Single vs Twin engines
 

I am looking at getting back into boating. I used to have a Scarab with a 350. First off I will be only doing freshwater on the highland lakes in central Texas(Travis and sometimes Canyon Lake). Aside from some obvious benefits of a twin(extra engine if one goes down, more power, easier finesse turning around the dock) what other benefits am I looking at? Also, the downsides(twice the gas, maintenance and weight). I am looking at another go fast but also a cabin cruiser, neither over 30 ft. Any input would be appreciated.

Hate to have to do this, but use the search function.

This topic has been discussed at nauseam.

As awesome as the search functions are on forums, I searched around but didn't come up with alot of info

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/p...gle-twins.html

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...ns-single.html

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...ns-single.html

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/g...uel-usage.html

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/g...intenance.html

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/g...big-block.html

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/g...mall-twin.html

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/p...ns-single.html

Thank you:ernaehrung004:

Let me know when your at Canyon Lake, I boat there.

I think the maintenance issue is a catch 22. Obviously its less to maintain two than one, but on a heavy 28ft boat the cost can be less overtime to maintain two motors. A heavy single engine 28ft boat will go thru motors and drives much faster than a twin. In the long run I think you may find it cost more to maintain a single high performance 500hp+ motor and drives than twin stock 415hp 502's or 365-385hp 454's on a heavy 28ft boat. In short, assuming a single engine 28ft boat has 500hp+ it will have shorter rebuild time and cost just as much to refurbish than a twin engine stock setup. Gas on a single vs twin is about 25-33% less, not the 50% you might expect.

Balance is also a catch 22. The torque steer of a single engine sucks much worse than a heavy rear ended twin setup IMO.

There really is no free lunch with either setup on a big heavy 28ft + boat.

good post.

Also, if you break down with one engine you are being towed. That can get old. On smaller lakes not a big deal but in big water lakes/ocean different story.

I run a 28 single with 675HP and an IMCO drive.

Depends also on the age/condition of your motors. Older motors and drives will break your bank. After having both I'd never to back to a single, I will however make sure that my next boat is newer with low hour/age motors.