A vote of confidence from Sam Rabl

[ILikeRust]

One of my favorite books about building wooden boats (and they are legion) is Sam Rabl's "Boatbuilding in Your Own Backyard."

Originally published in 1941, as I recall, and then updated about 10 years later, it's a very good overview of simple and traditional boat-building methods, and includes plans for several simple yet very nice boats that the weekend handyman can build in his own back yard with regular carpentry tools.

In the discussion of one of his more popular auxiliary sailers, Pelican, he has this to say:

And in the discussion of his Fish Hawk, a fishing boat:

Also, several of his illustrations show what clearly is an Atomic or Utility 4:



And in some cases expressly identify the recommended engine as such:



I just thought this was kinda neat - Mr. Rabl obviously was a big fan of our little engines!

[ndutton]

Ahh, there was a time

Good find Bill. There was a time when our A-4 was the preferred engine for medium sized sailing auxiliaries and we on this forum are in a unique position to understand why.

Speaking of there was a time and backyard boatbuilding, here's a current local story that's pertinent. It's significant that Mr. Holland began this project with a permit from the city that was rescinded after a new neighbor moved in and complained. The city even went as far as passing an ordinance ex post facto targeting this project directly. They finally sued him and the judge has found in the city's favor, threatening $1000 daily fines beyond a drop dead date. There's quite a bit more to the story but these are the lowlights.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/05/dennis-holland-backyard-ship_n_1320991.html

If you're so inclined, there's an online petition. I signed it.

http://saveshawnee.com/news/petition-request-of-our-supporters/

[Ball Racing]

I have that book, and fell out the chair when I saw a A4 in the plans

[jhwelch]

It looks like the A4 in that illustration is at quite an angle but the oil pan under the reversing gear is perfectly level.

[KeysCatalina]

Good little read. There is no doubt in my mind if the Navy was using this motor or its predecessor then its worth the rebuild and restoration.

As for the newport beach story its amazing that we are not allowed to do what we want on our own property. Of course IMO, Mr Howard may have been better served providing a "tentative" completion date in order to renew the permit.

[ArtJ]

Where did you find that the Navy was using the Atomic 4? I am curious
because I am aware of the 4 cylinder they used in the 26 foot motor whaleboat,
but that was something called a Buda I believe.

Thanks and Best Regards

Art

[KeysCatalina]

Where did you find that the Navy was using the Atomic 4? I am curious
because I am aware of the 4 cylinder they used in the 26 foot motor whaleboat,
but that was something called a Buda I believe.

Thanks and Best Regards

Art

I was talking about the utility 4 which I read was used extensively by the navy on barges and small boats. I think its mentioned on wikipedia here