The new Amel 50

[barnakiel]

Yes. There will be a ticket to it too.

Upper shelf boatyards sell fewer (way fewer) units and so not just they buy materials at higher prices but they also are forced into higher margins. Bad for them. The good news is as long as we buy their boats their employees get better wages and so they are more likely to stay put and so the buyer does stand a chance of getting a product that is simply better put together.

Although, from looking at problems coming along with expensive new boats that go with the ARC (I am in LP when they come and go) I could be tempted to swallow my words. I have seen boats like (no names please) come and get stuck due to technical glitches onboard. And not fewer glitches than on mass produced cheaper boats.

Still, standing on the dock, looking at an Amel, I have zero doubt the price is well justified. If I had that much, I would have zero emotional problem buying an Amel. Yes, emotional. We either like a boat or we do not, and we buy accordingly. Only afterwards we verbally rationalize our whims. ;-)

Love,
b.

[boom23]

I just visited the Amel factory. I'm looking for a high quality monohull around 50-55ft and the Amel philosophy is very appealing to me. So, I wanted to see the build quality and compare the new Amel 50 to the 55. I also visited 3 more factories, which I will not name that build boats in similar or higher price range, in France, to compare. I'm an engineer by training and I like to see how things are built. Before I purchased my now sold Lagoon 450 I visited several catamaran factories also.

From what I saw, nothing compares to the Amel quality and attention to detail. Their boats are built to perform as promised and last. Amel uses a slow build process but, in my opinion as a consumer, the results justify it. Everything that goes on an Amel, is scrutinized and has to be of very high quality.

The other factories I visited were either unorganized and sloppy or were focusing on lowering build time and production cost. They either scared me or left me wanting a better quality boat for the money.

Back to Amel, I test sailed the 50, hull number 1. Absolutely beautiful boat. It's not perfect, no boat is, but the Amel people welcome criticism and they are actually acting on it, which is very refreshing to see in a company. Again, the boat was built like a tank. Not a single creak in the boat and this was hull number 1. Everything was as working as it should be or was getting improved. I was blown away. On top of that, my wife loved the boat too. Her reasons were different but I wanted her to see the boat with a different eye. I couldn't be happier!

I also liked the 55 but my wife not so much. She found it smaller and more cramped than the 50. I think Amel should move the galley where the skippers bunk is on the starboard and make the salon more open. I know there's a reason the 55 is designed that way but it can be more open and still be good blue water boat. Also, because I want 3 staterooms, I was not crazy about the forward master stateroom. Frankly, i really wanted to like the 55 more than the 50 because I can find it used and save some money.

So, in my opinion, the 50 is an amazing boat with the Amel spirit and build quality. I'm tentatively looking at March 2019 delivery. I can't wait...

Theo.
Blog: Et Voila Adventures

[daletournier]

I just watched the Amel 50 marketing video. I very much like it visually. But I'm fairly certain Henry's Amel is trying to dig his way out of his grave, it's an Amel by name only. Don't get me wrong I'd love one, the difference for me is I'd have a Super maramu based on respect, I'd have the Amel 50 based on lust.

Amel had a product that was very different from other manufacturers, a classy four wheel drive for the sea, function first. The Amel 50 to me is a very Classy Beneteau or Jeanneau etc, with an Amel badge, I have no issue with this, I love and lust at boat porn.

I wonder how previous or current Amel owners view it?

Is there an engine room?

[boom23]

The Amel 50 is very much an Amel. It follows the Amel principles, which are modernized to meet current buyer needs. Olivier Racoupeau and Amel did an amazing job with the 50. When I asked Olivier to compare the 50 to the 55, he said it is very similar in performance and capability. Times are changing and there's no way to stop that. I'm glad Amel will not become a dinosaur. It is an incredible company!

While cruising in S. Pacific, I have been inside few older Amels, Maramu and Super Maramu 2000 I believe. Their owners love them and the company. Incredible boats, all of them. For me, the 50 is easier on my eyes and better suited for crossings and for when I'm anchored.

The 50 engine room is at the same typical Amel location and it is very roomy.

