Rear Control

[shevrin]

Being new to sailing, we recently purchased a 1974, 29 foot Ericson. It has an Atomic 4, gasoline motor that has less than 20 hours on the rebuild. There is not much control or power to rear. What can I do? Do I need a new prop?

bhevrin

 

[Lucky Dog]

Atomic 4 sites

Other than reverse is not like a car reverse...more torque.

Here some sites that might help, I'm sure once others get back from sailing, there will better responses.

http://www.moyermarine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3586

http://www.blumhorst.com/catalina27/albums/1st-haul-out/Enginework20020521.htm#trannyinstructions

http://www.geocities.com/atomfour/

http://www.alberg30.org/maintenance/MechanicalPropulsion/Atomic4/A4contrib.html


ml

 

[ChrisS]

Once you get momentum in reverse, are you able to then steer? If so, that's normal. If in a wide open space you can't get any reverse--like after a minute or so, and this will include some movement to port, despite your best efforts--go over to the Moyer site and read about the reverse gear adjustment. You may need to get more engagement in reverse.

I switched over to the Indigo prop and it did make a noticable difference. I have more manuverability in reverse, and more thrust in forward. The boat does six kts. without the engine breaking a sweat. Still, with my old 12x6 two blade prop I did have reverse--with noticable prop walk--once I got the boat moving backwards.

The only downside to the Indigo prop is that it focuses more concentrated current over the rudder, which makes steering a more sensitive endeavor going forward at higher RPM's.

 

[shevrin]

Appriciation and Question

ChrisS,

Thank you for your advise. Can you give me more info on the Indigo Prop?

bhevrin

 

[Lucky Dog]

Atomic prop

Indigo

http://www.atomic4.com/propeller.html


Performance

http://mysite.verizon.net/resqp86c/performancepropellers/id21.html


ml