Amel 55 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Amel 55 is defined by its ketch rig, a choice that prioritizes sail plan flexibility and ease of handling over raw racing speed. According to a detailed assessment by Cruising World, the yacht’s performance is characterized by a "stiff and powerful" feel, largely due to its high-ratio ballast and a relatively deep 7-foot 2-inch draft. With a displacement of approximately 47,000 pounds, the boat possesses significant momentum, allowing it to track exceptionally well in a seaway.

The handling is heavily automated; both the main and the mizzen utilize electric furling systems, and the jib is managed by an electric furler as well. This "push-button" approach allows the helmsman to trim all primary sails from the safety of the protected center cockpit. While the boat is not a light-air flyer, the split rig allows for a balanced helm in heavy weather, often requiring only the mizzen and a reefed jib to maintain stability. The transition from the Amel 54 to the 55 brought a wider beam carried further aft, which improved off-the-wind stability but necessitated the use of a more sophisticated bow thruster system to maintain maneuverability in tight marinas.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Amel 55 was a stark departure from the darker, more traditional wood tones of the 1990s models. Owners could choose between two primary wood finishes: a classic mahogany or a lighter American pale oak. The layout was offered in two distinct configurations: a two-cabin version featuring an expansive owner’s suite aft and a large guest cabin forward, or a three-cabin version that splits the forward section into two smaller guest quarters.

One of the yacht’s most lauded features is the deep, central engine room. Accessible via the cockpit sole, this watertight compartment houses the 110hp Steyr or Volvo engine, the generator, the watermaker, and the heating/air conditioning units. This design keeps mechanical noise away from the living quarters and ensures that maintenance can be performed in a dry, standing-room environment even at sea. As noted by Sail Magazine, the transition to the Berret-Racoupeau design allowed for larger hull ports, significantly increasing natural light in the saloon compared to the older Super Maramu models.

The Amel 55 was also produced in two deck configurations: the "Cabriolet" version with a folding canvas top and the "Hardtop" version. The latter has become the more sought-after variant on the pre-owned market, as it provides a permanent, rigid structure with a sunroof that offers total protection from the elements, essentially creating a second saloon on deck.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should focus their inspections on the proprietary systems that make an Amel unique. Unlike many yachts that use standard sail-drives or shafts, the Amel 55 utilizes a "Z-Drive" transmission. This system requires specific maintenance of its oil levels and seals, and any evidence of water in the gear oil should be addressed immediately.

The "Amel-style" teak deck is another critical inspection point. These decks are not actual wood but a molded fiberglass non-skid with a polyurethane finish designed to look like teak. While they are extremely durable and leak-proof compared to screwed-down teak, they can eventually show wear or "chalking" in high-UV environments. Refinishing these decks requires a specific painting process that can be costly if the surface has been neglected.

Technical forums and owner reports frequently highlight the complexity of the 24V electrical system. Because the boat relies heavily on electric winches and furlers, the battery bank health and the functionality of the chargers/inverters are paramount. A buyer's checklist should also include the retractable bow and stern thrusters; these units are powerful but involve complex mechanical deployment systems that can become fouled by marine growth if the zincs are not maintained or if the boat is left sitting in a high-fouling area.

Community & Resources

The Amel community is one of the most organized and technically proficient owner groups in the maritime world. The primary hub for technical knowledge is the Amel Yacht Owners Group (AYOG), an independent association that maintains an extensive archive of technical manuals, DIY fixes, and cruising logs. Because Amel yachts are built with a high degree of uniformity, solutions for one hull are almost always applicable to another, making the collective knowledge of the community an invaluable resource for long-distance cruisers.

The Verdict

The Amel 55 remains a gold standard for couples seeking a turn-key circumnavigator. It sacrifices the "connected" feel of a tiller-steered performance yacht in favor of absolute safety, mechanical redundancy, and climate-controlled comfort.

Pros:

• Exceptional safety provided by multiple watertight bulkheads and a central engine room.
• The Hardtop version offers one of the best-protected cockpits in the cruising world.
• Simplified sail handling via comprehensive electric furling systems.
• Extremely high build quality with a focus on long-term durability.

Cons:

• Complexity of integrated electrical and mechanical systems can be daunting for DIY-oriented owners.
• The heavy displacement and ketch rig result in average performance in light winds (under 10 knots).
• The "industrial" aesthetic of the Amel Z-drive and molded decks may not appeal to traditionalists seeking classic wood finishes.