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ronbo1 · 03-10-2013, 10:25

They're great for people who want to do a lot of traveling, completely equipped, exterior maintenance is minimal. After you're through seeing the world you sell it with little regret; not a boat you would lovingly glance back at as you row ashore.

Ronbo

dennisail · 04-10-2013, 05:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by noelex 77

A lot of their parts are custom. If you break anything say a furler you don't find a local Profurler dealer you ring Amel and they ship the part out to you.

The good news is that the customer service is excellent, the factory knows exactly what part is needed because all the boats are identical.

Like everything about the boat it is very different to a normal production boat.

We became friends with a German couple that had a 46. It was a rare version that was not a ketch. Oddly, all Amel done was make the boom longer so it had the same area as a the main and mizzen on the ketch version. Which makes you wonder what the point of the ketch is really.

His in mast furler did break. He contacted Amel and they said the part was custom Amel, as is every part on the boat. After some research he was able to determine the actual manufacturer and buy the part for 1/4 of the Amel price.

The boats are probably not that good looking thanks to the fact the designer was blind! The fit and quality of the vessel is second to none. However we absolutely smoked them in our hunter from Niue to Tonga. Pic as we passed them.

robert sailor · 04-10-2013, 06:05

They might be a bit quirky but everything works and works pretty damn good. The longer you cruise the more you get to like things that while not pretty are practical and work.
Even the goofy teak decks never need replacing, LOL. Most cruisers are only out for a year or two but as you start to spend some real time cruising you quickly get over the yachty thing and start to want less maintenance.
No its not necessarily the boat for me but if your going to be spending a long time offshore and you want something that will take a lickin and keep on tickin the Amel is a good choice.

sestina · 04-10-2013, 06:09

I've spent a bit of time onboard a chum's 54. They are very much an acquired taste. You must have what Monsieur Amel thinks you want.

Some of the quirks include: Only one water and one fuel tank, each of 900l. No grey water tank, everything goes into the bilge. Electric everything. The saloon isn't very comfortable for lounging around. Sit up and pay attention! The arm chairs aren't much better, the petite wife's feet don't reach the cabin sole. The cockpit has an odd canvas roof. At 6' I can't stand upright underneath it.

It's not very quick. My mate passage plans at 6 Kts. Finally, there's those truly horrible fake teak decks.

You pays your money...