I had a 2003 27' with a 496 HO. It was a great boat and maintenance free. Compared to my previous boat which was a wakeboard boat, I thought it handled chop amazingly. Even had it up at LOTO and did 100+ miles in a day through all of that chop.

I decided I wanted to move up in size and get twins, so I went and looked at some 32's. The cockpit was the exact same size as my 27, which was a real disappointment, plus the boat wouldn't be much faster.

A buddy then suggested I look at the 29 and i knew it was the perfect boat for me. Mine happens to have twins with the Mercury Racing Scorpions (blue 377's). Here are the reasons why I prefer my current 29 over my past 27:
1) Space. Specifically more room in the cockpit. Actually enough room to have a cooler on the floor and move around.
2) Twins. A) This allows you to get home if you have an issue (hasn't happened yet). B) It makes it easier to maneuver at the docks. C) Adds stability when under way, especially when crossing other wakes. D) Adds speed. My 27' did 72 & the 29 runs 84.5. E) And with twin small blocks, on a daily run (30 miles), the difference in gas consumption is only 5 gallons.
3) Weight. The added weight from the extra 60+ gallons + the second motor really helps the boat stay in the water when crossing larger wakes. We spend a lot less time airborne in the 29'.
4) Misc. The door to the 29' is much easier to access than on the 27' and we prefer how the back bench opens, etc.

Oh yeah, my 29' happens to be for sale.

I've tied-up to this boat a couple of times on Lake Travis. It's a really nice boat.:-)

I owned a 98 29 with a 525 and blower shop blower. Now a 27 500 wipple charged. Own a 1500 silverado. 27 is a lot easier to pull and maneuver around the dock. 29 handles a lot better and had more room in the cockpit and cabin. Also handled better. My 27 is newer, nicer, glass windshield, and faster for less money. 27 is typically easier to find a better deal on. IMO you would be happy with either own. Depends on what your looking for and how much you tow with what. I tow mine every weekend during lake season with my daily driver. Coal market isn't stable enough to have extra vehicles sitting around. Also mostly boat on a small lake. Eventually I want to upgrade to a 29 with twins.

Interesting fact...same engine a 29 even though it's bigger and heavier will out run a 27.

Ok... After some research on the elusive 29 fevers, I located a 2002 with twin 350 mercs in excellent condition. Any opinions on twin 350's? I didn't know this motor package was available. I know... The single 525 is the fastest, but I am very attracted to the low maintenance and reliability of the twin 350s. Also, does that slightly resolve the issue of no room to work on and super heavy rear end that people say are the negatives of the twin 454's?

The Merc 350 is a pretty reliable motor. You're not going to break any speed records but if the boat and engines are in good shape, this sounds like a good package for you.

After digging a bit more it seems the twins give a heavier ride quality in rough water, also the docking benefits are nice. If the boat does 68-70 instead of 75-80 I'm really not worried. It seems that many opinions are anti-twins in the 29s but they are all big blocks? Seems like Donzi and formula are big on the small block twins and people like them?

look at the 29 w/twins.and look at the 29 w/single engine.now ask yourself....which one would I rather work on?

go twins, you just can't beat twins!!!!!

Most people that go with twins never want to go back (myself included). Reasons include:

1. More stability @ high speeds
2. Maneuverability when docking
3. Ability to get home if you experience a breakdown (lose an impeller, ding a prop, etc.)

If you can't afford the speed you want to attain with twins, that's fine. Maintenance on 2 motors is more than 1.