1979 Amel Maramu is a classic bluewater cruising ketch renowned for its seaworthiness, rugged construction, and thoughtful design tailored for long-distance sailing. Designed by Henri Amel and Jacques Carteau, the Maramu is a hallmark of the Amel line, combining safety, comfort, and ease of handling for couples or solo sailors.
Key Specifications
- Builder: Amel Yachts (La Rochelle, France)
- Designer: Henri Amel & Jacques Carteau
- Length Overall (LOA): 46’3″ (14.1 m)
- Beam: 13’2″ (4.0 m)
- Draft: 6’7″ (2.0 m)
- Displacement: ~26,000 lbs (11,800 kg)
- Ballast: ~9,000 lbs (4,080 kg)
- Sail Area: ~1,022 sq ft (95 m²)
- Engine: Perkins 4.154 (62 HP diesel) or later replaced/upgraded in many models
- Fuel Capacity: ~127 gallons (480 liters)
- Water Capacity: ~200 gallons (750 liters)
Design & Construction
- Hull:
- Solid fiberglass construction with integral ballast for strength and durability.
- Long fin keel and skeg-protected rudder for stability and steering control.
- Rigging:
- Ketch rig: Two masts allow for a versatile sail plan, easily managed by a small crew.
- Oversized rigging and robust deck hardware designed for offshore conditions.
- Roller furling on both headsails, with many owners upgrading to electric furlers.
- Deck Layout:
- Wide, unobstructed side decks for safety.
- Deep center cockpit offers excellent protection and visibility.
Performance
The Maramu is optimized for long passages with comfort as the priority:
- Sea Handling: A comfortable motion in heavy seas due to its displacement and low center of gravity.
- Downwind: Excels on downwind runs with its ketch rig and balanced sail plan.
- Light Wind: Performs moderately in light air, typical of displacement cruisers.
Interior Layout
The interior is designed for comfort at sea, with plenty of handholds, storage, and practical use of space.
Accommodations:
- Forward Cabin: Features a V-berth with ample storage and an ensuite head with a shower.
- Aft Cabin: Full-beam owner’s cabin with a double berth, large storage areas, and a second ensuite head.
- Saloon:
- U-shaped dinette to port with a centerline bench.
- Opposing settee provides additional seating and storage.
- Navigation Station:
- Well-equipped nav desk to starboard near the companionway.
Galley:
- Located to port, the linear galley is secure for use at sea.
- Features include a two-burner stove with an oven, large top-loading refrigerator/freezer, double stainless-steel sinks, and abundant storage. Buy 1979 Amel Maramu Online
Engine Room:
- Accessible under the cockpit sole, the engine compartment is spacious enough for maintenance and inspections.
Features
- Bluewater Ready: Built for serious offshore cruising with safety and reliability in mind.
- Ease of Handling: Simple systems and a forgiving rig make it manageable for couples or single-handed sailing.
- Durability: High-quality construction ensures the Maramu ages gracefully, with many 1970s models still sailing around the world.
- Protected Cockpit: Deep center cockpit enhances safety in rough conditions.
Market Value
The 1979 Amel Maramu typically sells for $90,000 to $150,000, depending on:
- Condition (hull, rigging, sails, and interior).
- Upgrades (navigation equipment, electrical systems, engine replacements).
- Location and regional market demand.
Strengths
- Proven Cruiser: Thousands of Maramus have completed circumnavigations.
- Comfort: Thoughtfully designed for living aboard, with excellent storage and tank capacities.
- Robust Systems: Amel’s engineering includes practical and redundant systems for offshore reliability.
- Owner Community: A strong global network of Amel owners for advice and support.
Considerations
- Age-Related Maintenance:
- Inspect for wear on standing/running rigging, original systems, and the keel/hull joint.
- Look for any signs of osmosis (blistering) in the fiberglass hull.
- Engine: Many original Perkins engines are still operational, but replacements or rebuilds are common due to age.
- Electronics: Older models may have outdated or no electronics, requiring upgrades for modern navigation and communication.
Ideal Buyer
The Amel Maramu is perfect for sailors looking for a proven, safe, and comfortable cruiser capable of long-distance passages. It appeals to: Buy 1979 Amel Maramu Online
- Couples or solo sailors planning offshore cruising or liveaboard lifestyles.
- Bluewater sailors seeking a solid, well-built ketch at an accessible price point.
Upgrades to Consider
- Navigation Electronics: Modern chartplotters, AIS, and radar.
- Solar Panels & Wind Generators: To enhance energy independence.
- Sails: Upgrading to high-performance or furling sails.
- Bow Thruster: Helpful for maneuvering in marinas.
Next Steps
- Inspection: Arrange a viewing and evaluate its structural and mechanical condition.
- Survey: Hire a marine surveyor familiar with Amel yachts to conduct a thorough review.
- Test Sail: Experience the boat’s handling, particularly its balanced ketch rig and comfort under sail.
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