The Amel 55 2012 vs Amel Maramu 1978 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Amel 55 2012 measures 56,1 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 10,7 additional feet of deck space compared to the Amel Maramu 1978 at 45,4 feet (1978). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Amel 55 2012 tips the scales at 58 422 lbs — 27 557 lbs more than the Amel Maramu 1978 at 30 865 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 110 hp, the Amel 55 2012 has a 50-hp advantage over the Amel Maramu 1978's 60-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Amel 55 2012 carries 238 gallons versus 127 gallons in the Amel Maramu 1978. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Amel 55 2012 is rated for 17 passengers, while the Amel Maramu 1978 caps at 13. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Amel 55 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Amel 55 2012 displaces 58 422 lbs — a 27 557-lb difference over the Amel Maramu 1978 at 30 865 lbs. That gap separates two entirely different categories of sailing: the heavier boat is built for offshore passage-making and load-carrying, while the lighter hull rewards performance sailing and easier handling in lighter air.
Both boats draw a similar depth — 7,2 ft and 6,2 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.
The Amel 55 2012 uses Fractional Sloop rigging. For auxiliary power the Amel 55 2012 carries a 110-hp engine against 60 hp on the Amel Maramu 1978. Motoring range and ability to punch through a foul current or enter a tight marina under power will favour the more powerful installation.
Hull speed is rated at 9,4 knots for the Amel 55 2012 and 8,0 knots for the Amel Maramu 1978. For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Amel Maramu 1978 carries 285 gallons versus 211 gallons on the Amel 55 2012 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.
Bottom line: The Amel 55 2012 is the offshore and bluewater choice — at 58 422 lbs displacement and 56 ft it has the load capacity, range, and seakeeping for extended passages. The Amel Maramu 1978 at 30 865 lbs is the more nimble, accessible option — easier to single-hand and better suited to coastal and inland sailing.