Single vs. Dual engines

[GregGold]

I am in the market for a used 26-30' open bow. I've been looking at Cobalts and noticed they come in single and dual engine power. I'd like to know the pros and cons of each option. Most singles seem to have 8.1s 375hp and the duals seem to be 5.7s and 6.2s with 600hp.

My current boat is a 210 Sea Ray with a 7.4/Bravo 3, and it seems to jump out on plane and handles well. I drove a friend's 260 Cuddy with 7.4 and it took 8 years to plane. I don't recall the make but it seemed taller than usual. Anyway, before I start test driving, I'd like more information on each option. Also, if there is a comparable make to Cobalt, I'd like ideas there as well.

I appreciate everyone's time and experience.
Greg

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: Single vs. Dual engines

I know that a Cobalt 262 with a 375 HP 8.1 will get on plane quite quickly, even with a crowd aboard.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Single vs. Dual engines

http://forums.iboats.com/boat-topic...e-engine-twin-comparisons-revisit-593966.html
http://forums.iboats.com/boat-topics-questions-not-engine-topics/docking-twin-i-os-551199.html
http://forums.iboats.com/boat-topic...-foot-boat-help-hurt-resale-value-552440.html
http://forums.iboats.com/boat-topics-questions-not-engine-topics/single-twin-engine-525960.html
http://forums.iboats.com/boat-topic...ippers-single-engine-ops-possible-542315.html
http://forums.iboats.com/boat-topics-questions-not-engine-topics/single-twin-engine-525960.html
http://forums.iboats.com/boat-topic...e-between-twin-v8s-twin-v6s-t-4-a-518422.html
http://forums.iboats.com/boat-topic...rences-different-motors-same-boat-515374.html

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: Single vs. Dual engines

My buddy came by the other day visiting on his way to the marina to fuel up his boat. He had bought a spotless black 27' Cobalt with the 8.2 Volvo Pena Duoprop.

I later got online and found one just like it 2 years old for only $99,000. And BoatTest.com indicates a boat like that gets 2 mpg and has a max speed of 50 mph.

It's a class ride, but the fuel mileage just won't match that of my 24' tritoon with a Yamaha F150.

 

[3rdtimesthecharm]

Re: Single vs. Dual engines

Also consider that with twins you have two of everything. Oil changes,winterizations,sea pumps,drives etc. as compared to a single. So service will be more. Let`s say a sea pump goes out in one,you may as well replace it on both motors. Just my .02 worth.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Single vs. Dual engines

I recently went from a boat with a single engine to a boat with twin engines. . . .

If you are at 26 feet, then a single with high HP can do the job nicely. It seems that once you get to 27' , then you really start to want twins. There are quite a few boats at 27-28 feet and still have a single engine, but people generally do not like them in the long run. Also, they are harder to sell.

My buddy across town has a SeaRay 270 with a single 7.4/B3 . . . he has to get it to 4000 rpm to come on plane . . . it also falls off plane really easily, and he has to start the process all over again. By contrast, my 33 foot boat with twin engines (7.4/B3) will come on plane effortlessly at 2000 RPM and stays there.

So, you mentioned 26 - 30 feet as your range . . . the concern here is that it crosses the boundary between single and twins. So, I would say 28 feet or more, go with twins. Yes, the maintenance is more, the fuel is more, but the ride and performance is worth it.

If you want to look at something similar to Cobalt, take a look at Formula, maybe Chris-Craft as well.

 

[agallant80]

Re: Single vs. Dual engines

I would only get twins of I was going off shore. Perhaps I would consider it if I fell in love with a boat that came with twins. At any rate, you burn more fuel, two oil changes, two of everything to break etc. its a good trade off if you are going to be off shore where seatow may not be able to get to you in time if something breaks.

 

[Natesms]

Re: Single vs. Dual engines

I agree with tpenfield, once you get up over that 26 foot range you'll want to look at twins. I went from a 24.5 with a single 5.0 that struggled to a 33 with twin 7.4's. The first time I was out on the lake full of people, fuel and water - when the 33 jumped up onto plane I knew there was no going back. I enjoy driving more with the twins, it's more relaxing and less work.

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Single vs. Dual engines

Wouldn't own any single engine on a boat over 27 ft i/o or outboards again.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Single vs. Dual engines

Maintenance on twin engines is not expensive. I do my own annual maintenance (every 100 hrs)...oil changes (7.4L Merc), fuel filters, oil filters, water pump impellers and the genset impeller & zinc is less than $150 total. Every other service, it gets plugs and cap/rotor. That's an additional $50 per engine. The ease of moving a big boat in tight places and the redundancy of a second engine? Priceless....