1973 Pearson 30 with Atomic 4

[LakeMurraySailor]

Hi Sailors, I would like some opinions from those who have experienced a similar situation. I recently purchased a 1973 Pearson 30 with an inoperable Atomic 4. The boat is in decent shape and has a new main. She's in need of a new headsail and I hope to get one soon(I'm looking on Bacon Sails). I also purchased a new 9.8 Tohatsu 4 stroke that is awesome but of course it's a PITA to get to and maneuver around the marina(stern pulpit). I don't know anything about the Atomic 4 but I hope to get someone to look at it in the near future. What would you do? I respect & value your opinions. I hope to make up my mind soon!

 

[Bad Obsession]

There is a company that specializes in rebuilding Atomic 4 engines. They may sell them too.

A 30 foot boat is too big for an outboard boat. Get the inboard working.

 

[ben payne]

the company's name is moyer marine, they sell rebuilt engines for about 5000 bucks. (if you need one) the a4 is a strong little engine, they're simple too, so fixing them is pretty easy. if you have some mechanical abilities you should be able to get it running and keep it that way for years. get moyers repair book.

 

[Roadking Larry]

For all things Atomic -4 got here..
http://www.moyermarine.com/forums/index.php

In particular do you know what is wrong with the engine?

 

[LakeMurraySailor]

Thanks for all the input! I do not know anything about the engine and even less about working on one! So I would be at the mercy of a qualified mechanic. The coffers are low but repairing it is possible, any ideas on where to start looking for a mechanic?

 

[woodster]

i think moyer also offers classes on these engines if you are going to own one you may as well learn as much as you can ....boats us is good but i am not sure they provide roadside mechanics and there will be times when you need to know what and how to solve your engine problems

 

[LakeMurraySailor]

Thanks Woodster, I'll do my due diligence and see if I can pull a rabbit out of the hat!

 

[woodster]

you may want to look in gear for sale i think i saw one there for sale

 

[LakeMurraySailor]

gear for sale?

 

[woodster]

Go to classifieds on this site then to gear for sale and scroll there about 4 ads for a4

 

[kloudie1]

here:
http://hunter.sailboatowners.com/gear/gear.php?task=showad&id=5832

 

[LakeMurraySailor]

Thanks Guys!

 

[rpwillia]

LMS, Talk to Bob Lang who is now a member of your club. He rebuilt his Atomic 4 a few years ago on his Pearson 31.

 

[Ron20324]

FWIW, a local paper has carried this classified ad for heavens knows how long. It is in there every week: "Universal Atomic 4- Fresh overhaul, new carburetor, etc. $2500. Trades accepted or will rebuild yours. Call 410-586-8255."
I don't know how they are, or where.

 

[SFS]

The moyer marine forums page has a for sale section. I didn't spend much time on it, but I did find this very current thread, which has two for sale:

http://www.moyermarine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9257

I have no affiliation whatsoever with the any of the parties, just thought I'd save you some time. Good luck.

 

[LakeMurraySailor]

Thanks SFS, I guess I'm stuck with the outboard for now as I seem to have spent all my available cash on the boat, the outboard, sails, slip rent and all the rest that goes with boat ownership! I've been in contact with a guy in Maine that has two for sale, he also wants me to send pictures so he can assess it from afar(I'm in SC). I've got a bad case of Champagne tastes with a beer budget. Like my Dad always said "po' folks got po' ways", but I've got the sailing bug and it's one of the joys of my life! What's it like sailing in Tampa Bay? One of my sailing buddies(who also used to have a Hunter 31-great boat) is down there this weekend and I'm green with envy.

I'm stuck here in SC sailing on a roughly 50,000 acre lake. I'm rambling here so forgive me! Thanks for taking the time to respond! Lee

 

[SFS]

The link I sent you was for a guy in Maine, so these are likely those two engines you spoke of. You might want to take a look at the link content, there is some good info, and some pictures.

Water down here is skinny, but the weather is generally good. We had mid 80's temps through last week. Alas, all good things must end, and the high today will be a bone-chilling 69 degrees.

Spent happy hours on Lake Murray a few times as a boy, 40+ years ago. Good luck with the engine situation, and keep us posted on what you did.

 

[sailnoproblem]

I basically did the same thing buying a older boat with a Atomic 4. Mine had water in the crank and no compression in the #3 cylinder. Ken at Moyer walked me through the rebuild. Remember this is a flat head motor, 1900era technology. The cost to rebuild is much cheaper then purchasing a rebuilt. You will get a lot of satisfaction from the completed project.
I am on my 4th year and put a lot of hours on it, and have no problems. Just remember to change the oil twice a year.

 

[bffatcat]

Thanks for all the input! I do not know anything about the engine and even less about working on one! So I would be at the mercy of a qualified mechanic. The coffers are low but repairing it is possible, any ideas on where to start looking for a mechanic?

I am not a fan of the ubiquitous Atomic 4 a gas engine that was obsolete over 30 years ago I have deep sixed 2 of them one in the 70`s one in the 80`s If you are an experienced ignition man you may be able to keep it running. believe me when I tell you one splash of water on the carburetor or ignition parts will put it out of commission. And I will not start until everything is dried out. The boat is too big for an outboard. You need to find a used diesel inboard and get it installed Unfortunately this is going to cost more than the boat is worth
Good luck

 

[LakeMurraySailor]

Hi BF, I bought a 2016 Tohatsu 9.8 and it powers the boat very well, in fact it will bring it to hull speed at about 1/2 throttle. I got a pretty good deal on the Tohatsu at $2000 so I think I'll stick with it! It's a bit of a PITA to get around in the marina, but otherwise ok. I agree that purchasing a diesel would be more than the value of the boat and not really an option! I appreciate your input. I see you're in MA, I learned to sail(12' Beetlecat) on Cape Cod during the summers of my youth and loved it there.