2 motors vs three
08-21-2008 | 06:25 PM
#12
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,682
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From: Boca Raton, FL
You don't have to yank the center prop. Sure you could pull the prop to reduce drag but it is not necessary.
I have trip 496's and my boat it will plane on any combination of the two. I blew a drive on the port side halfway between Key West and Sanibel. I was actually on my way back to Tampa and continued on, but Sanibel was a fuel stop on the way back. I ran the port engine at idle and left it in neutral so the hydraulic steering worked properly. It is a little harder to get on plane but not a big issue and can still cruise about 40-45 on two. I have had trips for four years and find more positives than negatives to having them.
I remember my 38 with twins and when one went down, you better hope and pray you are not 40 miles from your destination as you are not going to get on plane.
I agree that maintenance costs are higher but since I do most of the maintenance myself, it is negligible.
I would definitely go trips on my next boat.
I have trip 496's and my boat it will plane on any combination of the two. I blew a drive on the port side halfway between Key West and Sanibel. I was actually on my way back to Tampa and continued on, but Sanibel was a fuel stop on the way back. I ran the port engine at idle and left it in neutral so the hydraulic steering worked properly. It is a little harder to get on plane but not a big issue and can still cruise about 40-45 on two. I have had trips for four years and find more positives than negatives to having them.
I remember my 38 with twins and when one went down, you better hope and pray you are not 40 miles from your destination as you are not going to get on plane.
I agree that maintenance costs are higher but since I do most of the maintenance myself, it is negligible.
I would definitely go trips on my next boat.
08-21-2008 | 06:33 PM
#13
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Joined: May 2001
Posts: 589
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From: Tampa,Fl
Ed,
That is something I need to check into. Who's steering system was on your boat?
Jason,
There was an increase when I went to trips vs twins even though there was not a big difference in speed. No problem getting insurance.
That is something I need to check into. Who's steering system was on your boat?
Jason,
There was an increase when I went to trips vs twins even though there was not a big difference in speed. No problem getting insurance.
08-21-2008 | 06:57 PM
#14
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From: Boca Raton, FL
I had Mayfair which is now Marine Machine. The priority valve is an easy add-on as long as you have two belt-driven power steering pumps.
08-21-2008 | 08:31 PM
#16
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Joined: Aug 2006
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From: LOTO
trips verses bigger twins? about the same from my last 2 boats.about the same hp about the same fuel useage but different octane cheaper, we spend most of the time in the 3000 to 3400 range now. what is this priority valve and who makes it, sounds like something i should add when the starboard pump goes out.
08-22-2008 | 02:32 PM
#17
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From: Boca Raton, FL
trips verses bigger twins? about the same from my last 2 boats.about the same hp about the same fuel useage but different octane cheaper, we spend most of the time in the 3000 to 3400 range now. what is this priority valve and who makes it, sounds like something i should add when the starboard pump goes out.
08-22-2008 | 02:44 PM
#18
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Posts: 3,682
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From: Boca Raton, FL
I once donated a day on a high performance boat for auction to the Wildlife Rescue down here. A guys wife bought it for him for his birthday. He still says it was one of the best birthday presents he ever received. I ran him, his wife and two of his friends from Port Everglades to Government Cut full blast. At first they were scared, but when they realized I wasn't going to kill them, they loved it.
08-22-2008 | 04:03 PM
#20
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From: Tampa,Fl
Ed,
I have Latham steering and there is a "T"block that feeds the fluid from the two pumps for the steering. There is a definite difference in how the steering works without one of the motors running. I checked on Latham's site but did not see anything mentioned. I need one of these valves.
Keith
I have Latham steering and there is a "T"block that feeds the fluid from the two pumps for the steering. There is a definite difference in how the steering works without one of the motors running. I checked on Latham's site but did not see anything mentioned. I need one of these valves.
Keith
