Dual or single engine

cklips

Cadet
Joined
Apr 30, 2002
Messages
9
moving up to bigger boat 27 or 29 foot don't know which way to go dual engine or single boat would be used lake ontario & finger lakes . thanks for any help.
 
D

DJ

Guest
Re: Dual or single engine

cklips,<br /><br />Alot depends on your useage and your experience level.<br /><br />Twins<br />1. They're a dream to handle at low speeds.<br />2. No v-hull wander.<br />3. More initial expense.<br />4. More fuel.<br />5. More maintenance.<br />6. Better resale.<br /><br />Single<br />1. Lower resale.<br />2. Most people underpower with a single. In that size boat, I wouldn't go less than a big block.<br />3. Can be harder to handle at slow speeds-a dual prop set up or at least a Bravo 2 is a must.<br />4. Less maintenance.<br />5. Less fuel-maybe!<br /><br />An underpowered single is going to use more fuel than a properly set up twin package.<br /><br />If I had the money, there is no doubt-TWINS.
 

Walter

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 3, 2001
Messages
787
Re: Dual or single engine

On the Great Lakes? Like the Coors Light commercial says..."Twins is better!"<br /><br />The reassurance of knowing you can still get home if one engine fails is worth a lot of the extra expense of twins.<br /><br />Walt
 

cklips

Cadet
Joined
Apr 30, 2002
Messages
9
Re: Dual or single engine

thanks for the advice I am leaning towards twins would twin 4.3l be enough?
 

Boatin Bob

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Sep 24, 2001
Messages
1,858
Re: Dual or single engine

I had a 29 ft Thundercraft with twin 4.3's Cobra's (205 HP) and they would put me into the low 40's mph. Lots of low end torque, good fuel economy and little extra room to work on over the small 8's.
 

dug out

Cadet
Joined
Jun 25, 2002
Messages
13
Re: Dual or single engine

cklips here is my $.02.<br /> I agree with djohns19.<br /> I have a Sea Ray 270 Sundancer with twin 165 Mercs (4 cyl) and a friend has a 26' Imperial with twin V6, 4.3's. Both have 10' beams. I've compare mine to the same boat with a single 454. The twins are better on fuel, easier to handle and can get you home (not on plain) on 1 engine. Plus I like the ride of this boat for Lake Ontario.<br /> Make sure you have enough of a tow vehicle for the boat you're looking at. My Sea Ray is around 8000# fully load with out a trailer.
 
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