Pre-Purchase Consulting, Amel Boat Reviews, and Advice & Recommendations to Help You

Pre-Purchase/Sale Consulting is now available to both Buyers and Sellers of Amel Yachts. I am an experienced Amel Yacht Specialist and I understand the complexities of selecting the right Amel yacht, as well as, the issues in the sale & purchase process. I am not a broker, nor am I a surveyor. I am a non-conflicted knowledgeable consultant to future Amel owners and current Amel sellers. I estimate that I am the Buyers Consultant on 3/4ths of all Amels sold, worldwide. In the last 18 months, over 64 individual Buyers of resale Amel yachts have hired me for Pre-Purchase Consulting. For many reasons, I no longer perform a Pre-Purchase Review of an Amel produced before 1988.

Nobody else in the world offers the kind of Pre-Purchasing Consulting that I offer. I have developed a low-cost solution, which combines my experience and the use of common technology to remotely perform an evaluation of the Amel.

Pre-purchase Consulting includes:

All the time needed to perform a complete review of up to 400 photos
Commenting on each photo (where needed)
A review of the Owners answers to my questions
The preparation of the "Summary of Corrections Estimate Spreadsheet"
Answering any/all client questions from hiring until closing

Many of my clients hire me well before they decide on a particular Amel. This gives them the advantage of having someone to consult with during the selection process. There is no extra charge for this.

The combination of all of this information gives me a unique perspective and allows me to provide a qualified summary of the advantages and problems with the proposed Amel. More information on exactly how Pre-Purchase Consulting works.

The Best Part of the Pre-Purchase Review is the "Summary of Corrections Estimate Spreadsheet." The Amel in the spreadsheet below was in good condition and the Seller had already recognized some of the things he would correct before selling his Amel. These spreadsheets can be much more complicated:(Refit of $42k Spreadsheet) (Refit of $88k Spreadsheet).

This spreadsheet lists the issues I see in the photos and/or answers to the owner's questions. I estimate the cost to return the proposed Amel to Better than Average Condition. I will assign a priority (1-3) to each item. Priority 1 is to be done right away, Priority 2 can wait a few months, and Priority 3 should be completed within 9 months. Broker and/or Surveyor Comments may be considered in this spreadsheet. With this completed review, a buyer can make an informed decision and proceed with accurate information. This completed review also helps a seller properly present the value of his Amel to a buyer/broker. I have helped a large number of buyers with their purchase of an Amel. I have just started offering this service to sellers.

PEARL: A few Amel owners will claim an increased asset value and increase the selling price because of the required maintenance expenses he has incurred. Maintenance expenses do not increase the asset value, rather they contribute to maintaining the value, and a well-maintained Amel will sell before all other lesser-maintained Amels. On the other side of the equation, maintenance issues that have been ignored will decrease the Amel's value and purchase price, especially when the buyer is aware and presents proof of the needed maintenance with the related cost to correct it.

Please read my client's blog for more information on the purchase process and my Pre-Purchase Consulting: Buying a 1982, 46 foot Amel Maramu.

"What is a Good Amel?" I describe a Good Amel as:

Everything Amel installed (OEM Equipment) when the boat was new is currently in good working condition or has been replaced by equal or better quality, and there are no missing components. AND, specifically:

• All of the Standing Rigging is less than 10 years old and equal to the OEM Amel installed.

• All of the Running Rigging is in good condition, and ready to cross an ocean

• The Sails are at least OEM quality, less than 7 years old, and in good condition.

• The Main Engine and Generator pass a mechanic's OK while performing major service.

• The Antifouling is less than 2 years old and the ballast epoxy is without cracks.

• The entire boat and especially the engine room are free of corrosion and rust.

• If equipped, the C-Drive, Bow Thruster, and MaxiProp or AutoProp have been serviced

according to recommended procedures and timetable.

Buyers:

I see far too many Amels with cheap inexpensive devices replacing the Amel original equipment.
I see too many Amels with running and standing rigging needing replacement.
I see far too many Amels with poorly-made Chinese sails.
I also see too many Amels with engine rooms full of rust.
I have had too many clients who did not use me for Pre-Purchase Consulting...and when I arrive for the Yacht School Course, I find 10,000 - 50,000 in needed repairs.
Check out my recommended Amel Yacht Purchase Process

Sellers:

The photos you take and my review and my recommendations will allow you to remedy potential buyer objections.
You may have some valuable additions on your Amel that require a 3rd party explanation for the buyer to recognize the value.
Your prepared answers to my questions will be at least twice the information normally used in a listing for sale. More information usually equates to greater value.
The sum of the Pre-Purchase/Sale information will allow a complete and transparent assessment of your Amel.
I will update the original review and spreadsheet after corrections are completed.

Pre-Purchase/Sale Consulting includes:

- I will be your consultant and provide you with experienced and unconflicted answers to your many questions before, during, and at the completion of the Pre-Purchase/Sale review.

