The Amel 54 Sailboat
Specs & Key Performance Indicators

The Amel 54, a staysail ketch, was designed and built in France by Amel.

An Amel 54

Published Specification for the Amel 54

Underwater Profile: Fin keel & skeg-hung rudder

Hull Material: GRP (Fibreglass)

Length Overall: 56'5" (17.2m)

Waterline Length: 50'4" (15.4m)

Beam: 15'9" (4.8m)

Draft: 6'10" (2.1m)

Rig Type: Staysail Ketch

Displacement: 38,580lb (17,500kg)

Designer: Amel

Builder: Amel (France)

Year First Built: 2005

Published Design Ratios for the Amel 54

Sail Area/Displacement Ratio: 21.2

Ballast/Displacement Ratio: 29.1

Displacement/Length Ratio: 191

Comfort Ratio: 29.1

Capsize Screening Formula: 1.9

Summary Analysis of the Design Ratios for the Amel 54

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1. A Sail Area/Displacement Ratio of 21.2 suggests that, in the right hands, the Amel 54 will have enough performance to leave most other sailboats of similar waterline length well astern.

2. A Ballast/Displacement Ratio of 29.1 would usually mean that the Amel would have a tendency to heel uncomfortably in a gust, and need to be reefed early to keep her sailing upright in a moderate breeze.

However, as she has much of her ballast located at the foot of her keel, she's likely to be considerably stiffer than her published Ballast/Displacement Ratio might suggest.

3. A Displacement/Length Ratio of 191, tells us the Amel 54 is a light-to-moderate displacement sailboat. If she's loaded with too much heavy cruising gear her performance will suffer to a degree.

4. Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio of 29.1 suggests that crew comfort of a Amel 54 in a seaway is similar to what you would associate with the motion of a coastal cruiser with moderate stability, which is not encouraging news for anyone prone to seasickness.

5. The Capsize Screening Formula (CSF) of 1.9 tells us that a Amel 54 would be a safer choice of sailboat for an ocean passage than one with a CSF of more than 2.0.

The Amel 54 is a luxury cruising sailboat that was introduced in 2005 by the French shipyard Chantiers Amel. This renowned shipyard was founded by Henri Amel, a passionate sailor and innovator, in 1968. The Amel 54 was designed to be a successor to the popular Amel Super Maramu model, incorporating many of the features that made the Super Maramu successful while also introducing new design elements and technologies.

The Amel 54 was designed by the in-house team at Chantiers Amel, led by Jacques Carteau. It was built with a focus on comfort, safety, and ease of handling, making it an excellent choice for long-distance cruising. The Amel 54 is known for its robust construction, with a solid fiberglass hull and a deck made from balsa sandwich construction for additional strength and insulation.

The Amel 54 was produced from 2005 to 2011, with a total of 154 hulls built. Despite being replaced by the Amel 55 in 2011, the Amel 54 continues to be a popular choice among cruising sailors due to its quality construction, comfortable accommodations, and excellent sailing performance.

Equipped with a 110 horsepower Volvo Penta engine, the Amel 54 can maintain a cruising speed of about 7 knots under power. This, coupled with its sizable fuel tank capacity of 900 liters, ensures extended range for those lengthy ocean voyages.

One of the standout features of the Amel 54 is its staysail-ketch rig. This setup offers a high level of flexibility in the sailplan, allowing sailors to adapt to changing wind and sea conditions easily. The total sail area of approximately 150 square meters provides ample propulsion for the yacht.

The Amel 54's deck layout is both functional and stylish. It features a center cockpit design, providing a safe and secure space for the crew while sailing. The deck is also equipped with electric winches and a bow thruster, making maneuvering and docking a breeze.

Amel 54 accommodation plan

Below deck, the Amel 54 offers an exclusive living space. It can comfortably accommodate up to six people in its three cabins. The owner's cabin, located aft, boasts a queen-sized berth, ample storage, and an ensuite bathroom, offering a level of comfort and privacy rarely seen on sailboats.

The two guest cabins, located forward, are equally impressive. Each features a double berth and shares a spacious bathroom. The thoughtful design continues with generous storage spaces throughout, making the Amel 54 ideal for extended cruising.

The galley of the Amel 54 is a chef's dream. It's equipped with a large refrigerator, a freezer, a three-burner stove, and an oven. The ample counter space and storage make meal preparation a pleasure, even while underway.

The saloon area is a comfortable space for relaxation and entertainment. It features a large dining table, a settee, and a navigation station. The area is well lit with natural light from the deck hatches and side ports, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The Amel 54 is equipped with a comprehensive suite of navigation and communication equipment. This includes a GPS, chart plotter, autopilot, VHF radio, and radar. These tools ensure safe and efficient navigation, even in challenging conditions.

The Amel 54's hull is constructed from solid fiberglass, providing excellent durability and resistance to osmosis. The deck is also fiberglass, with a balsa core for additional strength and insulation.

The boat's electrical system is equally robust. It features a 24-volt DC system and a 220-volt AC system, powered by a combination of engine-driven alternators and a generator. This ensures a reliable power supply for all onboard systems and appliances.

The Amel 54 is designed with safety in mind. It features a solid stainless-steel guard rail, a deep cockpit, and a dedicated liferaft locker. The boat is also equipped with an automatic bilge pump and a manual backup pump.

The Amel 54's performance is impressive. It is known for its smooth and stable ride, even in rough sea conditions. Its excellent upwind performance and easy handling make it a joy to sail.

The Amel 54 is not just a sailboat; it's a lifestyle. It offers the opportunity to explore the world in comfort and style, making it a popular choice among experienced sailors and wealthy retirees.

The resale value of the Amel 54 is also noteworthy. Thanks to its quality construction and timeless design, this boat retains its value well. It's a sound investment for those looking to buy a high-quality cruising yacht.

In conclusion, the Amel 54 sailboat is an exceptional bluewater cruiser. Its combination of comfort, performance, and safety make it a top choice for those seeking a reliable and luxurious sailing vessel.

Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a round-the-world voyage, the Amel 54 is up to the task. It's a boat that promises adventure and delivers an exclusive sailing experience.

The above text was drafted by sailboat-cruising.com using GPT-4 (OpenAI’s large-scale language-generation model) as a research assistant to develop source material; we believe it to be accurate to the best of our knowledge.