Repowering a Catalina 27

[Dan]

I am considering replacing the Atomic 4 with a diesel in my Catalina 27. Any input or advice would be appreciated. Considering Yanmar, Westerbeke, ...Does anyone have any advice on which model or manufacturer would be better? What aboutrebuilt engines? Any good/bad experiences?

 

[John]

Universals fit the mounts

At least one of the Universal inboards (M3-20 on my boat) fits the A4 engine mounts, which could save a bunch if your mounts are in good shape - other modifications may be required though. There seem to be more Yanmars out there than Universal/Westerbekes, which means parts and good service are somewhat easier to find. Rebuilding the A4 is guaranteed cheaper than repowering to diesel.

 

[Melody Miller]

Worth It?

Hi Dan:How old is yer Catalina? Mine is a 76 and as much as I'd like to have a diesel, the boat is too old for that type of expenditure - - a few thousand I understand.Good Luck,Melody

 

[Bob Camarena]

Think about an outboard

Have you thought about chucking the inboard altogether and putting on an outboard. The archives should have a number of postings about outboard vs. inboard on the C-27. Outboards are clearly faster under sail and it would be a much more economical conversion.

 

[Peter Hine]

Outboard?-Maybe.....

Sailing a C27 with an OB in the same waters as Bob, I must agree, ay least as to the original purchase set up of the boat at your acquisition. I have the OB in the transom well, which would be difficult to duplicate if you're converting from an A4. I love the OB setup; easy and cheap to maintain, quieter than a diesel (at least in the well-on a transom braket less so.), and much less complicated. And the area under the cockpit is a great place to store inflatable dinks, extra food, sails, whatever-lots of space. You lose this with an IB. If you rig remote controls to the OB, the only downside I see is greater fuel usage- I use about 1-1.2 gal/hr at 5.6 knots in calm water with a 15HP 2-stroke Johnson. Unless you frequently motor a long ways (and I do sometimes!) its not a problem. I carry a 4HP OB on the stern rail as a motor for the dink, and the 4 will even push the 27 at 4.5 knots in smooth water if you need an "auxiliary to the auxiliary. However, putting an OB on an up-down transom bracket would negate some of the advantages. My OB never cavitates, and that's not the story I've heard from others with a 27 with a transom bracket.

 

[Art M]

In-the-Process

I am presently looking into rebuilding my A4. I have looked at other options. Sending for $25 parts catalog from Townson Marine. Engine mounts and shaft couplings can be purchased just about anywhere and 3-blade props give better performance;ie, backing out of slip. I need exhaust manifold and all gaskets replaced. Cylinder compression is good,so I don't think I need to do a valve or ring job. Basicly, everything the salt water contacted is corroded. My cat27 is a 76 model and an outboard engine conversion will run about $2500; ie, 9.9 to 15 HP long shaft. I thought of the extra room down below but this is an $8000 boat and spending big bucks on a boat I will keep for 3-4 more years does not make sense!