single engine 29's?

SOX · 05-10-2009, 10:30 AM

I know most I have seen are twin 5.7's but I have see a few nice single 502 (415) models out there and was wondering what the deal is with them. I have seen them advertised as 60mph WOT. What type of power is needed ot push them into the mid 70's? Also how do they handle compared to the twin SB models? Is it possible to put "big Power" to them and have success? Or are they too heavy to put that much boat with to much hp for the drive to hold up?

Peace,
Rob

BTW Any pics of your boats always makes any thread better

jtmarten · 05-10-2009, 02:24 PM

I just upgraded to a Nova II with twin 5.7's. I've had a 23' jet for the last 6 years, sterndrive Glastron/Carlson's prior to that. All the advice I received prior to purchasing the Nova was get twins if the boat is 26' or longer. I was looking for a 26-28' with a single big block, but ended up with the twins. I know the handling with twins is far superior to a single, especially around the dock. Having twins can really help if you have a breakdown too, at least you can still limp home.

SOX · 05-12-2009, 05:19 PM

Thanks jt, anyone else? Anyone???

96scarab29 · 05-13-2009, 10:54 AM

Howdy, I will give you my 2 cents, but I can't back any of this info up. I bought a 29 single last year with no power, and had asked basically the same question as you. I got some good feedback from people, but the main consensus seem to be that a 540 that was at least 550hp and up is what this boat needs to have enough power. They also said that on average, if you are near 600 you should be able to run upper 60's lower 70's under ideal conditions. I guess the main issue is having enough hp and torque as a single to get such a big boat up and moving. good luck
Joe

SOX · 05-13-2009, 04:09 PM

Yikes, thats a lot of hp to go that slow. Bummer

zul36 · 05-13-2009, 05:31 PM

My 2002 29 runs 58 on GPS with 425 horses. 500 would take it to mid 60, 525hps to mid or higher 60's, and a 575 should get to break the high 60's and into the 70's. The 600 hp keeps you in the 70's also, but may not break the high 70's unless the wind is at your back. To break into the 80's it gets expensive.
Keep in mind the boat was designed with a two motor set up that normally produces 600 to 700 hps and keeps it in the 70's.
Sinlge engines up to 600 hp have minor problems with breaking drives. Larger 600+hp need the best and most expensive drives.

SOX · 05-13-2009, 08:22 PM

Thanks for the info everyone. I want to stay with a single engine model boat but the 29 just seems to be a bit too much boat for a single. It is ashame because I really like the lines of the 29's.

Peace,
Rob

zul36 · 05-14-2009, 12:47 PM

I wouldn't give up my single engine 29. It's a great rider, and easy to transport.
The engine that makes a lot of sense for this boat is the Ilmore V-10. It packs 625 horses, is a high rev engine, and is lighter than other engines. I don't know of anyone who has this combination and how it performes.....

29scarab · 05-14-2009, 01:24 PM

I sold my 29 a few years back. HAd a 509cid whipple enigne in it. I had extension box and the works. Someone on the board bought it and is running it around louisiana. Didn't have a lot of problems with drive as long as you were easy on it coming out of the hole. I traveled quite a bit and didn't want the maintencance on twins. The 29 single is a great boat and handles the rough great. There are a lot fo good deals out there on them now.Good luck!

jeff1000man · 05-14-2009, 01:36 PM

If I was getting another boat, I would buy a 29 single. It is a really big boat for only 29'

Put an XR on the back and you should be able to put some power to it. Take easy out of the hole and stay smooth on the sticks when it comes out of the water.

I have done quite a bit of research on it. I wouldn't hesitate to put 700+- in a boat like this with an XR on the back of it. It would be a great boat overall.