The Amel Fango 1985 vs Amel Sharki 1979 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 Sharki 1979 measures 41,0 feet overall (1979), giving it roughly 8,9 additional feet of deck space compared to the Amel Fango 1985 at 32,1 feet (1985). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Amel Sharki 1979 tips the scales at 21 385 lbs — 10 362 lbs less than the Amel Fango 1985 at 11 023 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 Amel Sharki 1979 tops out at 50 hp. Engine specs for the Amel Fango 1985 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Amel Sharki 1979 carries 90 gallons versus 45 gallons in the Amel Fango 1985. 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 Sharki 1979 is rated for 12 passengers, while the Amel Fango 1985 caps at 9. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Amel Sharki 1979 could be the deciding factor.
Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Amel Sharki 1979 displaces 21 385 lbs — a 10 362-lb difference over the Amel Fango 1985 at 11 023 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 — 5,2 ft and 6,1 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.
The Amel Fango 1985 uses Sloop rigging. The Amel Sharki 1979 has a documented auxiliary engine of 50 hp.
Hull speed is rated at 7,6 knots for the Amel Sharki 1979 and 6,9 knots for the Amel Fango 1985. For extended cruising, water capacity matters: the Amel Sharki 1979 carries 198 gallons versus 79 gallons on the Amel Fango 1985 — a significant advantage on longer passages where watermaker or provisioning stops aren't guaranteed.
Bottom line: The Amel Sharki 1979 is the offshore and bluewater choice — at 21 385 lbs displacement and 41 ft it has the load capacity, range, and seakeeping for extended passages. The Amel Fango 1985 at 11 023 lbs is the more nimble, accessible option — easier to single-hand and better suited to coastal and inland sailing.