I find myself...

[GEM555]

...In possession of a Cat 30 MK1, circa 1984, with a A4 engine. It’s in pretty good shape but there are a couple of things: Should I get a better prop? This had been a fresh water lake boat and there is a stock prop on the shaft. We are moving to the Ocean. Better options available? Also: there is no GPS. The boat has new RayMarine speed and depth with Seatalk. What’s a good plotter? We are costal people (MA, NH, ME). Finally, now that we are floating in salt, heat exchanger for the engine?

 

[Stu Jackson]

Congratulations. What engine? What prop (props don't know the difference between salt and fresh water).

 

[Vic H.]

...In possession of a Cat 30 MK1, circa 1984, with a A4 engine. It’s in pretty good shape but there are a couple of things: Should I get a better prop? This had been a fresh water lake boat and there is a stock prop on the shaft. We are moving to the Ocean. Better options available? Also: there is no GPS. The boat has new RayMarine speed and depth with Seatalk. What’s a good plotter? We are costal people (MA, NH, ME). Finally, now that we are floating in salt, heat exchanger for the engine?

Going into salt with an Atomic 4, I would look at a fresh water cooling system, check out Moyer Marine on the net. Props are specific to the A4's output so be careful. Also add sacrificial zincs onto drive shaft. If you need an Atomic 4 service manual, let me know, I have an extra.

Vic H.

 

[Bad Obsession]

I just bought a Garmin GPS 441S. I plan to install this week and link it to the autopilot through NEMA 0183. I will let you know how it goes.

Garmin makes good GPS units. I have had an old handheld on my boat for the past 7 years (the unit is 9 years old) with thousands of hours on it. It still works well.

 

[jrowan]

I have had a Garmin 440 S GPS/ plotter unit for several years and like it. The "S" abreviation stands for sounder - that is it will show the depth, if it is attached to the optional (as is pay extra) for the sounder transducer unit. That said, the GPS is very reliable and accurate. But the sounder, while it works, likes to go in & out on me, usually in very shallow areas, such as the channel that I go in & out of my marina on!
For some reason it always blinks out at almost the same place in the water, which makes me think that there is something metallic in the water that may be causing interference. Otherwise I think the unit is a good value for the money.

 

[GEM555]

Congratulations. What engine? What prop (props don't know the difference between salt and fresh water).

Well, It's an Atomic 4, 30 horse. Stock prop, I believe. I was wondering if this wheel is optimal or if there are better choices

 

[Vic H.]

Did you see my post, I had a lot of experience w/Atomic 4.

 

[GEM555]

Going into salt with an Atomic 4, I would look at a fresh water cooling system, check out Moyer Marine on the net. Props are specific to the A4's output so be careful. Also add sacrificial zincs onto drive shaft. If you need an Atomic 4 service manual, let me know, I have an extra.

Vic H.

I could sure use the manual. How can we connect?

 

[Twice Around]

Gem555 - if you haven't done so already, go register over at the Moyer forum..that place will be very helpful with your A-4 specific questions. I'd also purchase the Moyer Manual ASAP if your boat did not come with one that the PO already bought.

What are the specs on your prop? There are different options available..mine was a 12 x 7, which I've traded out for a 10" x 7.4 3-blade Indigo in 2010. The jury is out on any performance 'increase', but the engine is happier as she can spin a few RPM more now...however, the 12 x 7 was not a bad prop and at least I could hang it vertically behind the keel & strut when sailing, & now I am dragging a 3-blade prop around. :cry:

I would go to FWC ASAP. I am currently in the works on my '77 boat, as it has been RWC for 35 years. If you have an 84 boat with an A-4 it is likely one of the very last made.

 

[GEM555]

Gem555 - if you haven't done so already, go register over at the Moyer forum..that place will be very helpful with your A-4 specific questions. I'd also purchase the Moyer Manual ASAP if your boat did not come with one that the PO already bought.

What are the specs on your prop? There are different options available..mine was a 12 x 7, which I've traded out for a 10" x 7.4 3-blade Indigo in 2010. The jury is out on any performance 'increase', but the engine is happier as she can spin a few RPM more now...however, the 12 x 7 was not a bad prop and at least I could hang it vertically behind the keel & strut when sailing, & now I am dragging a 3-blade prop around. :cry:

I would go to FWC ASAP. I am currently in the works on my '77 boat, as it has been RWC for 35 years. If you have an 84 boat with an A-4 it is likely one of the very last made.

How can I tell what the prop is? Are the specs embossed somewheres?

 

[Bad Obsession]

There should be something in the prop that tells what it is. You will probably have to clean off your prop but it usually is not on the blades.

 

[Brad on Vashon]

Moyer Marine is the guru for anything A4. I had a cal 34 for years with an A4 in Puget Sound. I installed a FWC system from Indigo Electronics-- they also specialize in specific A4 components. I also bought electronic ignition and that was worth it's weight in gold and a crankcase recovery system. They also have a three blade prop specifically designed for the A4. I had a two blade and I pushed my heavy cal all around at 5.7-6.0 kts.

If you go to Catalina direct they have several technical articles on props, but I dont think they are very focused on matching to the A4, specifically. Best to call Don Moyer or email him, or check the archives