How would these engine packages compare on say a 28' Pantera, 28'PowerPlay or a 30' Superboat. Single 650 HP big block, Twin 350-400 HP small blocks, Twin Pro Max 300 Outboards.

Cost? (650 HP Big Block with drive $30,000-35,000 ???)
( twin Small Blocks with drives $30,000 ???)
( twin ProMax Outboards, How much do these cost ? )

Reliability?
Maintaining?
Insurance?
Fuel Economy?
Engine Life?

I'm curious what would be the most economical package with all these variables taken into consideration?

Thanks, Kirk

Anything with eggbeaters is a bit girly...

Go with the twin SBC, more maintence but you are always able to make it back home.

KN, I'm with you on this, I,m thinking twin small blocks and Pulse Drives! Under 30K

Much less likely to break drives with small blocks - hell, you could slap some blowers on a pair of SBCs and get maybe 500 hp, then you're good on the drives, lighter than twin BBC, and more room under the hatch.

Twin small blocks make a lot of sense in a boat that size (if you want twins, that is)

I would think the twin small blocks would be the most turnkey - if your talking Merc's 6.2s. But they make 320hp, so I'm not sure what your referring to with 350-400hp. My Jersey bro's might disagree with me on the small blocks vs. the outboards on the reliability and I have no idea about their fuel economy or engine life. I would agree with them on the fact nothing in that size of boat is going to beat the outboards hp-to-weight ratio. My 26' cat does mid 80's with twin 6.2's and 110 with twin outboards - same boat!

The 650 hp big block is a different animal all together and would completely depend on who's 650hp your talking about. Using my boat as an example again, the twin small blocks add up to 640hp, but they are a solid 10mph slower because of the extra drag with twin drives. However, they are materially more reliable and much longer engine life. I might argue that all things considered, the maintenance would end up about the same. But, one big block sounds much better than two stock small blocks.

p.s. "a bit girly" HyperBaja? Wouldn't plan any trips to Skatterfest little buddy

I have a single engine and I love it. The maintenance is less (unless I break an outdrive again) and the boat is lighter.

I would only get twins on a 30-foot or longer boat.

Just my two-cents...

P.S. If you boat in salt water, get the outboards. Otherwise, stick with I/O.

buy Jafo's 28 AT with twin small blocks and Bravo's!!

My boat runs well with the big block, the drives do not fare as well. Warlock makes the 29 Euro with either the BB or the 350 twins.

I have ridden in both the twins win hands down, until you have to work on the motors.

try a three or six drive or Weisman with a bbc and then you much more bullet proof.