Hi, I'm looking to repower a first generation (1972) Pearson 36. The boat currently has an atomic 4, which is fine in flat water/no wind, but very underpowered in a 20kt headwind and/or decent seas. We are in the great lakes, where the water and wind are rarely calm, especially this year.
I believe the boat displaces about 14,000. 29.2 foot waterline. Currently has a folding prop, but we will go to a fixed prop with this conversion.
I've been snooping around the Beta 28, but I question if it's enough power to keep the boat moving into wind and seas.
Like most Bill Shaw designed boats, this is actually a boat with an easily driven hull and will reward you not only with fine sailing performance, but with the right engine/propeller combination, you will be able to motor harder than you really want to push the boat.
I suggest using the Beta 25 or Beta 28 with the standard 2:1 transmission. If you can fit a 14" diameter propeller, then go with a 14"x9" three blade propeller. We have had excellent results with the Michigan Wheel DJ355 propellers on sailing boats. these give the drive of a regular 3 blade propeller but have a smaller blade area so not as much drag when sailing. The estimated boat speed is over 7 knots.
Both of these engines are available on Atomic 4 replacement mounts and the choice of engine really will come down to how big an alternator you want on your new engine. We can fit a 70 amp on the Beta 25 and 100 amp on the Beta 28.