- I provide you with a list of Specific Photos to take
- I provide Owner Questions which I will email to the owner or broker, and review upon receipt of the answers.
- Amel Survey Checklist to ensure a complete survey
- Review of the advertised listing material & photos
- Written Comments on up to 400 photos taken

- Summary of Corrections Estimate Spreadsheet (sample).
- Yacht School Preferred Vendor Discounts on Amel OEM parts & services.

Review & Estimate Prices:
Super Maramu/A54 - Estimate Spreadsheet + Review of answers and photos	$600
A50 or A55 - Estimate Spreadsheet + Review of answers and photos	$900

If you are not sure if Pre-Purchase/Sale Consulting works for you, or if you have any questions regarding anything Amel, I offer a free 1 hour consulting on any subject. Ask anything you may want to ask and get experienced answers. Text me at 1-832-380-4970 to set a time for your 1-hour phone call. This link may help you it describes the hypothetical purchase process beginning with the search for your Amel until you close the purchase: Amel Yacht Purchase Process

Super Maramu versus Super Maramu 2000 - Differences

There was not a definite time that the Super Maramus produced included all of the options and improvements of the Super Maramu 2000. The transformation started sometime in 1998 and was completed in about 12 - 18 months. I have tried to list the major differences. More....

Super Maramu Red Line refers to the last 2 years of production of the SM2k when Amel changed the color of the water line to burgundy and also the leather trim from saddle-brown to burgundy. That is all of the differences.

Difference between Super Maramu and the Amel 54
Read this well-written explanation by Karen & Bill SM Harmonie.
And, here is another Comparison of the SM to the A54 by Joel Potter

What about the New Amel 50?

Read my review of the Amel 50: Amel 50 - First Experience.

List of "Condition Categories" I use for Amels: Revised 18 April 2021

Best/Excellent used Amel: This is an Amel that is in the top 10% of Amels its age. All equipment works and performs as new. The maintenance has been perfectly and meticulously performed. Failed OEM equipment has been replaced with OEM equipment or equivalents to OEM. There is not a single unidentified new wire added. There is no rust or oxidation. All painted and gel-coated surfaces have been maintained and, if necessary, repainted. None of the sails, standing rigging, and/or running rigging are beyond life expectancy and none need repair. The interior is without any blemish, and soft surfaces have probably been replaced with new fabrics.

Better than Average used Amel: This is an Amel that is in the top 20% of Amels its age. All equipment works and performs as new. Maintenance has been performed according to recommended schedules. Some failed OEM equipment has been replaced with less expensive products. Some additional wiring is not labeled. Minor rust and oxidation spots are visible. Not all painted and gel-coated surfaces have been maintained. A minor amount of the sails, standing rigging, and/or running rigging are beyond life expectancy and some need repair. The interior appears used but in good condition.

Average used Amel: This category represents more than half of all Amels for sale. All equipment works and performs as well. Maintenance has been performed when needed, but not always on schedule and not always according to specifications by all of the boat's owners. More often, failed OEM equipment has been replaced with lower-quality products. In more than a few instances, the added wiring is not labeled. Some rust and oxidation spots are visible. Only some painted and gel-coated surfaces have been maintained. Some of the sails, standing rigging, and/or running rigging are beyond life expectancy and some need replacing. The interior shows the appropriate wear and age. An Average used Amel will require a refit of at least 5,000 - 10,000, and could exceed 50,000, or higher.

Poor Condition used Amel: A poor condition Amel requires a major refit that will cost at least 100,000.

Do not buy under any circumstances used Amel: This is an Amel that even if acquired for no cost, will cost more to bring up to average condition than what an average condition Amel its age will cost to buy. In many cases, this Amel has been deemed a total loss by a qualified surveyor or insurance company.

Recommended People Important To You And Your Amel:

