I own 10M #26. Its a 1974 model. Its on the west end of Lake Erie.
The
Pearson 10M is an exceptional
boat. The long
water line really helps and with the 6 ft
draft it is exceptionally stiff even in a stiff
wind with too much sail up. It lives up to its PHRF ratings. I sail it
single handed most of the time and that's not a problem.
I do a lot of engine
work. The Atomic 4 is built very similar to an old tractor engine. Its stout and bone simple to
work on. I put an electronic ignition conversion on my engine and replaced the coil. I have a write up on that on my website dc9.com. While I like Moyer
marine and buy
parts from them, they are not the only source of that kit. There are some better
parts. Particularly for the coil. I just refurbed my
water pump. A new impeller and
gasket was $35 via Amazon. I would only replace the
pump if it was worn out ( doubtful ). The impeller and gaskets that Moyer sells work fine as well. Don't use the Globe "run dry" impeller. They don't work. Removing the
water pump requires removing two bolts and two hose clamps. I put a heavy blanket over the engine and lay right on it. A headlamp also helps a lot.
Regarding the life of a engine like the Atomic 4... I have a Ford 9N tractor from 1939 that still runs and I can still get parts for it. The engine is very similar to the Atomic 4. My Atomic 4 is new by comparison.
What will kill your Atomic 4 is
corrosion and lack of use. Engines need to be run to maintain lubrication. If you engine is sea water cooled and you are in the ocean, convert it to freshwater
cooling. That will end any internal
corrosion issues. Moyer says that the mechanical
fuel pump is as reliable as an
electric. I still have a mechanical
fuel pump and an electric onboard as a spare, in case it fails. I'm converting mine to freshwater
cooling. Moyer sells kits as does Indigo
Electronics. I'm rolling my own and will post the results on my dc9.com website.
Gas engines in boats was a big problem before they started selling ethanol free gas at
marinas around here. But now, with the ethanol free gas, my
fuel problems have ceased. I also use a very good cartridge
fuel filter with a water separator. Highly recommended. The one Moyer sells is a very good filter. Don't use just a cheapo
steel automotive filter unless your supply for gas is super clean (how can youtell?).
I have
diesel trucks. The problem with diesels is that they are basically un-serviceable for most people. How many people feel comfortable replacing fuel injectors or purging a diesels fuel system? Not many. But with a socket set and a couple wrenches most people could replace an Atomic 4's carburetor.
The acid test for Atomic 4s is a
compression test. They are easy to do and they will give you a good idea of how worn the engine is. Then if the engine is not knocking and if it has good
oil pressure you likely have an engine that will last for many years.
I considered replacing my Atomic 4 with a Beta, but the cost if I did it myself is about $8000. I could replace or
rebuild my Atomic 4 at least 4 times for that amount! It really makes zero sense to replace one with a Beta.
Fuel
consumption:
At 6 knots my Atomic 4 burns a little less than 1 gallon per hour. No one can justify replacing a gas engine with a
diesel based on fuel
consumption alone. The numbers don't work.
Fuel tank:
Unless your tank has been replaced, it is under the
cockpit floor. The fuel fill is in the
cockpit floor (make sure the o-ring is good!). Look at the front of the engine from the
cabin interior and then look beyond it. You will likely see the cylindrical 20 gallon Monel tank. It looks similar to old
stainless steel. Those
tanks are of very high quality. You can't get them anymore. Monel is crazy expensive.
Stainless steel is much cheaper.
What else to look out for:
The 10M was equipped with an iron mast step. I have no idea why.
Check yours out. That is a common replacement. It is also common to have to trim off the bottom of the mast and make the mast step a couple inches taller to compensate.
Check the
deck for soft spots around any
deck penetrations. If you find a couple, they are repairable. Not a deal killer, but if you don't fix them yourself it could add substantial cost to have it repaired.
The 10M is a very good
boat and often overlooked.
Dave