New Pearson owner

[Carnutvic]

Hello all,I am on my way to ownership of a 1981 28 ft Pearson.I put a deposit on it last night and now I am figuring out the logistics to getting it to its new home.It will be docked at Galloway Marina in Middle river MD.This is my first sailboat,I have "0" sailing experience.I am taking some lessons in July.
The boat has been sitting in the water for 2 years neglected,the bottom was painted in 2010.The Atomic 4 does not run,apparently it overheated 2 years ago and has been sitting since.
My plan of action is to get it to the marina,inventory sails and equipment,have the boat pulled and powerwashed and procede from there.I am sure the bottom is a mess.While its out on blocks I am going to replace the zincs and packing on the shaft.
I am going to do some basic checks on the motor this weekend,oil cylinders,change oil,check compression,remove fuel tank,carb and fuel lines,flush and clean.I am not sure if it was ever winterized.
I will post my progress.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Congratulations and good luck.

 

[Robyn-Bob]

Congrats!

I bought a 1974 33 Pearson about 3 months ago, but I had a 23 Alberg Sea Sprite for two years before that. I learned a lot on the Sea Sprite which has helped on the Pearson.

 

[Barnacle Bill]

If your engine over heated badly, you will see discoloration on the engine block, head, etc. Most likely you have a bad impeller for starters. Atomic 4's used either Sherwood or Oberdorfer pumps and so you need to determine that first. Next, if the engine go too hot, you could have a warped head or bad head gasket. If the impeller is replaced and the engine starts and you see steam coming out of the back end, you are getting water into the cylinders in which case you need to have your head ground down to specs (to make if flat again) and a new head gasket installed. These are the first things you need to look at. Ask if you have more questions.

 

[Carnutvic]

Thank you all.This is an excellent forum.I am actually looking forward to tearing into the motor.Visually it looks clean and well maintained.But neglected for the past 2 years.

 

[rlucasvideo]

Check the impeller first. If one of the blades is missing, that's the likely culprit. Could have fouled the water line. If so it's a simple fix. Check the water lines for blockage too. Then fire it up and you could have a happy A-bomb.

 

[SEMIJim]

Your source for all things Atomic 4 is unquestionably Moyer Marine There are forums, there, too.

Congratulations on your new-to-you boat

Jim

 

[Wanderer138]

Ditto on Moyer Marine.