drop my efforts with the manufacturer because I firmly believe that we should support Amel. Frankly, had I known that you had requested parts from any source other than La Rochelle, I would have never contacted the distributor.
Now, I really wonder who you spoke to because the comment that when we have time, we will work on a hydraulic solution," seems very un-Amel to me. Maybe you spoke to the wrong person. In either case, hopefully I will have a response from SAV manager shortly.
Thanks guys for your welcome input!
I have the Ultraflex M61 FT25 C42M cables.
Although the steering quadrant had no loose nuts and the 2 cables connected to it were well greased, I did notice a problem that I never noticed before and it probably was not there a year ago (maybe this is what Danny referred to). Both cables leave their plastic sheath and are screwed into shafts with large adaptor nuts; these shafts in turn are screwed through what I would call a ball and socket joint to go through the last bulkhead on the port side just about 30cm before the steering quadrant itself, where they are connected to the quadrant. In my case, the aft cable shaft had unscrewed itself about 2cm through the ball and socket joint towards the quadrant; I could see the grease mark where it previously was. I was easily able to turn it back and it made a huge difference, both steering to port and starboard. If anything, steering to starboard is slightly harder now. I noticed there is about 1cm of play in the steering wheel.
Then I disconnected the autopilot drive unit and removed the chain from the wheel sprocket. That eliminated some noise and I guess minimal friction. It made no difference to the steering feel, but I could concentrate on the remaining noise better.
I noticed that every time there is a change of direction when turning the wheel, there is a quiet clunk (around the 1cm of play on the wheel). This is regardless if the wheel is already turned to port or starboard or centered. It might be normal, I don’t know. I also noticed that the one of the cables moves in or out of the tube containing the rack a couple of mm when the wheel changes direction. All this while tied up in a marina with no currents.
All in all, I don’t think my situation is as bad as I feared, the wheel is much lighter now, but I would still like to have the new racks and cables. Nevertheless, the point of this thread to is to establish how we can get these critical spares going forward, knowing exactly what to order from Ultraflex seems to be the way to go (unless Amel takes up the reins again). I appreciate Bill contacting Amel on our behalf ... I was dealing with Mediterranean sales, I guess Bill has a better network inside Amel.
Also it would be great if Eric or someone could confirm what Jean-Pierre wrote for the Santorin also applies for the Super Maramu, that the rack is 33014R (with T58 steering system trav. 230 ... not sure what that is).
I will contact Steve offline for help dismantling the rack and pinion system, to inspect it further.
Thanks.
Eamonn Washington
Travel Bug
Super Maramu #151
Currently in Denia, Spain.
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toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On 06 October 2019 at 16:13 hanspeter baettig <hanspeter.baettig@...> wrote:
Hi Peterr,Bill and Danny
I totally also agree
I got my new steering systems in one week (rack and pistons) from Amel.
Easy to install , 3 houres,
And Bill , i shall send you a email, how it was done here in Trinidad.
Hanspeter
Tamango 2, SM16
Trinidad,
------ Original Nachricht ------
Am Samstag, 5. Okt, 2019 um 23:13, Peter Forbes schrieb:
I totally agree and am having lots of work done on Carango by AMEL in La Rochelle.
Let’s support them to support us.
Peter Peter Forbes Carango AMEL 54 #035La Rochelle
0044 7836 209730 On 5 Oct 2019, at 19:30, Danny and Yvonne SIMMS < simms@... > wrote:
Hi Bill and all. I totally agree. If we want Amel to continue to provide spares for boats 15,20,30 and 40 years old they must be our first port of call for parts. This service is a colosall commitment on their part and I believe unique in the marine world. They cannot provide this service without throughput. That is down to us. We might get something "cheaper" elsewhere but long term the loss of this service would be very expensive. Use it or lose it as they say. Kind Regards from that little bit of heaven called Fiji Danny SM 299 Ocean Pearl On 06 October 2019 at 02:14 CW Bill Rouse < brouse@... > wrote:
Eamonn
Because you reported that Amel will no longer supply these parts, I contacted the US distributor, who said they would get in touch with the Italy headquarters.
I also wrote Amel to verify that they will not supply these parts. If Amel replies that they will supply parts, I will drop my efforts with the manufacturer because I firmly believe that we should support Amel. Frankly, had I known that you had requested parts from any source other than La Rochelle, I would have never contacted the distributor.
Now, I really wonder who you spoke to because the comment that when we have time, we will work on a hydraulic solution," seems very un-Amel to me. Maybe you spoke to the wrong person. In either case, hopefully I will have a response from SAV manager shortly.
Thanks guys for your welcome input!
I have the Ultraflex M61 FT25 C42M cables.
Although the steering quadrant had no loose nuts and the 2 cables connected to it were well greased, I did notice a problem that I never noticed before and it probably was not there a year ago (maybe this is what Danny referred to). Both cables leave their plastic sheath and are screwed into shafts with large adaptor nuts; these shafts in turn are screwed through what I would call a ball and socket joint to go through the last bulkhead on the port side just about 30cm before the steering quadrant itself, where they are connected to the quadrant. In my case, the aft cable shaft had unscrewed itself about 2cm through the ball and socket joint towards the quadrant; I could see the grease mark where it previously was. I was easily able to turn it back and it made a huge difference, both steering to port and starboard. If anything, steering to starboard is slightly harder now. I noticed there is about 1cm of play in the steering wheel.
Then I disconnected the autopilot drive unit and removed the chain from the wheel sprocket. That eliminated some noise and I guess minimal friction. It made no difference to the steering feel, but I could concentrate on the remaining noise better.
I noticed that every time there is a change of direction when turning the wheel, there is a quiet clunk (around the 1cm of play on the wheel). This is regardless if the wheel is already turned to port or starboard or centered. It might be normal, I don’t know. I also noticed that the one of the cables moves in or out of the tube containing the rack a couple of mm when the wheel changes direction. All this while tied up in a marina with no currents.
All in all, I don’t think my situation is as bad as I feared, the wheel is much lighter now, but I would still like to have the new racks and cables. Nevertheless, the point of this thread to is to establish how we can get these critical spares going forward, knowing exactly what to order from Ultraflex seems to be the way to go (unless Amel takes up the reins again). I appreciate Bill contacting Amel on our behalf ... I was dealing with Mediterranean sales, I guess Bill has a better network inside Amel.
Also it would be great if Eric or someone could confirm what Jean-Pierre wrote for the Santorin also applies for the Super Maramu, that the rack is 33014R (with T58 steering system trav. 230 ... not sure what that is).
I will contact Steve offline for help dismantling the rack and pinion system, to inspect it further.
Thanks.
Eamonn Washington
Travel Bug
Super Maramu #151
Currently in Denia, Spain.
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Wolfgang Weber <webercardio@...>
Is there any need or way for regularly service the steering of an Amel 54 ?
Thank you very much Wolfgang SY Elise Amel 54 #162 Fort Lauderdale Bahia Mar
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