I'm delighted to be sailing my uncle's 1964 Islander 32, but the original Atomic 4 gas engine is a dud. I'd like to convert to diesel, not having the guts to keep sailing without an engine, which is what I've been doing! Any advice out there? Go Yanmar or not? New or used? Just sailed our boat to a boatyard today. Engine could be installed during off season.
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Dud?
I've got a '65 I32. (Nice to see someone else with the same boat here. Most the talk on the Islander message boards seems to be about later production run boats.) I took possesion this summer. It's still got the A4 and so far I'm pretty happy with it.(At least happy enough that I don't feel the need to spend the money to replace it.) Previous owner (Dad) had it hauled and sent it off to be rebuilt. Then he let it sit for a few years w/o starting it or winterizing it. Grrr. After a little tuneup/carb clean/fresh gas, it now starts easily every time and runs strong. I've got a 2 blade prop - don't know the pitch or dia. Seems to push the boat fine w/o over- or under-reving.
I've got a '65 I32. (Nice to see someone else with the same boat here. Most the talk on the Islander message boards seems to be about later production run boats.) I took possesion this summer. It's still got the A4 and so far I'm pretty happy with it.(At least happy enough that I don't feel the need to spend the money to replace it.) Previous owner (Dad) had it hauled and sent it off to be rebuilt. Then he let it sit for a few years w/o starting it or winterizing it. Grrr. After a little tuneup/carb clean/fresh gas, it now starts easily every time and runs strong. I've got a 2 blade prop - don't know the pitch or dia. Seems to push the boat fine w/o over- or under-reving.
Consider a rebuild
I would consider a rebuild from Moyer Marine. Although I have hear nothing but good things about Yanmar, when you figure out the total cost (including modification of engine mounts and the like), a rebuilt A-4 is about 1/3 less than a new Yanmar. And, if you ever sell the boat, I don't think you'll recoup the major investment of a new diesel. Many many boats, yours and mine included, have run many years on the venerable A-4. And, you might find a salvage A-4 out there too, saving even more. Good luck.
I would consider a rebuild from Moyer Marine. Although I have hear nothing but good things about Yanmar, when you figure out the total cost (including modification of engine mounts and the like), a rebuilt A-4 is about 1/3 less than a new Yanmar. And, if you ever sell the boat, I don't think you'll recoup the major investment of a new diesel. Many many boats, yours and mine included, have run many years on the venerable A-4. And, you might find a salvage A-4 out there too, saving even more. Good luck.
Go for it
Go for the replacement diesel! I sail a 1977 Islander 32, the Bob Perry design, and have also owned boats with Atomic A4's. The previous owner of my Islander had a Westerbeke 20B2 (18 HP) installed just before we bought the boat. Would much rather have a diesel than gas on board. Not sure what your displacement is, believe it would be less than mine by a little. We find the 20B2 perfectly adequate power, but are considering a prop change. Still running the old 13X13 RH two-blade, looking at moving to a Campbell Sailor or a CDI more modern prop to reduce prop walk and vibration. the 18 horse diesel drives us at hull speed very comfortably, with plenty left for sea-state and headwinds. George S/V Varekai
Go for the replacement diesel! I sail a 1977 Islander 32, the Bob Perry design, and have also owned boats with Atomic A4's. The previous owner of my Islander had a Westerbeke 20B2 (18 HP) installed just before we bought the boat. Would much rather have a diesel than gas on board. Not sure what your displacement is, believe it would be less than mine by a little. We find the 20B2 perfectly adequate power, but are considering a prop change. Still running the old 13X13 RH two-blade, looking at moving to a Campbell Sailor or a CDI more modern prop to reduce prop walk and vibration. the 18 horse diesel drives us at hull speed very comfortably, with plenty left for sea-state and headwinds. George S/V Varekai
What size engine?
I replaced the Atomic four in my 1968 I 30 with a ten HP Volvo with a three to one reduction gear. I turn a three blade 13 dia. 15 pitch prop and can get hull speed in all sea conditions without the need for wide open throttle. You should use the largest diameter propeller that will fit, turn it as slowly as practical. Remember that with no slip 1 inch of pitch @ 1000 RPM equals one knot. So that a ten inch pitch prop turning 1000 RPM will push your boat to hull speed if it has a large enough diameter and enough blade area. There is always concern about propeller drag when going to a three blade prop. The easiest way to find the effect of the change is to determine the difference in blade area, find a tin can with that much area in the open end put a harness on it and drag it behind the boat and monitor the speed with a digital speedometer. I went from a 13 x 7 two blade to a 13x15 three blade and that made all the difference in my ability to control the boat in tight quarters.
I replaced the Atomic four in my 1968 I 30 with a ten HP Volvo with a three to one reduction gear. I turn a three blade 13 dia. 15 pitch prop and can get hull speed in all sea conditions without the need for wide open throttle. You should use the largest diameter propeller that will fit, turn it as slowly as practical. Remember that with no slip 1 inch of pitch @ 1000 RPM equals one knot. So that a ten inch pitch prop turning 1000 RPM will push your boat to hull speed if it has a large enough diameter and enough blade area. There is always concern about propeller drag when going to a three blade prop. The easiest way to find the effect of the change is to determine the difference in blade area, find a tin can with that much area in the open end put a harness on it and drag it behind the boat and monitor the speed with a digital speedometer. I went from a 13 x 7 two blade to a 13x15 three blade and that made all the difference in my ability to control the boat in tight quarters.
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