New guy here... recently bought a Cal 2-27 with an A4

[Wasn't Me]

Just wanted to introduce myself. I live aboard my Cal 2-27, a fixer upper with a little storm damage and lots of neglect that sat at the dock in New Orleans and grew barnacles since before Katrina. I jsut bought it late last year. Getting the atomic 4 up and running is on my list of things to do. Adding electric drive is somewhere on the list as well, and eventually replacing the atomic with a westerbeke or a Beta 2 is probably slap down at the bottom of the list so it might get done in a couple of years. Meanwhile I use an outboard but I will get the atomic running one of these days. Probably in a couple of weeks, actually. Maybe. Anybody else here from New Orleans?

[roadnsky]

Welcome to the forum!
Simple rules: (that aren't really enforced)
•Ask a lot of questions. (None are dumb)
•Take some pics if you can.
•Get your hands dirty! (Do the work)
The rewards are beyond expectations. Really!

AND, I'll betcha a dime that you'll end up falling in love with your A4 and realizing installing a smelly, expensive diesel is the last thing you need on your 27 foot home... ;)

[sastanley]

We might need to adjust your priorities...let's start working on that Atomic 4!!! (welcome!)

[Wasn't Me]

Welcome to the forum!
Simple rules: (that aren't really enforced)
•Ask a lot of questions. (None are dumb)
•Take some pics if you can.
•Get your hands dirty! (Do the work)
The rewards are beyond expectations. Really!

AND, I'll betcha a dime that you'll end up falling in love with your A4 and realizing installing a smelly, expensive diesel is the last thing you need on your 27 foot home... ;)

Well, I like the Atomic engine, as far as gasoline engines go. It is simple and straightforward, low tech, time-tested design. It's the .45ACP of small marine engines. But this one is seawater cooled. I know that would bite me in the rear sooner or later and I don't think I want to mess with the conversion for this engine. And I don't mind the diesel smell. To me, it is only marginally worse than a gasoline smell. The main issue I have is range. The same size fuel tank will get me a lot further with a small diesel engine. It's not the cost of the fuel so much as weight, space, and the installation of a bigger tank. Expensive diesel? I only paid $2000 for the boat. I am not going to pay 5 figures for an engine. But a new Kubota isn't that expensive. A used one would be okay. But that's a "later" project, anyway. For now, I can get the atomic running without too much hassle or expense, and it will "git 'er done" good enough for now. I will be putting in an electric fuel pump from MMI (already ordered) and a new carb (ditto) and a manual priming pump as soon as I get home which will be in 2 weeks. She should run, then.

[Wasn't Me]

We might need to adjust your priorities...let's start working on that Atomic 4!!! (welcome!)

Like I said, in a couple of weeks. The parts are in the mail and will be waiting for me when I get home, so I won't have many excuses left. Unless I am too busy sailing or drinking beer. Thanks for the welcome!