Looking for an Atomic 4

[Bill Roughton]

Would like to install it in my O'Day 27. The boat is in southern Maryland and I live in Northern Virginia. Ideally, I'd like to find a motor anywhere from Richmond up to Baltimore; but, I will travel farther if the engine looks good.

Thanks for your help.

Bill

 

[Terry in Naples]

Why would you want to install an old technology gasoline engine in your sail boat when diesels are more reliable, safer and cost less to run? Just wondering where you are coming from? Every year someone down here blows up a sailboat with one of these gas engines in them.

 

[Scott T-Bird]

Would you like a Yanmar 1GM instead?

 

[higgs]

Try Moyer Marine: http://www.moyermarine.com/exchange.htm

 

[Scott T-Bird]

Bill, I meant it seriously ... I am planning on removing mine this year because I am going to upgrade to a 2YM15. It has been operating fine this year but has a few issues that need to be looked into. We could do an honest evaluation based on the need for repair. I was going to keep the transmission, but if you want it (or need it), it could be yours (recently rebuilt by Mack Boring).

 

[tommays]

Why would you want to install an old technology gasoline engine in your sail boat when diesels are more reliable, safer and cost less to run? Just wondering where you are coming from? Every year someone down here blows up a sailboat with one of these gas engines in them.

I know of only one A4 that burned the C&C 35 “Gandalf on the great lakes and while i am sure there are more it is very rare

Please back that with some news story's as while powerboats do POP here and there it is fairly rare in sailboats DUE to the motor being so much more in the cabin space its REALLY HARD to ignore any gasoline smell

Now there are plenty of news story's about propane BUT we have convinced are selfs its safe
https://www.google.com/#hl=en&safe=...cp.r_qf.&fp=98c8f7d49c936f76&biw=1024&bih=608

 

[philwsailz]

The fear of gas motors is real, but based more on poorly maintained systems and urban legend than fact.

The common issues cited are flammable vapors in the engine compartment. Easy fix. Maintain your stuff. Run the blower. Done.

All boat owners should run their blowers

Diesel owners often scoff at gas motors and cite lack of flammable vapors. I guess they just forgot CO and CO2. Nope they don't explode but think about the fact both are heavier than air.... Nite nite...

Again, all boat owners should run their blowers.

To the OP, I have an A4 sitting waiting on me to rebuild, but I am in Oklahoma. As others have said, check Moyer Marine for possible local donor motors.

Well found and in good condition a good running A4 will serve well and is a SIMPLE motor to run and maintain.

Proud A4 owner...

 

[higgs]

Sorry to poist this, Scott, but I would never recommend a single cylinder to anyone. Even the best are noisy and give off a lot of vibration. An A4 is a far smoother running engine than any single banger. Properly managed, gas is not dangerous.

 

[Scott T-Bird]

Don't be sorry, Higgs ... I agree. Notice that I want to upgrade to a 2-cylinder freshwater cooled model. I also don't give any credence to hysteria over gasoline-powered engines. You'd think we would all be dead by now for turning over our car engines multiple times per day. I don't think I would exchange a running Atomic 4 for a diesel, but there is no denying that sailors prefer diesel, and if Bill was thinking of an alternative, I thought I would offer it. I wouldn't hesitate to admit that the 1GM would probably make his boat a tad underpowered (like mine is). It seems he is on the Chesepeake, so that would also be a strike against an underpowered engine.

 

[Eddie7045]

Higgs, correction, properly maintained it is LESS

dangerous. I can see someone keeping an Atomic4 or Palmer P-60 going if there already is one but it doesn't make sense to install one. There is a reason that there are no longer any gasoline auxiliary engines being manufactured anymore.

 

[higgs]

I will agree that a diesel is preferable as a sailboat engine.

 

[Rick D]

27' O'Days Did Come With A Yanmar Diesel...

...I had one. 8 HP as I remember. She would not hit five knots under power but had a range (theoretical) of 500+ miles. I never even gave a thought to fuel during the season. So, yes, it was a bit underpowered and she did shake, but she was still a very nice engine. I also had a Columbia 28 before that which had an Atomic 4. No question that it had (too much) power and one had to take a bit more caution with gasoline. However, it was quiet and had little vibration, so it was a sweet engine in that application except for the fuel consumption (or more properly, capacity).

If I had a boat with an A4, I would rebuild it if possible and do all the available upgrades unless I had a cruising agenda or my use was materially changing and for some reason another boat wasn't in the cards.

 

[Gail R]

dangerous.

Poppycock. A properly maintained and properly operated gas engine is no more dangerous than anything else. I'm a hell of a lot more nervous firing up the propane stove than I ever was running the old A4.

The reason they are no longer put in sailboats is mainly the totally unjustified mass hysteria that people have over anything other than a noisy, stinky, vibrating diesel.

 

[CalebD]

Another good reason to go with an A4 (in good condition) is that it will likely cost a lot less then a new or used diesel. You can also learn to do the maintenance on an A4 and not be dependent on 'mechanics' (who usually tell you to scrap the A4 and get a diesel).

 

[RobertLangdirect]

Hey, I just revalved and gasketed my A4 -- sweet, so if you find a bbargain in one and transmission -- get it. I doubt anyone will give away a running diesel.

 

[Old Skool Neil]

Every year someone down here blows up a sailboat with one of these gas engines in them.

I'll be the second to make the request. You made the statement Terry, how about backing it up? How about a single verifiable story (as opposed to dock scuttlebutt) of a sailboat explosion attributed to the Atomic 4 engine? No need to limit yourself to 'down here' (FL).

I'm talking about the engine, not ancillary boat systems. The Gandalf loss occurred immediately after refueling. I've never read a final determination as to the actual cause of the loss but refueling rather than the Atomic 4 engine looks pretty likely.

 

[RAD]

Here's something of interest for Scott or Bill
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Brand-New-I...518718&pt=Boat_Parts_Accessories_Gear&vxp=mtr

I'd offer 1500.00 to 2000.00

 

[Scott T-Bird]

Interesting ... I don't think it's plausible that it has never been in a boat. The photos and the crate don't look like original condition based on the photos. I'd never buy it sight unseen and I'm not going to Oregon any time soon. I think I will stick with my plan. I wouldn't be satisfied re-powering with a machine that old, I want modern equipment.