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ReplacingAtomic 4
In 1984, I owned a Ranger 29 and I replaced the atomic 4 engine with a Yanmar 2-GM. To do the conversion, I had to raise the engine bed, re-do the engine box, put in a different muffler and exhaust system, but I was able to use the existing fuel tank. I also used a different instrument panel as well as different shift and throttle controls along with a different prop. While I found that the Yanmar 2-GM gave me plenty of power and the range was increased by 3 times, I am not certain if this same engine would be enough power for a Ranger 33. You might want to also consider a 3 cylinder Universal Diesel(Kubota) which is a great engine. I had over 4500 hours on this engine in my Cat 34 when I sold the boat.
In 1984, I owned a Ranger 29 and I replaced the atomic 4 engine with a Yanmar 2-GM. To do the conversion, I had to raise the engine bed, re-do the engine box, put in a different muffler and exhaust system, but I was able to use the existing fuel tank. I also used a different instrument panel as well as different shift and throttle controls along with a different prop. While I found that the Yanmar 2-GM gave me plenty of power and the range was increased by 3 times, I am not certain if this same engine would be enough power for a Ranger 33. You might want to also consider a 3 cylinder Universal Diesel(Kubota) which is a great engine. I had over 4500 hours on this engine in my Cat 34 when I sold the boat.
Kubota
Kubota makes a little diesel that is an exact replacement for the Atomic 4. See one every once in a while on ebay. The ones I have seen come with mounts, tranny, wire harness and panel. You will still have to change a lot of stuff. But that would certainly be the easiest way to go.
Kubota makes a little diesel that is an exact replacement for the Atomic 4. See one every once in a while on ebay. The ones I have seen come with mounts, tranny, wire harness and panel. You will still have to change a lot of stuff. But that would certainly be the easiest way to go.
Beta Marine Diesel?
Look at the Beta Marine website. I think that they offer a drop in replacement. Plan to spend 6 to 8 thousand for a new engine and labor. I don't have any financial or business interest in the company, but a fellow Columbia Yacht owner is a rep for them and has helped facilitate several of these conversions.
Look at the Beta Marine website. I think that they offer a drop in replacement. Plan to spend 6 to 8 thousand for a new engine and labor. I don't have any financial or business interest in the company, but a fellow Columbia Yacht owner is a rep for them and has helped facilitate several of these conversions.
Universal Diesel
I bought the Universal/Kubota Diesel from Torreson Marine [chrisa@torresen.com] It looks like the same basic Kubota engine as the Beta Conversion, which also looks good, but the HX is lower and it therefore fits much better under the engine cover. Because of the reducing gearbox and overhead valves, it sits 1-1.5 inches higher on the engine mounts than the atomic 4. I had to raise the engine cover about an inch and cut a small hole in the side of the sink cabinet for generator clearance. I installed it myself with help from a son, but the boom did most of the work. It's about 100 lbs lighter than the Universal, so doesn't adversely affect CG. Most time consuming part was precise aligning, but that part needs to be done well and is worth the time. George Baum
I bought the Universal/Kubota Diesel from Torreson Marine [chrisa@torresen.com] It looks like the same basic Kubota engine as the Beta Conversion, which also looks good, but the HX is lower and it therefore fits much better under the engine cover. Because of the reducing gearbox and overhead valves, it sits 1-1.5 inches higher on the engine mounts than the atomic 4. I had to raise the engine cover about an inch and cut a small hole in the side of the sink cabinet for generator clearance. I installed it myself with help from a son, but the boom did most of the work. It's about 100 lbs lighter than the Universal, so doesn't adversely affect CG. Most time consuming part was precise aligning, but that part needs to be done well and is worth the time. George Baum
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