[daletournier]

Originally Posted by boom23

The Amel 50 is very much an Amel. It follows the Amel principles, which are modernized to meet current buyer needs. Olivier Racoupeau and Amel did an amazing job with the 50. When I asked Olivier to compare the 50 to the 55, he said it is very similar in performance and capability. Times are changing and there's no way to stop that. I'm glad Amel will not become a dinosaur. It is an incredible company!

While cruising in S. Pacific, I have been inside few older Amels, Maramu and Super Maramu 2000 I believe. Their owners love them and the company. Incredible boats, all of them. For me, the 50 is easier on my eyes and better suited for crossings and for when I'm anchored.

The 50 engine room is at the same typical Amel location and it is very roomy.

I agree the 50 is better looking than the super maramu.

Can you elaborate why you believe it's a better passage make?

Glad it still has a great engine room, and I was wondering about that.

[boom23]

Originally Posted by daletournier

I agree the 50 is better looking than the super maramu.

Can you elaborate why you believe it's a better passage make?

Glad it still has a great engine room, and I was wondering about that.

I said "For me, the 50 is easier on my eyes and better suited for crossings and for when I'm anchored."

Personally, coming from the catamaran world, I found the older Amel's too cramped. I understand the reason for that. But, I spend most of my time anchored so I appreciate some more space and light. The 50 is more open inside and Amel is working on putting the handholds it needs. Knowing Amel, they'll do it right or they'll keep trying. Nothing is perfect but, in my opinion again, the 50 will be the best of both worlds.

[daletournier]

Originally Posted by boom23

I said "For me, the 50 is easier on my eyes and better suited for crossings and for when I'm anchored."

Personally, coming from the catamaran world, I found the older Amel's too cramped. I understand the reason for that. But, I spend most of my time anchored so I appreciate some more space and light. The 50 is more open inside and Amel is working on putting the handholds it needs. Knowing Amel, they'll do it right or they'll keep trying. Nothing is perfect but, in my opinion again, the 50 will be the best of both worlds.

Not trying to be argumentative with you, it's a boat discussion forum and my views are based on travelling with and being on Amels and now briefly looking at the new one. Not saying this is a bad boat, I wouldn't know, just first impressions.

My boat is much more open and has alot of light compared to the super maramu, that's important to me but it doesn't make it a better internal arrangement for passage making. My boat is a nicer liveaboard IMO, but not a better sea boat and not as well thought out from a function perspective as the super maramu ie, big queen in rear cabin isn't as sea friendly as the big pull man and starboard bunk of the maramu.

The maramu was cramped for a large boat, but this was once again about function, you don't fall as far at sea, functional inside at sea, functional rear cabin at sea, awesome deck storage that dug into internal volume etc etc. I'm not arguing this is better, I'm saying it is design focused. Example the ketch rig vs the sloop rig, Henry's Amel went that way for a reason. The 50 gives me the impression through the marketing they are using that it has a different design brief, that's OK.

Don't get me wrong I agree with your taste and understand why, it's what I like but from the little I can see of the 50 its a different design brief to the awesome selling maramu, I'll be interested to see if it crosses oceans better. I wonder what it's hull shape is compared to the super maramu etc.

Maybe they have the perfect balance between function and form? I don't know, time will tell.

I like modern and would prefer the 50 over the maramu, its design appeals to me just like the other modern designs that are putting more effort into "liveability" and form than function. They have to, that's what the market wants, but there's always a cost. To choose is to renounce.

Just my opinion based on the very little I've seen of the new 50.

[boom23]

No offense taken. To each his own.

I agree with you regarding the older Amel's. But, I prefer the newer ones. With the 50, Amel did an excellent job at combining liveability and form with function. That's what I'm looking for. A boat with the Amel spirit and more livability.

[daletournier]

Just curious why are you moving from a cat to a mono? For the sort of money you'd spend on an Amel you'd get a great cat.
No judgement, just curious.

[boom23]

Originally Posted by daletournier

Just curious why are you moving from a cat to a mono? For the sort of money you'd spend on an Amel you'd get a great cat.
No judgement, just curious.

