GLH! I knew you would chime in, but not with that type of answer!

I have not had my engines Dynoed but I would guess between 620 - 650HP

My 29 Fountain with 502's went through 2 drives in 3 years.

A new big stepped bottom hull I would want staggered. Older straight hull, I like the triples, just rides Smooth...hence the name of my rig Smooth Operator

I have trip HO's. If money was no option, I would have rather had big twins (700's or larger) and get the same or better speed. However, with HO's I get realiability, performance and overall lower cost.

The trip handles MUCH better @ manuevering (can use the third engine as the compensator when getting into slips etc.

Overall mileage is way better than twins. (They work alot easier for the same amount of speed). thus lower rpms, less gas etc.

Down side, everything costs triple, maintenance, props etc...

By trimming the center drive further out, wouldn't it mal-align the tie bars and toe out the noses of the outer drives?

funny tread! I asked the same questions to a couple guy here, and they all chose twin in the first place, then I told them about the positive point you guys with triple pointed out, and they almost all changed their mind! They'd go triple! Primairly for reliability reason and getting cheap''stock OEM'' drives and engines in case it goes bad...

I never thought it would turn this way! But I sure want to test drive a triple before I change my formula... saw a couple nice 419 formulas and 42 lightning...Sonic also...

spent a weekend on a loaner baja 410 with trip 525s.. never again.. the fuel consumption was absolutely absurd. $100 a mile. the nice thing (sorta) was when we had the 1/2 mile idle in and out of the cove, we could just run the center motor and it did just fine. it was a heavy heavy boat though.. if i had to do it in that size, i think id go with big twins vs triples. seems like it used up sooo much room in the cockpit. you could add a second set of bolsters in the room youd save from not running triples..
plus the cost of yet ANOTHER motor when it comes to maintenance..
thats my two cents, never owned a triple and doubt i ever would..

the last 2 post are exactly opposite, and that is the funny part! I think both of you are right! That's why I guess I'd really have to test drive before buying...

I've had both and the ride is better in the triple and it uses more fuel, but be honest if everyone was worried about fuel economy you would be in alot smaller boat. The biggest issue will be trying to sell it, make sure you buy it at a good price.

funny thread everyone has different ideas of the power and size and make of our boats and purpose, thats what makes this one of the best stress relief, for me that is, its what makes us smile the most when we turn keys is the right answer and i do like mine.

Heard thru the grapevine there is an awesome triple 800/#5 Saber 41 coming up on the market in Grand Haven Michigan ...