Hello. i am new to this site, and to sailing. our islander 28's atomic 4 engine needs $2500 repair + new water pump. is it an option to install an outboard instead? We have a tiller and i'm not sure how this will work for steering. Any input would be greatly appreciated !!!
please advise, atomic 4 vs outboard ??
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2500 is about the cost of a new 9.9 Tohatsu electric start, remote control O.B. Plus you will spend a few hundred on a mount system off the transom..... I have a remote control, electric start on my 27 ..... no tiller arm on motor.... I steer entirely with the boats tiller/rudder....
If you could find a good used O.B for under 1500, I'd go for it and start saving for a diesel... figure $8,000. (do you love this boat?) otherwise I'd rebuild the A4.
That said..... it may behoove you to research the A4 more extensively. Moyer Marine is a company that specializes in the Atomic 4 parts...rebuilds... etc http://www.moyermarine.com/ In which case you may find that doing the work yourself may save you a TON of money...
The Atomic4 is a solid motor and will serve many years if maintained.... unfortunately, gas inboards on sailboats aren't very popular any more.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Atomic_4
If you could find a good used O.B for under 1500, I'd go for it and start saving for a diesel... figure $8,000. (do you love this boat?) otherwise I'd rebuild the A4.
That said..... it may behoove you to research the A4 more extensively. Moyer Marine is a company that specializes in the Atomic 4 parts...rebuilds... etc http://www.moyermarine.com/ In which case you may find that doing the work yourself may save you a TON of money...
The Atomic4 is a solid motor and will serve many years if maintained.... unfortunately, gas inboards on sailboats aren't very popular any more.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Atomic_4
Have been dealing with same issue on 79 Hunter 27 diesel powered. If you can afford to have the A4 repaired and made RELIABLE for that price go for it (I am assuming partial rebuild valves,rings???) Used outboard 10 to 15 hp plus bracket will coast around 2500 if you install. The set up can be a hassle to use it all depends on you sailing conditions and boat usage but many people use them on mid size boats and learn to deal with it. Again make sure the repair results in dependable engine..that is best choice.
I'd go with the Atomic4. An inboard has the advantage of not hanging off the transom - with the weight poorly distributed. And in rough water you don't have to deal with the prop coming out of the water. There is something to be said for being able to take the motor off the boat and to the mechanic of your choice, however.
BTW I have an atomic 4 thermostat and 2 water temp sensors (Stewart Warner SWD 362 An 1/4 in.), I'd send to some a-4 owner for the asking.
BTW I have an atomic 4 thermostat and 2 water temp sensors (Stewart Warner SWD 362 An 1/4 in.), I'd send to some a-4 owner for the asking.
No brainer, rebuild the A-4. For safety, to conserve boat's value, convenience, performance and easier to provide maintenance.
So what is wrong with your Atomic 4 that is going to cost $2500 to fix?
You could probably get a brand new block, head and several other components from Moyer Marine for that price. For that price you could probably also buy another working A4 from someone.
It seems to me that a mechanic has told you that is what it will cost. Be careful when dealing with mechanics with your A4 engine. There are some honest mechanics out there but many just don't like working with this engine and their repair estimates reflect this.
As others have said, if you (can) do the work yourself you will save a bundle. Even if you don't have a mechanical background you can learn to do most of what you need to do with the help of the Moyer forums: http://www.moyermarine.com/forums/index.php
Very helpful bunch over there.
Good luck.
You could probably get a brand new block, head and several other components from Moyer Marine for that price. For that price you could probably also buy another working A4 from someone.
It seems to me that a mechanic has told you that is what it will cost. Be careful when dealing with mechanics with your A4 engine. There are some honest mechanics out there but many just don't like working with this engine and their repair estimates reflect this.
As others have said, if you (can) do the work yourself you will save a bundle. Even if you don't have a mechanical background you can learn to do most of what you need to do with the help of the Moyer forums: http://www.moyermarine.com/forums/index.php
Very helpful bunch over there.
Good luck.
I agree with them all. Just traded my C&C 27. The A4 was gone and an outboard installed when I got her. The OB pushed her well but pulling up out of the water and flushing was a pain. Rebuild her.
Don't forget that the inboard has a much higher output charging system than a small outboard. If thats important to you.
If you haven't done so already, I'll second Joe's recommendation to check out Moyer Marine. They've got a very active forum with knowledgeable members and the owner's contribute frequently. Post a message there with specifics about your engine, and you'll have a better handle on the costs of repair as well as instructions on doing it if you're so inclined. Could be significantly cheaper.
For the record I love my old A-4 and I'm far from the best at maintaining it. Starts right up and never quits.
For the record I love my old A-4 and I'm far from the best at maintaining it. Starts right up and never quits.
Ditto what John says. When I first got my boat I worried about the life expectancy of an engine that was already decades old and with a bit of deferred maintenance issues. But after learning how to bring her back up to speed on the maintenance issues (OK, still working on that!) I now have an engine that always starts first time and runs like a top. No more worries about when I'd need to replace her--she'll outlast me if I giver the proper care.
MoyerMarine forum is the place to go with questions, even if you have no further experience than pouring gasoline into the tank!
See you there!
Put a small (3-4 hp) used ob on a transom bracket. A little akward, but plenty of power. After you remove that atomic 4 and its tank, and a lot of other junk, you'll have some extra storage space, and no more fuel smell, and danger. And a lighter, and faster boat!
Not trying to start anything here, but seriously, you figure that 3-4 HP gas motor with a tiny prop just barely in the water is going to push that 7,000 lb boat around when you really need it in currents and a 20 knot wind??? Just sayin'... It doesn't seem like sound advice.
I should have clarified: I sail mainly within Newport Harbor, Calif. Sheltered and light winds. Use the motor mostly for in and out of the slip. Will push my Cat 27 almost at hull speed. Maybe it's 5 hp.
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