The Amel 55 2012 vs Amel Super Maramu 1988 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 3,5 additional feet of deck space compared to the Amel Super Maramu 1988 at 52,6 feet (1988). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Amel 55 2012 tips the scales at 58 422 lbs — 30 864 lbs more than the Amel Super Maramu 1988 at 27 558 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 30-hp advantage over the Amel Super Maramu 1988's 80-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 159 gallons in the Amel Super Maramu 1988. 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 Super Maramu 1988 caps at 16. 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 30 864-lb difference over the Amel Super Maramu 1988 at 27 558 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 6,8 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 80 hp on the Amel Super Maramu 1988. 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 8,6 knots for the Amel Super Maramu 1988. For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Amel Super Maramu 1988 carries 264 gallons versus 211 gallons on the Amel 55 2012 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.