I have a 1978 Ericson 35, the boat is in excellent condition. Has a Atomic Four and it needs some repairs, busted crank. I may sell her later on, would like advice on replacing the Four with a Beta Marine Kubota Diesel. I know the cost is around 9500.00 to install new engine. Not sure if I should rebuilt the Four and install the Diesel???
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Deep pockets
Hi; From what I've read, the atomic 4 is a venerable old sea dog. I'm sure the cost of a rebuild is considerably less that a diesel install. Diesel will provide you with better fuel economy and less hazardous volatility on board. But that's a hefty price to pay for it. And i don't think gasoline engines are as finicky as diesel; it seems like we are always addressing (diesel) fuel problems; black stuff in the tank; replacing fuel filters more frequently...stinky exhaust. Each has it's advantages and disadvantages. If I had an Atomic 4 and was satified with it over the years, I don't think I'd pay a lot to change. Good luck. Eric
Hi; From what I've read, the atomic 4 is a venerable old sea dog. I'm sure the cost of a rebuild is considerably less that a diesel install. Diesel will provide you with better fuel economy and less hazardous volatility on board. But that's a hefty price to pay for it. And i don't think gasoline engines are as finicky as diesel; it seems like we are always addressing (diesel) fuel problems; black stuff in the tank; replacing fuel filters more frequently...stinky exhaust. Each has it's advantages and disadvantages. If I had an Atomic 4 and was satified with it over the years, I don't think I'd pay a lot to change. Good luck. Eric
More than just the engine
Two or three things to consider: The diesel will want a bigger prop than the A4, there may not be enough clearance to install the larger prop without changing the shaft and strut. IIRC the engine in your boat is in the middle of the boat. The A4 is short because it is a flathead, the diesel engine may be too tall to fit inside the cabinet. If the diesel will fit without major modifications to the boat, the boat will have a higher resale value. You will recover more of the cost of changing the engine than the cost of rebuilding the A4. That said, I like the A4 and would be tempted to get a short block from Moyer Marine and swap it out.
Two or three things to consider: The diesel will want a bigger prop than the A4, there may not be enough clearance to install the larger prop without changing the shaft and strut. IIRC the engine in your boat is in the middle of the boat. The A4 is short because it is a flathead, the diesel engine may be too tall to fit inside the cabinet. If the diesel will fit without major modifications to the boat, the boat will have a higher resale value. You will recover more of the cost of changing the engine than the cost of rebuilding the A4. That said, I like the A4 and would be tempted to get a short block from Moyer Marine and swap it out.
Diesel Engine
I replaced my Perkins diesel with a new Yanmar 75 HP engine. It worked out great. I had to change the shaft and replace the strut. I used a V shaped strut made out of stainless and it was relatively easy to make. I needed a bigger prop to match the new transmission ratio and chose a Flexofold 3 blade 20" prop. The boat had a 15x15 which was not the original. It motored poorly. The net result was I now have a vessel that motors easily to hull speed, and if I throttle back a small amount, it sips fuel. Most of this I attribute to the efficient prop. The only downside is the prop is a bit less efficient in reverse. I can live with that as I down use reverse except while docking or turning around.
I replaced my Perkins diesel with a new Yanmar 75 HP engine. It worked out great. I had to change the shaft and replace the strut. I used a V shaped strut made out of stainless and it was relatively easy to make. I needed a bigger prop to match the new transmission ratio and chose a Flexofold 3 blade 20" prop. The boat had a 15x15 which was not the original. It motored poorly. The net result was I now have a vessel that motors easily to hull speed, and if I throttle back a small amount, it sips fuel. Most of this I attribute to the efficient prop. The only downside is the prop is a bit less efficient in reverse. I can live with that as I down use reverse except while docking or turning around.
Universal
The Atomic Four was built by Universal, now owned by Westerbeke. They have a deisel designed to replace the Atomic Four. At least it's worth an inquiry.
The Atomic Four was built by Universal, now owned by Westerbeke. They have a deisel designed to replace the Atomic Four. At least it's worth an inquiry.
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