Design and Construction
The Fango's hull is solid fiberglass with a fin keel and skeg-hung rudder. At 11.15 feet of beam against 32.81-foot length, her length-to-beam ratio of 2.94 describes a narrow, seakindly hull. The 5,409-pound iron ballast in an 11,023-pound hull yields the 40 percent ballast ratio. Her immersion rate of about 1,039 pounds per inch and 31 square meters of wetted-bottom surface are modest for her length.
Rig and Handling
The Fango carries a masthead sloop rig, mast over 50 feet from the waterline, 538 square feet of sail. Recommended sheets are 12 mm: jib and genoa 10 meters, mainsheet 25 meters, spinnaker sheet 22 meters. With a draft of about 5.25 to 5.55 feet loaded, she can enter most marinas. Hull speed is 6.9 knots; the 257 D/L marks a moderate racer. The capsize screening value of 2.00 means she would not be accepted to participate in ocean races.
Accommodations and Tankage
The Fango holds 300 liters (79 US gallons) of fresh water and a 45-gallon diesel tank serving the single 28-horsepower Volvo Penta. The water capacity implies a self-sufficient footprint for a compact cruiser.
Performance Character
Motion Comfort Ratio is 23.8, indicating moderate damping. SA/D 17.38 and D/L 257 suit sheltered shorthanded sailing; the 2.0 capsize screen bounds her to coastal and nearshore use.
The Verdict
The Amel Fango is a small limited-production cruiser distilling Carteau-era Amel philosophy into 33 feet. Her moderate ratios and draft make her a sensible nearshore cruiser, but the tiny run means a rare boat.
Pros
- Only thirty built, limited-edition Amel with Carteau pedigree
- 40 percent ballast ratio and 257 D/L mark a composed cruiser
- 5.25–5.55 ft draft keeps marinas accessible
- 79-gallon water capacity generous for length
Cons
- Capsize screening 2.00 excludes ocean racing
- Small production run limits spares and community
