I could plane my 33 PP with 2 engines, even dragging the 3rd prop. I ran 20 miles or so dragging the 3rd prop from Grand Haven to Holland in Lake Michigan.
I had less HP than nkosi as well.

I agree on just the wow factor at the dock. People just look at you like you must own your own refinery. The other thing I like is that my 42 Fountain gets on plane with barely any throttle and zero tabs. It also stays up on plane at a lot less rpm than if it had twins. I didn't see a huge increase, if any, in the amount of fuel mine burns with triple 575 horse HP 500's vs. my old Formula with twin 502's.

I've got a picture somewhere of my smartcraft showing 200 gallons per hour while running wide open, I'll have to find it. And yes, boat can stay on plane at much slower speeds

True there is one more motor and drive to service, but in my mind you are decreasing the stress on the components somewhat. You ever run out of gas as a kid? I bet it took a lot less work having 3 people pushing the car.

The difference in maintenance costs are somewhat dependent on the boat and the different power options you would need in twins versus triples. For instance, in a 47 Fountain, you can go trip 525's but putting twins in that boat you would need big power and #6 drives which I would argue the maintenance on those would be more costly than the basic maintenance on 525's with bravos which are for the most part bulletproof (header issue notwithstanding). In fact, I'm really hoping I'm right on this theory because I just bought a trip 525 boat....

Man that thing is SICK!!!!!!!

Just a quick caluclation based off your avatar... .6 MPG?? Not really that far out of line.

I had a 33 power play with triple 2.5s the triples were so cool looks ,and sound

I can get my Fountain on plane with a dead prop. It was a life saver this year at the shootout when I lost a sea pump belt at MM28 and needed to get to MM19. On the other hand, burning $1,100.00 in fuel with minimal running around is not cool.

One thing I do like is I can keep the boat on plane at 21 MPH by using the tabs and trimming the drives all the way in.

Interesting. Maybe it was just my set up....