2 Engines vs. 1 engine for i/o boat (stern drive)

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xsports33

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Hello all - My wife and I just recently moved to lake front property and i'm in the market for a new boat (new to me). I'm looking from anywhere between a 26" to 30" boat with an open bow. I've heard differing opinions whether or not i need 2 engines or 1. IMO, doubling my engines means doubleing my potential for problems.

So, what's the difference between getting 2 mid-power engines vs. 1 high-powered engines? Besides overall HP, or is that it? i'm thinking either 2 496's (375hp) or 1 engine with 750hp.

Faster hole shot? acceleration? handling?
 
That's a lot of fuel either way. Extra engine can get you home if one fails. But like you say it's twice the maintenance. . Twins can maneuver at low speeds better in Fwd or reverse.

Have you researched boats? Not to many in that size range have dual engines. Let alone one with 750 HP. Get's harder to get a bow rider over about 20 ft as well
 
I think you need to do some homework. Talk with people who own boats that do with their boots what you want to do. Lots of questions that you need to answer, like will you be boating 50 miles off-shore or running the local bay.
 
Well, with 2 motors you will have higher purchase price, twice the maintenance expense. Twice the fuel consumption, and need more power just to haul the extras weight and extra fuel. How do you plan on driving the boat? Slow speed fishing and cruising, or high speed running around?,,
 
I would always lean towards the twins. Better slow speed maneuverability, and when, not if, but when, one has a problem while you're out and running, you can limp in.

Plus, the fuel consumption is usually not much more, and you don't get prop steer (kinda like torque steer), as the props are normally counter-rotating.
 
ok... i've done the research and i already own a 25"4 boat with a 496HO (425hp) for the past 8 years. I know what it can do. i've also been in boats with much more hp. A 21" with over 400hp is not uncommon, at least not on the west coast.

A lot of boat builders go to twin engines at 26" and up, but there are also some that stay with a single. I have a buddy with a 24" and a TCM1200 which is a completely built motor with 1200 hp. That things hauls at around 90-100mph, not the safest thing, but it can be done.

I like the idea of having a "back-up" when one fails, but i can't really justify that cost when i'm not off-shore. This boat will be used only in fresh water for cruising and hi-speed cruising. Definitely a family cruising boat, no fishing or hi-speed racing here.
 
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I Love Twins. but a 30' twin is going to have a teensy tiny bilge, very poor access. however, 30 is big enuf to warrant the better low-speed control of duals. just depends on what you want. If you're gonna live the "boat life," get twins, but have it thoroughly inspected (avoid surprise repairs). If you're gonna just tut-tut here and there, go with the single.

I would NOT want twin I/O's, however!! I/O drives need more maintenance--- if twins I would really want Inboard only.

As for fuel consumption... it's a boat. it's gonna suck fuel regardless. I can easily see 1-2 mpg in that craft....

I'm so glad to have sold mine...

M
 
Originally Posted By: meep
I'm so glad to have sold mine...


Spoken like a true boat owner!

you'll be back
cool.gif



Honestly, it sounds like the single I/O is the way to go for me. I'm looking at either an 28" Ultra or a 28" Eliminator with an Ilmor 725 as the powerhouse. I know the Ilmors are hard to find, so i'm also looking for a 525EFI or a 600SCI by Mercury Racing.
 
Well you are definitely on the high horsepower side of things. Maybe you should just get a single stern drive and with the money you save get a boat tow service. I think that is what I would do.

Sounds like you will have a blast either way you go. Have fun as your eyes tear up at the blinding speeds.
Maybe we could live vicariously through you after you post a YouTube video?
13.gif
 
Crownline offers large bowriders in that size range with single or twins. Well made boat and worth consideration.
 
A powerboat is a hole in the water you throw money into.

Newer engines are more relable than in the old days; not sure how often one engine boats are stranded.
You are on a lake so help isn't to far away.
If you don't go crazy with high horsepower (reliability issues), one engine should be enough.
 
I have a 'go fast' type with a 850 hp stroker/supercharged 572.

It's actually rock solid reliable, with all electronic ignition, etc. I wouldn't hesitate to go offshore in it if the weather was nice.

Keep it under 4000 rpm and it even gets great fuel economy.
 
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