Originally Posted by
SkipperJer
As one first timer to another I strongly advise you to invest as little as possible in time and money right now. Do just enough to get the boat out on the water safely and sail it as much as you can. My perspective on what my boat needed changed drastically as I discovered what I enjoyed most about sailing. The boat will sail just fine with dull paint and no varnish. Old sails will get you out there. Rebuilding an Atomic 4 is a great winter project but for now borrow an outboard or buy a used one that you can resell later. I've sold a lot of things used on E-Bay I never should have bought new at West Marine. Give it a real good scrub inside and out, get a PFD, flares, a sleeping bag, some throwable cushions, a chart book, a radio and GO SAILING!
It seems that the engine is seized up good. I pulled the plugs and 2 of the spark plugs were rusting away. I think I am just going to pull the engine out, I really wasn't to keen on having a gas inboard anyhow. The question is, should I pull the engine now before she is launched, or just leave it till next haul out. I am a bit concerned that the weight of the engine, plus the outboard hanging off the back may be a bit much. Anyone know what it would run to buy a decent diesel to put in instead of the a4? On a better note, I have the electrical pretty much sorted out, the bilge pump works, though there is no way to turn it on except the "auto mode" the radio works now, one of the contacts for the fuse was corroded, so a bit of sand paper fixed that, the cabin light over the chart table works, the marker lights work, though I seem to be missing the bow light. Anyone know what sort of bulbs to put in the cabin light fixtures, it looks like a regular 110v bulb holder, but I dont think I have an inverter on the boat, unless its hidden some were.
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