If you need 600 hp would you run 2 300s or 3 200s?
a couple of boats here running suzukis and Yamahas have been blowing lower units imo due to the young captains being too aggressive with the sticks with heavily loaded boats (45 passengers and gear)
as a result several are now running 3 200s.
No one runs merc here as merc has only had a dealer here a handful of years. I think A pair mercs commercial sea pro 300 engines with the massive 5.44” lowers would be the hot set. That seems like a lot of addition weight and the addl drag of a third lower unit in the water. What are your guys thoughts? Thanks so much for any info, RM

For you I would think who has the better service network and parts availability.

You're in a catch 22. What is the boat design?

2x300 is one less engine to fuel and maintain but the 3x200hp leaves you with a maneuverable (as in some float-illa type boats need the 2nd engine for staying on plane and/or directional control) boat if you loose and engine.

As far as the aggressive on the sticks - there is no job if the boat is out of service. If they don't get it, toss their A$$ down the beach. Every engine WILL break, they don;t need assistance from abuse

For that application I'd go triples . Engines will work a little less I would think

We have a huge well financed merc dealer and a crappy suzuki dealer that sells. Lot due to half down and six mi the payment plan. No one in Colombia Stocks parts like the dealers in the states do. Or are there any regional distribution centers here. I like merc for the huge lower unit and the sea pro makes tq at 1000 rpms less than their other engines. If I need parts I will buy feom
bamm marine in oompano

but... back to my real question. Two 300s vs three 200s? Which is the beater set up for fuel mileage also the weight trumps weigh more then twins especially if they are Yam or suzuki as mercs are much lighter. Thanks for any insight

Have you compared the operating costs for each brand/HP. ? Fuel consumption, SC belt services etc

no I havent. I don’t know the answer but I’m thinking the weight of a third engine surely makes the boat heavier and having a third lower unit in the water has to create a lot of additional drag. 600 hp take more or less X amount of fuel and air to create that hp. But there again I’m guessing. I don’t think single engines fuel burn vs another brand isn’t an apples to apples deal as I’m comparing twins to trips. It’s more apples to oranges when you figure in weight and drag imo

You keep mentioning weight and drag and you also said you carry 45 passengers . I don't really think the extra weight of one 200 hp outboard is going to make a lick of difference. But I'm gonna stick to my original answer . I think trips is a better option for you. Three engines won't have to work as hard as 2 and could save you some wear and tear in the long run . Why are stuck on the 600hp? Is it the max rating for your boats ?