Recommended Brokers:
Joel Potter Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA Office 954-462-5869 Cell 954-812-2485 jfpottercys@att.net	Jean Paul "JP" BAHUAUD Caraibe Yachts / Caribbean Yachts Guadalupe & St. Martin + 590 (0) 690 35 01 98 jp.bahuaud@caraibe-yachts.com http://caraibe-yachts.com
Michel CHARPENTIER 467, Bd Raymond Poincaré Port of Santa Lucia 83700 - SAINT-RAPHAËL FRANCE & Europe +33 442 058 888 contact@michelcharpentier.com	Stephanie DUPLAND Caraibe Yachts / Caribbean Yachts Martinique La Marina du Marin 97 290 Le Marin, Martinique, FWI +596 (0) 596 74 16 70 stephanie.dupland@caribbean-yachts.com http://caraibe-yachts.com
Riza Cagdas Cakir Gocek, Turkey Turkey & Europe 90.252.645.2468 - +90 532 495 6539 cagdas@emekmarin.com http://www.emekmarin.com/en	Michael Beers, CPYB Sales Manager McMichael Yacht Brokers USA (914)381-5900 office (718)764-7215 mobile michaelb@mcmyacht.com www.mcmichaelyachtbrokers.com
David Allouch Sail Tahiti Yacht Club de Tahiti. BP 11457 Mahina, Tahiti, 98701 +689 87 32 88 45 French Polynesia david@sailtahiti.com https://www.sailtahiti.com/	Nikki Puttergill Sail Tahiti Yacht Club de Tahiti, BP 11457 Mahina, Tahiti, 98701 +689 87 24 28 75 French Polynesia nikki@sailtahiti.com https://www.sailtahiti.com/
Recommended Surveyor:	Recommended Surveyor:
Olivier BEAUTE / ATLANTIC YACHT SURVEY - Europe, Worldwide 32 avenue des Corsaires 17000 LA ROCHELLE Tel: +33 546 522 147 Mob: +33 674 028 243 olivierbeaute@gmail.com http://atlanticyachtsurvey.com	Pierre CORRIVEAUD, Marine Surveyor SAFETY FIRST LE MARIN MARTINIQUE & Caribbean +(596) 696 21 32 15 p.corriveaud@gmail.com
Recommended Insurance Agent:	Vessel Documentation Agents:
Gary & Elliott Golden Manifest Marine 604 Stonewall Lane Fredericksburg, Virginia 22407 USA Gary@ManifestMarine.com Elliott@ManifestMarine.com https://manifestmarine.com/	Europe, Worldwide Yacht Registration Holland USA Lisa Swartz <LisaSayri@gmail.com> All Yacht Registries, Inc. 3213 13th Avenue SW Naples, FL 34117 http://allyachtregistries.com 239-285-8469 (no texts)
Recommended Customs Agent:	Yachtworld Documentation Agent List
Martinique Douglas Rapier douglas@yachtservices.fr Mob.: +596 696 45 89 75 O: +596 (0) 5 96 52 14 28 www.douglasyachtservices.fr

How much Fraud exists in selling an Amel?

The reason that the above list of brokers is small is that these are people I know well and I will not recommend anyone I do not know well. Unfortunately, a number of Amels that declared a total loss are many times brought back on the market without total disclosure. I have seen this happen more than a few times. It recently occurred in Spain with a YachtWorld listing: Click Here for a saved PDF.
Here is what the above SM looked like in 2017 after Hurricane IRMA: Wrecked and Totaled SM 246

Published photos versus real photos: This does not happen very often, but it happens. The photo on the left was taken many years ago. The photo on the right is the reality. Note the cable ties circled in green on the left. These needed to be removed the first time an impeller was changed. It is important to know what to look for.

Example of 1 photo out of 275 for an Amel 54 Pre-Purchase Review:

Pre-Purchase Review of Amel 54 - Photo #37 of 275

Do you see the grease stain in the middle bottom of the photo under the outhaul line winch? Click the photo to enlarge. I made a note to the buyer that the grease had likely leaked out of the outhaul gearbox and to check it closely.

In fact, the gearbox had no grease and the gears were worn so much that they did not last another week. The cost of replacing the gearbox was $800 paid for by the seller.

The line for the outhaul was out of the Line Tender on top of the gearbox. Everyone noticed that. What nobody else noticed was that the line needed replacing. Cost $275.

When looking for an Amel, Would you miss these?
All of these photos indicate serious issues, some costing thousands of dollars to repair.

	What do you see in the photo to the left? Click the photo to enlarge. You probably see some rust. What I saw was evidence that the engine room had flooded. A flooded engine room can cause tens of thousands of dollars in repairs. Some of the damage isn't immediate and will occur after you close the sale. The seller had hidden the engine room flooding from the buyer.
	Click on the photo at the left to see the rust inside the red circle. Also, note the arrow. Everyone thought this accumulator tank needed replacing. The truth is not only the tank needed replacing, but the pump to the right of the accumulator tank needed replacing or rebuilding. The 12mm mechanical seal was leaking on the AC saltwater pump. The spacer/shield on the pump axle was slinging saltwater onto the accumulator tank in an undetectable very light spray.
	Cracked and leaking exhaust hose
	Probably some genius mechanic started tracing wiring. I zoomed in on a photo of an engine wire harness to see these wires clipped.
	Seawater has entered the C-Drive and mixed with the C-Drive oil
	Dangerous knot
	In-boom bungee was incorrectly rigged outside the boom
	C-Drive seals were sealed with a spray-on foam. This is very, very wrong!
	This is a closeup of the Hydraulic Propeller Shaft Brake. Can you find the wood clothespin used as a shim on the hydraulic ram to the brake caliper on the shaft brake? Can you also find the baling wire with some green paint on it?
	This is a Mizzen Sheet Traveler Car with an end made out of JB Weld. The ball bearings were falling out.
	The owner stated that he did not change anything.
	Hull Stringer broke loose probably from serious grounding
Click here for more "Oops" Photos	Serious water intrusion caused by holes and devices added to the deck.