Yanmar vs Atomic 4: Cost Difference ?

[speedoo]

So assume you have 2 30ish foot boats of approximately equal value aside from the engine. One has an Atomic 4 and the other has a relatively recent 2 or 3 cylinder Yanmar, both engines in good shape, boats are late 70's vintage.

What is a reasonable pricing difference for the Yanmar vs. the Atomic 4, if one is looking for a coastal cruiser (eg. gasoline is just as available as diesel).

[imagine2frolic]

I believe more information is needed?.......i2f

[amarinesurveyor]

I would say around $5k +/-.
Brian

[speedoo]

Originally Posted by amarinesurveyor

I would say around $5k +/-.
Brian

That seems high to me. I was thinking more like 2-3k.

Is your estimate based on your survey work?

[Opie91]

I agree more information is needed, but keep in mind that if you decide to re-power a Atomic 4 with a diesel it could easily cost you $10K plus....

The Atomic 4 was a good engine in its day, but they are getting pretty old. Parts still available, but getting more expensive every year. The fresh water cooled engines do run better than the raw water ones.

I went all the way on mine, electronic ignition & electrical fuel pump. It still took up way too much of my time.

Re-powered my boat about 7 years ago with a Beta diesel, could not be happier, more sailing and less swearing.

[speedoo]

Yes, I am very aware that repowering with a diesel can be that expensive easily, assuming the diesel is new. Personally I would never spend that much unless I was certain that I would sail the boat for at least 10 years, and at my age that is not in the cards.

But I was more interested in knowing what people think about the used boat market. Is a diesel on a older 30 footer worth $5k vs. an Atomic 4?

[Sailmonkey]

The maintainence woes alone will bring you to your knees with the A4. I've had one, and I only kept it as re-powering at the time was out of my reach. I'd spend the extra 5k up front and sail more and play carberautor games less.

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by speedoo

... Is a diesel on a older 30 footer worth $5k vs. an Atomic 4?

I'd likely pay a ±$5K premium for a diesel (vs A4), on an otherwise identical boat worth more than at least ±$15K.

[Opie91]

I would pay the 5K as long as the diesel was sound.

[Ike]

Frankly I'd go with the diesel just for the safety. A4 is gasoline. It's old and an accident waiting to boom. The diesel won't go boom and is probably more reliable.

Spend your time sailing, not working in a cramped engine space.

[Artful Dodger]

Well the atomic isn't called the atomic bomb for nothing, and my repower was 15k including new shaft and prop.

[rtbates]

I would never consider a gasoline powered sailboat AFTER experiencing diesel power....so PRICELESS!

[speedoo]

Well, the jury has spoken. Thanks everyone for your comments, they are very helpful and I have decided to pass on a very interesting A4 powered boat as a result.

So, assuming a fairly modern diesel, the advantages are:

1. safety of diesel fuel vs. gasoline
2. easier maintenance
3. fuel economy
4. longer engine life

Any others?

[amarinesurveyor]

Better resale value? Easier to sell?

[Chief Engineer]

In my years I have never heard of an A-4 going boom.

A lot of powerboats have.....usually at the fuel dock.