I want to buy 260 or 280 br I’m struggling between the twin motors in a 280 or the single engine 260 just can’t stand the feeling of a single engine boat being to heavy for one motor

whats a BR?

Formula Bow rider?

OP - did you run either boat yet? What power is in each?

I enjoy the redundancy of twin engines myself, unfortunately I am not too knowledgeable of the newer Formula pleasure boats but the added confidence of always having two engines is worth every penny to me.

Twins will double your maintenance bill and increase your fuel bills, but only slightly. If you do your own maintenance, you’ll hate the poor access to most items in the bilge, that’s just the way it is with twins in almost any boat.

If it’s any comparison, In 2007, I bought a new Sea Ray 270 SLX (bow rider) with a 6.2 320hp and Bravo 3. Nice boat but not fast. Low 40’s with fuel and 3-4 people. Load it up with gear and 7-8 people it was sluggish to plane, top speed dropped under 40, handling felt unresponsive and heavy. A bigger engine (496) would certainly have made a difference.

If speed isn’t a priority, I think a big block in a 26’ bow rider is a sensible package. Smaller than a 496 is a bit underpowered.

RR

I know nothing of the formula line, but I know the Baja BR models ride a lot heavier than the cuddy models as the helm is further forward and has the aerodynamics of a toaster oven, so that big block power doesn’t go as far as you may be use to.

When I started looking at 29’ Scarabs the twin sbc option was way more popular than the single by all accounts, fwiw. Another plus for twin small blocks is you can up the power to a Bravo friendly 500 each and have a fairly reliable 1000hp boat.

We liked our 242 but went with a Cobalt262 we also like the layout better than the 260. Good quality boat and nice ride. I still miss my bolsters in the 242

I got a 2015 270 br. Went with the single engine. Twins will double your maintenance bill and increase your fuel bills. As long as you go with a big block with at least 380 hp. You will hit high 45 with a full load.

i have a 280ss with 6.2's and wish there was more... cant imagine a single 280! i'm 5'10 190 and can stand in front of and between the engines.

the 30 outlaw..yeah shes tight, arms only and working by feel,in the 280, i can stand between and in front of the engines, the foot wider beam and small blocks open tons of room!