I've looked at Antares, Discovery and Privilege catamarans. Other brands are focusing more on performance than comfort. I wanted to like the catamarans but they did not meet our requirements for many different reasons.

I've had many boats in the last 25 years. It helped me have specific requirements. Factory visits taught me to not buy a boat without visiting the factory.

[Thalas]

Originally Posted by boom23

I've looked at Antares, Discovery and Privilege catamarans. Other brands are focusing more on performance than comfort. I wanted to like the catamarans but they did not meet our requirements for many different reasons.

I've had many boats in the last 25 years. It helped me have specific requirements. Factory visits taught me to not buy a boat without visiting the factory.

What about the FP Saona 47? Price would be about the same and it leans more toward comfort. Great layout, no?

[boom23]

Originally Posted by Thalas

What about the FP Saona 47? Price would be about the same and it leans more toward comfort. Great layout, no?

I don't want to turn this thread into catamaran vs monohull, but I've been at the FP factory. I'm looking for better quality. Layout is only one of our requirements.

The Amel 50 ticks more boxes for us.

[Sbonder]

Originally Posted by boom23

I don't want to turn this thread into catamaran vs monohull, but I've been at the FP factory. I'm looking for better quality. Layout is only one of our requirements.

The Amel 50 ticks more boxes for us.

I am interested in your thoughts on Privilege and the others and what drew you back to monos. I don’t want to hijack the thread, so a PM or a new thread would be great if you are so inclined.

[daysgoneby]

Looks great for a coastal yacht, not my idea of an offshore yacht.

[TeeJii]

My first thoughts... I kinda like it. A lot. Which is odd.

I think the boat is horribly ugly, but I generally don't like modern looking boats and I certainly don't like deck saloons.

I rarely even find boats past 45'ish feet worth considering. I get why someone would, but I've never seen the point of adding all that maintenance and extra costs to my life, when a 40 footer easily has more than enough room for the amount of stuff I'm interested in hauling around. Yes, I'm one of those who would never suffer a TV on board.

The interior looks do nothing for me and I've never been able to understand the need for large, open layouts, even though I'm not a small guy. But I realize that my ability to not be bothered by small interiors is more like an exception. That is admittedly made stronger by the fact that freezing seas make it hard for me to grasp the actual realities of people who are able to live on a boat for more than four months. And I could always fill the interior with brass junk, cargo nets and after market teak handholds to make it feel like home.

I'm even anal enough to find roller mains on electric furlers almost blasphemous.

Yet, I like it. Those massive double beds. Those sun lounging areas. I totally get the idea and I would love to be on one. Hell, a lottery win and I might buy one and then just stay on it as not to be offended by the looks

But anyways, as an offering from Amel this makes total sense. The 55 is much more like their previous models and this one is diversifying. It's a smart play - there is the ketch 55 for people who want an updated super maramu. And there is this for people with equally deep pockets who want a bit more room or don't like the idea of a ketch. I'd personally go for this even though the older ones are much more my style. There is just something about the unapologetic, tacky opulence of it all.

And the only thing that are really controversial about this are the rudders. I don't know how they are built and to what kind of specification, but I must admit that I'm somewhat uneasy about twins. But speculation is kind of pointless, as it's certainly possible to build very sturdy spades and I would figure that's exactly what they have done. And if they are in a separate, water tight compartment and there is a fitting to install an emergency rudder blade to the transom.. I'd be satisfied.

Other thing to consider is that when it comes to ruggedness, amel has to compete against several companies building aluminium center boarders that are beachable and almost bomb proof. Not a massive thing in the US as far as I've come to understand, but certainly an ever increasing threat in European market. Now the hardcore NW-passage type of client is probably already lost to boreal and garcia, but that still leaves the ones thinking between, say allures 52 and this. Allures draws 3 feet and goes into lagoons and rivers, amel is certainly far more luxurious as a live aboard vessel. I'm guessing most people with this kind of money will choose the latter.

But yeah, I'd still probably go for a boreal 44 if lottery machine spat out my numbers