Rebuild, Engine Rebuilder, Or PA ????

[JasperWindvane]

I am looking to buy a large sailboat in the next town over. The owner, nice guy, has told me the the Atomic 4 circa 1984 needs to be rebuilt. He, the owner, is very knowledgeble. My first thought since this is New Hampshire was to take the engine out of the boat and drive to PA [moyer] and have Don rebuild. Then, I thought ?? If I bring it to a local engine rebuilder ?? Can a local engine rebuilder who makes his living rebuilding automobile engines rebuild an Atomic 4? If yes, .. I suppose I would get the parts from Don and have the rebuilder work with Don to rebuild the engine. If I can get this done at a reasonable amount, the buying of the boat will go through.
If need be ... I will drive to Harrisburg ,, that is where Moyer is, right? I am no engine expert .. not even close. I do know the owner of the boat is very particular about the boat so I think the engine can't be so bad that it can't be rebuilt.

Any thoughts?

Tom Martin
603-622-0688
Manchester, NH 03104

[jhwelch]

First, what reason(s) does the current owner give for the engine needing
to be rebuilt? If he is as fussy as you say perhaps the compression
is getting on the low side.

Secondly, I had an engine emergency this fall and drove my motor
to Kinzers, PA where there's a great rebuilding shop. I'd trust them
before some less-experienced auto mechanic.

You will have to find out if they (or whoever you pick) can rebuild
the engine before you want to use it in the spring. So you may
end up using it this spring and having it rebuilt in the fall.