Keep in mind that a lot of the C&C’s supposedly came with the ‘Stevador’ 
version of the A4, which had a restrictor plate in the intake manifold. My C&C 
27 owner’s manual (1980 version) lists them used up to the C&C 36. Horsepower 
on these ‘Canadian’ market A4’s was limited to 15hp.

I think you only get RPM’s up in the 3000 range with the 2:1 drive on the A4, 
which again same source lists as being used on the C&C 34 and 36. 2-bladed 
props for those listed at 16x10.

The spec, and general rule of thumb that I understand is that the A4 has to get 
up to 1800 rpm at hull speed.  I’ve read a lot of posts on Moyer’s site, etc. 
where owners report maxing out at 2000 or so.

The Indigo prop is a 3-blade 10-inch by 7.7-inch pitch bronze prop that maker 
claims gets WOT up to about 2400 rpm, with cruise in the 1900 range. The CDI 
‘perfect pitch’ 2-blade 12 x 7 plastic propeller is the one that flexes down to 
about 12 x 6 with load .. Dennis you might have been thinking of that one.

Now that all being said my ‘79 C&C 27 did not have the restrictor plate ... and 
is 1:1 and still has the original 11x7 2-blade fixed prop.  I don’t have a tach 
(yet) so I can’t give you any data.

Personally I’m contemplating a Flex-o-fold for mine ... they recommend a 12x7 
2-blade at $1030 (US) including shipping. Maybe the Indigo ($350).  But 
probably not this year though ... I’ll put a tach in a and gather some baseline 
data 1st.

ANYWAY .... to the OP – keep your eye out. I obtained an entire A4 freshwater 
cooled parts engine for the cost of a good bottle of scotch and a bottle of gin!



From: Dennis C. 
Sent: Wednesday, January 29, 2014 4:37 PM
To: Cn Clist 
Subject: Stus-List The real reason to switch from an AT4 to a diesel

Explosivity of gasoline? - No
Increased fuel economy? - Maybe
Torque/horsepower? - Yes

The AT4 is rated at 28-30 hp at nearly 3000 rpm.  The AT4 torque/hp curve is 
fairly steep.  That is, at 1400 rpm, the AT4 is only generating 12 hp or so.  
At 2400 rpm, it's about 20 hp.  Torque follows hp closely.

Most marine AT4's have a 1:1 tranny.  That means, in order to generate 30 hp, 
the prop is spinning at 3000 rpm.  That's why AT4 props are usually pitched 
around 6.  Exclusive of the Indogo prop which has a somewhat flexible pitch, at 
3000 rpm in heavy seas, most likely, the prop will be cavitating and not 
efficiently transferring the horsepower to the water.

On the other hand, diesel torque curves are fairly flat.  A Universal 25XPB 
reaches max torque at 2000 rpm.  With a 2:1 reduction tranny, the prop is only 
spinning 1000 rpm.  Diesel props are pitched around 14-15.  You get a lot more 
bite with a higher pitch prop.

In practical terms, imagine you are punching into 2-4 foot seas.  With an AT4, 
you might make 2-3 knots and a LOT of bubbles.  (Been there, done that.  
Touche' had an AT4 when I bought it.)  With a diesel, you might be making 4-5 
knots.  BIG difference.

Let me relate another experience.  One day we were struggling against 20-25 
knots and 1-2 foot seas in Touche' (35-1) with the AT4.  We were making 2-3 
knots.  My friend came by us in his 35-1.  He was making 5-6 knots.  His 35-1 
had a Universal 25 XPB with a 14 x 14 2 blade folding Martec prop.  Even with 
the folding prop, he was waaay faster than us.


After I repowered Touche' I had to motor off a lee shore in a tropical storm.  
45 knots and 2-3 foot seas.  I cringe at the thought of having to do that with 
an AT4.


Before the repower, I had to carry extra fuel or stop halfway to refuel on my 
way to Pensacola from Lake Pontchartrain.  Now I can make it all the way 
motoring if I don't run hard.


Please don't take me wrong.  I like the AT4.  I respect the AT4.  I've owned 2 
of them.  I think it's a great engine for motoring in and out of a harbor.  I 
don't think it's a great engine for certain white knuckle situations or for 
motoring long distances.


Dennis C.
Touche' 35-1 #83
Mandeville, LA


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