Changing from gas to diesel

[Todd B]

I am looking to buy a late 70's, early 80's Catalina 27. The ones in my area usually are equipped with gas outboards. How difficult and how much is it to change over to diesel? And how much horsepower should I get?Thanks,Todd

 

[Bob Camarena]

Stick with the outboard

If you like to sail to your potential, stick with the outboard. Your boat will sail faster without a prop dragging in the water. If you plan on racing at all, you won't be competitive if most of the other boats have outboards. Additionally, installing an inboard is a very expensive proposition ($6000+, check the Archives for info). Also, why give up all that great storage space and stick a smelly engine inside your boat? If you're dead set on an inboard, wait for a boat with one already in it.

 

[Rob Rich]

Give it a second thoght

Todd, I have a '79 Catalina 27 with the original Atomic 4. It starts on the first crank, every time, as long as I pull the choke. I wouldn't want a gas engine to sail the open ocean, but for lake sailing, you just can't beat this thing. I love it! Be careful of the exhaust piping and manifold, however, as Atomics have very low compression. If you need more info on this, post your e-mail and I will return info.Don't let the Atomic turn you off!Rob Rich

 

[Jeff Galvin]

Outboards are not that bad

I have an '84 Catalina 27 that I just bought. I had the wrong motor mount on the transom when I bought it (designed for a short shaft motor). Ever since I remounted the motor, life has been great. The Yamaha I have is a 9.9 Hp long shaft and moves the boat at ~6knots without even opening it up fully. I have loads of storage under the cockpit where the inboard would sit. If you have to get from slip to inland lake you won't need more than that. If you need to travel on the ocean an inboard may be better.