I currently have an option to buy a 28' cat with either twin 300XS outboards ( already installed) or a single 700 Merc with NXT Drive.

Putting cost aside, what are the pros and cons of going with the Twin Outboards ( I have no experience with those)?

I use the boat for speed of course but will often (80% do the time) run it with people at very low speed (0 to 20 MPH).

There is a small swim platform between the 2 outboards and I am also wondering if it is easy to get in and out of the boat for a swim.

Thank you for your input.

I went from at single i/o cat (525) to twin (300xs). Reasons I switched. #1- two engines. If one breaks down, I can still get back to the dock . 300xs Outboards-- I was able to get 4 year platinum Warranty Outboards--Hold it WOT for hours on end Fuel burn on both outboards will be less than a single 700 merc Noise--No need to yell while underway-Outboards are quiet The now empty engine compartment give you loads of storage

Reasons for single 700- You might get a bit more top speed with the single 700 Merc but maybe not Sound-- Sometimes I do miss the sound of the big block. You have the option if you ever wanted to swap out or upgrade to bigger power. With the outboards, your really limited on options. If top speed is your end objective, a single 700 give you the option of upgrading to 900hp which will definitely give you a higher top speed.

Your low speed 0-20 will suck with both. With the twin Outboards I am able to stay on plane at about 23mph and cruise like a pontoon. I don't think you'll be able to do that with the single 700 without heavy use of tabs.

I've had horrible luck with outboards on my offshore boat so I would personally take the 700sci. Main reason the sound if a big block is a big part of speed boating to me. I don't like the sound of the outboards on my offshore boat. Specially when they are throwing rods out the side.

I know everyone says outboards are very reliable and I assume yet are. I wish I had that experience because we go 50+ miles offshore and I'm always nervous about breaking something and I don't even run over 4500 rpms. My speed boats have been very reliable and never really had motor issues and I find I put more time on the speed boats because I don't ever have to do anything but change oil and add gas.

do you have 300xs? or something else?

300xs are bullet proof. Plus, if you can do twin outboards, and ditch the center pod, its a huge plus.

Thanks for the feedback.

Sounds very positive for the outboards. I too will miss the sound of the big block.

Test run scheduled for Monday

Outboards at 6000 plus rpm can sound good too. Get he warranty with outboards until you get to a big cat. I love my 300xs's but have had a few issues over time. You will not touch the fuel mileage though. They are incredible.

No I have 225 optimax motors. I was just speaking in general of outboard motors. I've had so many offshore fishing trips screwed up by outboard motors. A big block is so reliable....in my opinion. I wish I had th luck most do with outboards. Maybe I'm treating mine wrong. Perhaps I should run them on the pins like the guys with 3000 hours on them....???

I wish I had that experience because we go 50+ miles offshore and I'm always nervous about breaking something

????

Guess I'm missing something?