This center-cockpit, heavily optioned bluewater platform was conceived for long-range cruising. With a displacement of more than 30 tons, an 18-foot 5-inch beam, and a 7-foot 10-inch draft, it is a substantial vessel. Even so, the reference record describes it as a light sailboat and a reasonably good performer, though not a stiff one.
Design and Construction
A boats.com reviewer noted that the 64 follows Amel’s recent center-cockpit idiom but reinterprets it. The master stateroom is forward rather than aft, leaving the stern free for a cavernous dinghy garage.
The deck has an integrated hard dodger and a new electric hardtop that extends aft over most of the cockpit seating, providing weather protection for dining. The helm is forward and offset to port. Its dashboard puts the electronics and switches within easy reach of the captain.
Safety-oriented construction includes six watertight bulkheads, one in the large sail and fender locker, along with a protected full-skeg rudder. The fiberglass hull is a monohull, fin-keel-with-bulb design with a spade rudder. A solid stainless-steel top guardrail runs around the boat, with secondary and tertiary lifelines below.
At the stern, the electric transom lowers to form a swim platform. An enormous sunpad separates the aft deck from the cockpit, and two built-in seats flank the pushpit. The dinghy garage uses an electric winch and rollers to hoist an inflatable with its outboard, although buyers could delete the garage. An electrically deployed passerelle has a self-raising handrail, and the life raft is integrated into the starboard rail.
Rig, Machinery, and Handling
The 64 is a staysail ketch carrying more than 2,000 square feet of sail area. Its 100-percent measured area is 1,894 square feet, divided between a 624-square-foot mainsail and a 947-square-foot foresail. Reckmann furlers handle the staysail and genoa, and every winch except those mounted on the masts is electric.
The auxiliary engine is a 160 hp Steyr diesel, although a separate specification source lists total engine power as 180 hp. It turns a four-bladed propeller on a short shaft positioned close to the aft end of the fin keel. The engine faces aft.
The entire central area between the saloon and aft cabins is devoted to machinery and systems. It is reached through a door that requires crouching, with further engine access through the cockpit sole. MaxPower bow and stern thrusters assist with close-quarters docking.
Under sail, the Amel 64 will make nine knots in 15 knots of beam breeze. The data give it a capsize screening value of 1.74 and indicate excellent righting capability if capsized. Its sail-area-to-displacement ratio is a modest 17.02, suiting breeze rather than calm conditions.
Accommodations
The three-cabin, three-head interior sleeps seven. Forward, the master stateroom has a walk-around island berth. The aft section is divided into two cabins, both with standing headroom: the port cabin has a queen berth, while the starboard cabin has twin berths that can be joined.
The saloon makes full use of the 18-foot 5-inch beam. It includes a formal dinette that folds out to seat eight, plus a separate lounge. High-gloss polyurethane walnut is the standard interior finish, with other woods available.
The galley is at the foot of the companionway to starboard, with the navigation station just forward. Equipment includes a four-burner stove, sink, Corian counters, microwave, electric oven, full-sized stainless-steel dishwasher, and an optional second refrigerator.
Systems and Equipment
The Amel 64 uses a 24-V electrical system with a 735 amp-hour house bank and a 5,000-watt inverter. A 19.5 kW Onan generator provides backup power, and dual Racor fuel filters are fitted.
Reference data rate the fuel capacity—about 370 gallons—as excellent. They also note an excellent water supply range of roughly 238 gallons. At the forward helm, the dashboard groups the controls for the electric winches, furlers, thrusters, and electronics.
The Verdict
The Amel 64 is a purpose-built, heavily engineered bluewater ketch. It trades ultimate stiffness for survivability features, a vast and well-protected cockpit, and a forward-master arrangement unusual in its class. Its dense systems installation and many customization choices call for an engaged owner, but the fundamental structure and handling arrangements are thoroughly considered.
Pros
- Six watertight bulkheads, including one in the forward locker, plus a full-skeg rudder and excellent righting capability after a capsize
- Electric hardtop and integrated dodger create a protected social space in the center cockpit
- Forward master stateroom and two aft cabins with standing headroom
- Saloon seating for eight, plus a galley with a full-sized dishwasher and electric oven
- 24-V system with a 735 Ah house bank, 19.5 kW generator, 5,000-watt inverter, and roughly 370 gallons of fuel capacity
Cons
- Not stiff according to the reference assessment, despite strong righting capability if capsized
- Access to the central machinery area is limited to a crouching-height door and the cockpit sole
- More than 30 tons of displacement and a modest sail-area-to-displacement ratio of 17.02 favor sailing in a breeze rather than in calm conditions
