Not sure if anyone got this original message with the pictures, but it
didn't seem to go. So, I took off the pictures. Maybe if anyone really
wants to see an old Atomic 4, I can send them individually. But the text to
the original message is below.
Brad
----- Original Message -----
From: "iicaptbrad" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, July 26, 2008 9:41 AM
Subject: Re: catalina27-talk: 1976 C 27 Std rig Atomic 4
Pat,
Funny you should ask. I have a 1976 C27, and until a few days ago it had
an
Atomic 4. When I got the boat it was frozen solid, a nice piece of balast
under the cockpit, and I opted to stick an outboard on the back and have
the
A4 pulled out. Pictures of it are included here.
I've heard if well maintained the Atomic 4 is a fine engine... dependable,
powerfuul, etc. The only downside of such an engine is that it is gas
and
you have that volatile, flamable liquid down in your boat. Also, the
ignition parts on a gas engine are just more prone to corrosion and
failure
in a marine environment than the lack of them on a diesel.
My big quam, and why I didn't replace or rebuild my Atomic 4 is the room
one
has in the engine compartment of a C27 and the accessibility to the
engine,
and parts aft, i.e gland nut, exhast system, etc. Possibly if I had of
kept
it and got used to cramming one shoulder through the access ports on
either
side (and working my tools with one hand), I would have found I could
access
everything and would be able to replace parts and maintain the engine
just
fine. I'm sure there is a way. I even considered putting a waterproof
hatch in the cockpit (anyone do that?) for better access.
I considered replacing the A4 and putting a diesel in. Cost of the engine
wasn't so bad but installation would have been alot. The outboard is by
far
the lest expensive route and I just wanted something to get me in and out
of
the dock, anyway and maybe a bit of push when I'm running late. Hopefully
I'll rely on the wind for most of my power.
I think Chris, below, gives you more of a reply you were looking for.
Happy sailing.
Brad
Noah's Ark, Hull #2271
San Diego, CA
----- Original Message -----
From: "Chris Maddox" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, July 25, 2008 6:17 AM
Subject: Re: catalina27-talk: 1976 C 27 Std rig Atomic 4
Pat,
I can comment in general on this, let me know what specifics you might
want.
Reliability: Good, if it has been well maintained and the cooling
passages are not crudded up. Mine is RWC and the latter is currently not
true - I plan to pull it this fall, disassemble it, and give it a good
cleaning since it's gone beyond the capabilities of an acid flush. FWC
kits are available.
Spares I carry: Ignition parts (mine is still points/condenser,
electronic ignition is available), RWC pump impeller and gasket,
carburator jets, manual start crank (this has come in really handy and is
one of the nice things about the installation in the C27 - no juice, no
problem).
Typical problem areas: Jets, ignition coil, thermostat, cooling passages.
Speed at full throttle: Hull speed easily (call it 6.5kt), power in
reserve. When I motor I'm probably at half throttle (no tach so I can't
quantify). The engine's rated HP is 30 but where it operates on the
curve
in a C27 (no gear reduction) is about 15.
Fuel consumption - about .75-1.0 GPH at cruising speed (5+kt).
I've been contemplating trading the engine out for an outboard but I
would
really miss the reserve power. That has saved my bacon in the 'pop-up'
thunderstorms that we are prone to on the Chesapeake (60kt winds and
hail,
anybody?).
Hope that helps. Let me know what else I can tell you.
Chris
"Aria" #2373 1976 SR A4
www.ariasails.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Patrick R Ford <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Jul 25, 2008 9:03 AM
To: IC27A <[email protected]>
Subject: catalina27-talk: 1976 C 27 Std rig Atomic 4
Listers,
Anyone have a 1976 C 27 with an Atomic 4, or have knowledge of same ?
?? Reliability of Atomic 4--speed at full throttle--performance--etc ??
Pat
