triples vs twins?
03-26-2014, 06:30 PM
#21
I've always wondered about the issue Wrink and Tom commented on. Wouldn't owning a twin blower boat with high maintenance #6 drives be far more expensive than triple reliable 525s? I'm asking the question without bias (I don't own either type of boat), but have heard people on both sides of the issue and want to know the truth!
I owned a 91 42 Fountain triple for 8 years..triple 540's 600HP. Never had a drive issue "standard bravos" 60 MPH put the hammer down and the boat pulled like a freight train. Sold it and bought a 97 42 Staggered. Thinking it would be the cats meow....wrong does not run nothing like my triple, gas cost more because I have to run the other engines harder. I still love the boat but miss my triple. Don't get me wrong its a hell of a lot easier to work on twins. But I can't plane out on one engine, like I could with the triple on two engines.
That's my two pennies...
03-26-2014, 06:33 PM
#22
Lower power/engine=, less cost. The hull is more efficient with the 3 props cutting in, You will see less wear and less broken parts over all. (as long as you treat it right. That Is Why I went triple.
My options when boat was ordered for the same mph: 3- 496HO's or 2- 575's. The triple application was $75K less in cost. Was a turn key, go boating set up, and we NEVER had problems with drives.
That is why triples are better in my opinion. (This is from someone who actually had a triple!!!)
My options when boat was ordered for the same mph: 3- 496HO's or 2- 575's. The triple application was $75K less in cost. Was a turn key, go boating set up, and we NEVER had problems with drives.
That is why triples are better in my opinion. (This is from someone who actually had a triple!!!)
03-26-2014, 07:18 PM
#23
Registered
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Almont, Michigan
Posts: 183
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I don't mean to highjack the thread, but would any one have any info on gph with triples. Boat is 43 Black Thunder, 3-500efi boat is loaded with heat air generator. I know at w/o it will suck fuel, would like to know about cruising speed gph.
03-26-2014, 07:29 PM
#24
Registered
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Joplin, MO
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
3 x 500EFI
30 footer worked hard to get to 75mph, 40 with triples enjoy a beverage at 80! Complete different league.
03-26-2014, 08:56 PM
#25
Registered
In our application, the Triples were very efficient under 3800 rpm. Once you break into the power band, they are like everything else that is running hard.... That being said, at the lower RPM,I am guessing you are running in the 68-72 mph range with that set up.
To give you an idea, a number of years ago, we trailered out to Desert Storm, spent the first 4 days on Lake Mohave in Laughlin, drove everywhere and put a 300 miles+ on the boat, used 1 tank. Pulled down to Havasu, filled up and ran the Poker Run. Burned through the entire tank of fuel in 1 day. (300 gal tank)
To give you an idea, a number of years ago, we trailered out to Desert Storm, spent the first 4 days on Lake Mohave in Laughlin, drove everywhere and put a 300 miles+ on the boat, used 1 tank. Pulled down to Havasu, filled up and ran the Poker Run. Burned through the entire tank of fuel in 1 day. (300 gal tank)
03-31-2014, 11:09 PM
#26
Registered
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Lake Michigan
Posts: 6,627
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
04-02-2014, 11:19 AM
#27
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
Originally Posted by Back4More View Post
Lets use my buddy's 97 42 Fountain for example...
To go 90+
2x800SC with #6
or
3x525SC with Bravo
Which is more reliable, last longer before rebuild, and cost less?
The triple in this configuration might be more reliable...but...
1) Now you need to add the cost of purchasing a complete set 3rd set of hardware
from the engine to the prop.
2) The cost of daily maintenance for 3 instead of 2
3) The Fuel for 3 instead of 2
Add all that up and configure how long that extra cash will maintain the 2 800SC
for this particular example.
Few more fun facts to consider:
1) Center Drive is buried the deepest, Works harder thus all your center
hardware is rebuilt quicker than the outboard two.
2) You want 2 right hand drives and 1 left hand drive.
Again center drive takes the most abuse including prop damage.
Right Hand parts are the most common to find when in need.
3) Had this triple / twin staggered conversation with John Pompi a few years
back, arguably one of the worlds best riggers. John converted an Apache from
triple 750's to Twin Staggered 800's and ran the same speed with one less power plant.
Jon
Lets use my buddy's 97 42 Fountain for example...
To go 90+
2x800SC with #6
or
3x525SC with Bravo
Which is more reliable, last longer before rebuild, and cost less?
The triple in this configuration might be more reliable...but...
1) Now you need to add the cost of purchasing a complete set 3rd set of hardware
from the engine to the prop.
2) The cost of daily maintenance for 3 instead of 2
3) The Fuel for 3 instead of 2
Add all that up and configure how long that extra cash will maintain the 2 800SC
for this particular example.
Few more fun facts to consider:
1) Center Drive is buried the deepest, Works harder thus all your center
hardware is rebuilt quicker than the outboard two.
2) You want 2 right hand drives and 1 left hand drive.
Again center drive takes the most abuse including prop damage.
Right Hand parts are the most common to find when in need.
3) Had this triple / twin staggered conversation with John Pompi a few years
back, arguably one of the worlds best riggers. John converted an Apache from
triple 750's to Twin Staggered 800's and ran the same speed with one less power plant.
Jon
04-02-2014, 01:57 PM
#28
never trade luck for skil
Gold Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 937
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
04-03-2014, 07:53 PM
#29
Registered
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Lake Michigan
Posts: 6,627
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
600+ hrs and never broke any of the 3 Bravos...Lots of going fast and wave bashing.
Out ran a 41 with twin 750's and 3's in confused chop.
Out ran a 41 with twin 750's and 3's in confused chop.
Last edited by Back4More; 04-03-2014 at 07:58 PM.
