28' Single vs 28' Twin BB
 

It seems like Pantera is one of the few builders to offer a boat in this size range (true 28-30) in both single and twin configurations (well, twin big block, anyway). I'm curious as to what the general consensus is on the differences between the two - ride, handling (is the twin butt-heavy), etc.

Obviously, it will probably cost more to feed the twins, and changing plugs will be a pain in the ass (as it is on damny near any boat with an 8' beam and twins).

One other question, somewhat unrelated question - how is the wind protection on this boat? Seems like the windscreen really doesn't come up that much. Not a big deal in sunny and warm Flo-ri-duh ;) but up here in Meeechigan a good boating day can be 60 degrees.

When I was in FL a couple of months ago, I visited the Pantera factory and asked Pepe what he thought the best set-up was. He said that since BB power has gone up from the old days, the single is now the best way to go in the 28.

I've been in a few 28s and with the low freeboard, there isn't much wind protection. Some other members on this board have come up with their own deflectors, I'm sure they'll chime in.

That's kind of what I was thinking. My reference was the 272 Formula - back when a 454 Mag made 365 hp, you'd have to go with twins to move a heavy v-hull like that at a respectable clip. Now that reliable 500+ hp big blocks are available, it seems like less weight and drag might result in a better balanced boat.

Interesting to talk about, anyway! :)

That's basically what he said last night on Talkoffshore. Now that you can get plenty of power out of a single, and they don't do way offshore running, the single is the way to go.

Glad to chat if anyone is considering a twin.
Remember that the actual cost of twins in the 28 is the same as the cost of twins in a 26... That's one big, big reason you see more singles.

Drive 'em both.

Jo knows he has access to my boat for sea trials if someone is not sure wether a single or twin is the right boat.

Yeah, no doubt the azz is heavier on the twin. bit the holeshot and accelleration of twin big guys is hard to match, even with a single 800.

The single will certainly be faster up top, given equal HP.

No matter which way you go, you can't go wrong with a Pantera.

I think the newer 28's have a lower floor to increase the freeboard, and I would imagine, the wind protection also.

10-4 Body Shot.
Jo can actually cut down the floor on existing boats as well.
I'm considering having him do it to my boat...

The cut down will drop you about 4" in the boat if I remember correctly.

A well built single with over 600 hp will give you as much or better performance than a twin. However, I have been in Tim G`s boat with twins and it is one well balanced piece of boat. The boat flies straight without
hesitation. To each its own on this topic everyone has
reasons in why they choose single versus twin, so this is upto how much $$$$ you want to spend in a set up.

Albert

mesabalancing.com

I hadn't thought about the acceleration - good point. I went for a ride with Joe Skrocki (audacity) in his 32 AT/500hps, and that thing pulled like a freight train. Strong!

Of course, I have a top speed governor in the left seat no matter what the top end might theoretically be... :D