The Amel shipyard launched the Amel 50 in 2017, presented to the general public for the first time at the Cannes boat show. Based in La Rochelle, the shipyard designs sailboats built to last. It does not follow a logic of rapid range renewal, preferring to work on a sustainable model, brought to evolve gradually on the basis of user feedback and internal reflections.
In fact, remarks repeatedly made by owners, and often validated by the sailing teams, are studied. Some of them then become options, or even standard features. Since the launch, the model has undergone regular adjustments, with a more marked turnaround starting with unit n°74 in 2023. Today, unit n°113 is in the water, and the shipyard is already preparing n°138, scheduled for delivery in 2027.
The Amel 50's evolutions concern points often considered as details, but which reinforce the coherence of the offer for a demanding offshore program.
A more powerful engine
The Amel 50 was originally designed with a 110 hp engine. After a number of specific requests for a 150 hp engine, the shipyard decided to make this power rating standard. This change does not alter the interior of the engine room, has little impact on diesel consumption, and provides more power for port maneuvers when wind or current get in the way.
In parallel, while the folding propeller was offered as an option, today a 5-blade Max-Prop Boomerang is fitted as standard.
A more durable windshield
Originally, the wheelhouse windscreen was made of Plexiglas. The curves in the corners were a bit obstructive, with distortion in the corners. Now, the wheelhouse is made of glass (as on the 60) with small uprights in the corners. Admittedly, this solution is a little heavier, but glass is more durable than Plexiglass and, above all, allows (optional) installation of windshield wipers.
Equipment available as option or standard
On the hard-top, the shipyard offered integrated solar panels as an option. These 570 W panels, tailored to the shape of the deckhouse, now come as standard.
The same goes for antifouling. The Coppercoat hull protection solution is now standard on all boats leaving the yard. The same applies to the stern thruster. Given the number of requests, a retractable model that fits into the large aft locker is now in the catalog of options.
The end of gas on board
Amel has decided to say no to gas on board. On long-distance cruises, the various gas connections and the filling of gas cylinders are always a problem in the various countries we cross. To solve this problem, but also for safety reasons, Amel boats are now equipped with electric ovens and induction hobs. And as this equipment is powered by 230 V, the 4000 W 24/230 V converter has become a standard feature on the yacht.
Greater comfort for life on board
In terms of comfort, the capacity of the grey water tank has been increased by 200 liters, so you can stay at anchor longer before emptying it.
A handrail has also been installed on the top of the movable hard top. Finally, an anti-roll cover transforms the starboard saloon bench seat into a berth that can be used for sleeping. A folding step has also been added in the cockpit to facilitate circulation. Finally, the deck shower can now be used without having to open the aft platform. It is now located aft of the deckhouse.
A new mast faithful to the original
Historically, the Amel shipyard has had its masts extruded by a Swiss manufacturer, painted by another service provider, the various mechanically welded parts produced by a subcontractor in La Rochelle, and finally assembled in its own workshops. To secure this fragmented production chain, the shipyard entrusted the entire process to the manufacturer Selden, asking them to apply their specifications. The masts delivered today still comply with the original specifications and offer the same functionalities as the previous versions.
Sails and a new look to mark this evolution
To celebrate this evolution of the model, the shipyard has decided to equip it with gray sails. Again from the Incidence sailmaker, the fabric used is Pro Radial, as high-performance as the Hydranet used previously.
Likewise, the waterline decoration and the gouge line under the livet have been changed to grey to match the color of the sails. These visual markers mark the evolution of the Amel 50.
