I have been thinking of repowering my 1978 Catalina 30 standard Rig, I recently overhauled my Atomic 4, and although the engine runs well, it seems to be always something. I currently use a 2 blade prop and even when its clean I have a pucker factor getting to my sailing grounds, I have to motor into the wind for about a quarter mile, with rocks on one side and shallows on the other. I dont know what the price diff is between engines so some help in choosing the proper engine will be appreciated. The other thing is that I am so familiar with my engine (I took it out tore it apart, and managed to put it back together after it came back from the machine shop 2months later) I am aprehensive about learning the ins and outs of a diesel. On the A4 I have had to make adjustments to the reversing gear often. What kind of tranny do these engines have and are they fairly easy? I am lucky where my engine is midship and I have decent access to everything. Lastly are there any problems or compensation for a higher torque engine sitting in the same bed as the A4, I know this is problem with mounts designed for less torque.
The Beta 20 is the preferred engine to repower a Catalina 30, we can supply this with mounts that will fit the existing Atomic 4 engine beds and if your existing beds are in good condition, they should be fine with this engine. This engine will totally transform the way your boat handles under power and will have a nice reserve of power available.
On early Catalina 30 hulls, there may be a need to make a small modification to the dinette seat / engine cover to give clearance for the thermostat housing and coolant cap. Later models have a plastic molding to create the clearance needed although this may require relocation.
The distance from the engine to the instument panel at the aft end of your cockpit necessitates the use of an extended wiring harness and a starting relay. We take care of the technical aspects of this so you would just have a plug-and-play solution.
A 3 bladed propeller is the only way to go to transfer the additional power and torque of the Beta 20, we can give guidance on this and the correct transmission ratio to use. I would also suggest the replacement of your exhaust system, this will be cheap insurance for the protection of the new engine.
Adapting to a diesel engine is not difficult. In principle, the only differences are the replacement of your carburettor and ignition system with an injection pump and injectors. You will be amazed at how simple and reliable a diesel engine is so long as regular, basic maintenance is undertaken , maintenance that is less involved than for a gasoline engine.
A Twin Disc / Technodrive TMC40 is the transmission supplied with the engine, a simple mechanical transmission. Once again, no more difficult to operate and maintain than your existing transmission and will not require repeated adjustments after initial installation.
I suggest calling Beta Marine in NC on (877) 227 2473 to further discuss repowering your Catalina 30, ask for myself, or Stanley and we can cover any additional question that may have and advise you of the costs and options available.
