Atomic 4 inboard vs outboard

SailingSouth180 · #1 02-20-2013

I have a perfectly running original 1975 atomic 4 inboard. However, I was thinking about going with an outboard as a backup. For a 28ft boat, what size outboard should I purchase? I don't know much about inboard motors, but it's hard to get to the inboard for maintenance etc. I may pull it out. What are your thoughts here?

RobGallagher · #2 02-20-2013

Leave it. An inflatable with a 4hp lashed to the beam will get ul where u need to go in a pinch.

chuck53 · #3 02-20-2013

28' is a lot of boat to be pushing with an outboard, not that it can't be done. I'm willing to bet $5 if you made the switch, you'd be sorry you did. I've got a buddy who used to have a 26' with an outboard and he hated it. Absolutely loves having an inboard in his new, larger boat.
Just have your A4 serviced and keep on going. Don't bother with an outboard.

MastUndSchotbruch · #4 02-20-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by SailingSouth180

I have a perfectly running original 1975 atomic 4 inboard. However, I was thinking about going with an outboard as a backup. For a 28ft boat, what size outboard should I purchase? I don't know much about inboard motors, but it's hard to get to the inboard for maintenance etc. I may pull it out. What are your thoughts here?

You have a perfectly running inboard motor and you want a backup? What for? Do you have a backup for the mast, the sails, the hull?

chuck53 · #5 02-20-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by MastUndSchotbruch

You have a perfectly running inboard motor and you want a backup? What for? Do you have a backup for the mast, the sails, the hull?

First he said having a outboard backup and then said he may pull out the A4 altogether.

MastUndSchotbruch · #6 02-20-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuck53

First he said having a outboard backup and then said he may pull out the A4 altogether.

OK, that's worse. Remove a perfectly working (so s/he says) inboard and replace with an outboard??? Because there are some potential access problems? Makes no sense to me at all.

SailingSouth180 · #7 02-20-2013

I want a backup to be on the safe side. I was going to have another mast, and sails but I don't have enough room

I was only toying with the notion of pulling the inboard out because its an older motor and it leaves me a little unnerved. I suppose a yearly service would settle that symptom. I do not know much about motors so the fear of having one die on me sticks in the back of my head whilst sailing.

MastUndSchotbruch · #8 02-20-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by SailingSouth180

I want a backup to be on the safe side. I was going to have another mast, and sails but I don't have enough room

I was only toying with the notion of pulling the inboard out because its an older motor and it leaves me a little unnerved. I suppose a yearly service would settle that symptom. I do not know much about motors so the fear of having one die on me sticks in the back of my head whilst sailing.

Find moyermarine.com on the web. They know all about the Atomic 4 and are very helpful.

If there is one inboard motor that you can maintain yourself, it is the A4!

SailingSouth180 · #9 02-20-2013

Awesome, thank you very much. I really appreciate it!

MastUndSchotbruch · #10 02-20-2013

Quote:

Originally Posted by SailingSouth180

Awesome, thank you very much. I really appreciate it!

no sweat