Say money is no object.....Do you choose 2 or 3 engines & why?
Pluses & minuses for each application..
What do you think?
3Six

.................................................. ......I can tell you that if you boat in big water say over 6 footers all the time the 3 engines just have that extra push , you can feel the benefit over the 2 motors,, especially over 6 footers , say like 8 to 10 , you really want the triple package . but for me 2 engines is just fine no matter the conditions .i am just a poor man on a budget .

I believe the 3 engine configuration will add overall durability to the drivetrains by the 3rd unit soaking up some of the re-entry load, getting on plane load & just plain running hard use. Plus, as mentioned, the extra push when needed. All this & more.....for a price of course!

I have played this scenerio over in my mind alot to idle away time while grinding on my boats
Unlimited money I would go with three 1350 mercs
Balance I think 2 staggered 1350's would be a tiny bit better but the throttle repsonse would be a bunch more on the triple and than can help in the heavy water. Plus loosing an engine makes it much safer to have two left. John ran Kemosabe home on one a couple years ago at Boyne thunder. It was throwing this really wierd rooster.

I just hate three throttles in my hand but I would get used to it if I had to.
It would be so interesting to see a triple 1350 top speed
Not sure what the theoretical speed would be but with a straightened bottom and a couple of thousand pound diet it would be something to behold

Not on my budget

NK

Plus it would increase the cruise speed saving the motors some work. all good points here and even though money would be no object down time is

NK

If money were no object I'd buy myself a 42' Chief or the 42' Pantera.. maybe even a Nortech all with 700's or 850's... Newer technology, ligher lay-up and more speed, greater reliability with less power but still great handling and rough water capabilities.

At the end of the day, having a fast boat that's reliable and handles big water with comfort is what's important to me.

Ed, you get that Commanche running yet? By the way, we're no longer neighbors, I moved out of state.

Key word, downtime...

On the 2 engine side........ease of working on a staggered configuration.......

Pantera is the choice there Frankie

+1 If i had the funds for a brand new boat the pantera would be my first choice. The race footage of the one that went to europe is just awesome. Plus, it would still fit in my boat slip LOL..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ke16Nr95NM