The Amel Super Maramu 2000 Sailboat
Specs, Performance Analysis & Cruising Characteristics

Key Takeaways

The Amel Super Maramu 2000 is widely considered the ultimate iteration of Henri Amel’s vision for a high-latitude, long-distance cruiser that can be handled by a couple. With 245 units built between 1999 and 2005, it offers exceptional volume and a level of systems integration rarely seen in other yachts. While its heavy displacement and ketch rig prioritize comfort and safety over light-air speed, its reputation for being a robust, self-sufficient "floating home" makes it a premier choice for serious bluewater voyagers.

'Aletes', an Amel Super Maramu 2000 Sailboat on a mooring ball in Falmouth Harbour, Antigua

An Amel Super Maramu 2000 ketch

Design & Construction

The Amel Super Maramu 2000 was built by Chantiers Amel in La Rochelle, France, a shipyard famous for its unconventional but highly effective approach to yacht building. Unlike many of its contemporaries, Amel did not just build a hull; they designed a complete cruising system. The hull is constructed of solid, hand-laid glass reinforced plastic (GRP) with an integrated wing keel and a protected skeg-hung rudder.

A defining feature of the Super Maramu 2000 is the "Amel Drive"—a unique C-drive transmission system that places the engine midships for better weight distribution and allows for a horizontal shaft exit. This, combined with the retractable bow thruster, makes the yacht remarkably easy to manoeuvre in tight marinas.

While most Super Maramu 2000s were built to a standard "Owner's Version" layout with two large cabins and two heads, the "Red Line" series introduced late in the production run offered technical refinements and aesthetic upgrades, such as improved electronics and internal finishes. The design is rated as STIX Category A (Ocean), confirming its suitability for extended offshore passages where self-righting capability and resistance to downflooding are paramount.

Sail Areas & Rig Dimensions

Rig dimensions

The ketch rig allows the sail plan to be broken down into manageable pieces, making reefing and sail handling significantly safer for a short-handed crew.

Total Upwind Sail Area: 1,377 ft² (128 m²)
Mainsail Area: 409 ft² (38 m²)
Mizzen Area: 204 ft² (19 m²)
Genoa Area: 764 ft² (71 m²)

Rig Dimensions:

I: 57'1" (17.40 m)
J: 18'1" (5.50 m)
P: 49'3" (15.00 m)
E: 15'9" (4.80 m)

Published Specification: The Amel Super Maramu 2000 Blueprint

Feature	Specification
LOA	52'6" (16.00 m)
LWL	41'4" (12.60 m)
Beam	15'1" (4.60 m)
Draft	6'9" (2.05 m)
Displacement	35,274 lb (16,000 kg)
Ballast	12,125 lb (5,500 kg)
Rig Type	Ketch
Hull Material	Solid GRP
Production Dates	1999 – 2005

Performance Analysis: Understanding the Design Ratios

The following ratios provide a mathematical perspective on how the Amel Super Maramu 2000 behaves at sea. For a broader context on these metrics, refer to Understanding Boat Performance & Design Ratios.

Ratio	Value	Interpretation
SA/D	19.1	Moderate; indicates good power for a heavy cruiser.
D/L	223	Moderate displacement; well-balanced for payload and speed.
B/D	34.4%	Solid stability, though lower than some "pure" racers.
CSF	1.84	Safe; well below the 2.0 threshold for ocean work.
Comfort Ratio	32.9	High comfort; a steady motion in offshore swells.

Structural Integrity & Stability Dynamics

The use of solid GRP for the hull ensures that the Super Maramu 2000 is incredibly durable. Amel used a proprietary flat-woven biaxial cloth that creates a laminate stronger than standard chopped strand mat. One of the most critical safety features is the inclusion of watertight bulkheads—five in total—which can isolate different sections of the boat in the event of a collision.

The integrated wing keel provides a low centre of gravity while maintaining a relatively shallow draft of 6'9" (2.05 m), allowing access to many cruising grounds that deeper-keeled yachts must avoid. This stability, combined with the ketch rig’s ability to keep the centre of effort low, results in a yacht that remains upright and comfortable even when the wind picks up.

The Buyer’s Checklist: Common Problem Areas

Despite their high build quality, these yachts are complex and require specific inspections:

The Amel Drive: Check for oil leaks and the condition of the seals. If the drive has been neglected, a rebuild can be costly.

Electrical Complexity: The yacht relies heavily on 24V systems and electric furlers. Inspect the condition of the wiring and the operation of all electric winches and motors.

Retractable Bow Thruster: Ensure the motor deploys and retracts smoothly. It is a common point of mechanical failure if not exercised regularly.

Standing Rigging: The Super Maramu uses a unique rigging setup. Verify the age of the stays; many insurers require replacement every 10 years, which is a significant expense for a ketch.

Plastic "Teak" Decks: Amel used a synthetic deck material that is very durable but can occasionally lift or show wear at the edges.

Comparison: The Amel Super Maramu 2000 vs The Competition

While the Voyage 12.50 (a 41-foot monohull) is a respected cruiser, comparing it to the Super Maramu 2000 is like comparing a sturdy estate car to a luxury motorhome. The Amel offers significantly more interior volume and tankage, making it better suited for liveaboard life.

Against rivals like the Hallberg-Rassy 53 or Oyster 53, the Amel stands out for its cockpit protection and ease of handling. However, the Hallberg-Rassy typically offers a more traditional timber interior and perhaps a bit more "soul" for those who find the Amel’s plastic-heavy finishes too utilitarian.

If you'd like to compare this boat with others in this size range, take a look at Cruising Boats from 50' to 55' overall....

Configuration, Layout & Cruising Characteristics

The Amel’s cockpit is a masterclass in ergonomics. It is positioned deep in the boat and is almost entirely protected by a hard windscreen and dodger. From the helm, you can control almost every sail function at the touch of a button.

The interior is designed for use at sea. The U-shaped galley is secure, with deep sinks and plenty of bracing points. The saloon is spacious, and the aft owner's cabin is a genuine sanctuary, featuring a large double berth and an en-suite head. Storage is abundant, with huge lazarettes and lockers that can swallow a lifetime’s worth of cruising gear.

Could this be your ideal cruising boat?

It may well be, but before going any further, it might be worth taking a look at my eBook 'How to Avoid Buying the Wrong Sailboat'...

Summing Up

The Amel Super Maramu 2000 remains a benchmark for bluewater cruising. It isn't the fastest boat on the water, nor the prettiest to those with traditional tastes, but its design ratios and structural integrity prove it is built for the rigours of the open ocean. For a couple looking to cross oceans in comfort and safety, few yachts offer a more complete and well-thought-out package.

This article was written by Dick McClary, RYA Yachtmaster and author of the RYA publications 'Offshore Sailing' and 'Fishing Afloat', member of The Yachting Journalists Association (YJA), and erstwhile member of the Ocean Cruising Club (OCC).