twin vs single performance

[hydrasports]

Today I went to the johnson/evinrude dealer about repowering from twin 1992 150 johnsons to a 2003 250 evinrude ficht.I currently reach a top speed of 44 mph(5500) and cruise 27mph (3800). The mechanic said I would reach the same performance numbers with the single and save more fuel due to it being a ficht.I never imagined that the single would give me the same cruise and top speed as twin 150's . Is this hog wash or will a single 250 really perform like 2 150 carbed johnsons. The boat is a 1991 hydra sports 2500wa. thank you

 

[JB]

Re: twin vs single performance

Yes, Manny, I think so.<br /><br />Remember how much extra drag the second gearcase offers.<br /><br />I would expect a single 225 to match your twin 150s. But I would be more likely to make it a Yammy 4 stroke.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[Mumblerone]

Re: twin vs single performance

Take a look at www.regulatormarine.com then look under a model similiar to your setup...you will see performance figures with the same boat using different outboard, single, twins, etc. Very extensive site, quite interesting. Always nice to have that backup motor when your 30 miles out! I have twins. Take a look.

 

[FlyBoyMark]

Re: twin vs single performance

You will always get better performance out of a single screw versus twin screws with about the same HP. Including fuel consumption. The only REAL determining fators for using twins is <br />1. The boat needs two engines because a single 250 is simply not big enough to plane out to a targeted speed.(a very large boat)<br />2. Safety? (this is a ridiculously expensive way to go....25 HP kicker will suffice)<br />3. MACHO factor (very poor decison but looks really cool on the back of the boat)<br /><br />If you really have money to throw away and want to be macho and have twins, unless the the boat needs a pair of 250's, the boat should be able to plane out with a full load with one engine using a spare lower pitch prop you carry onboard. If it CAN'T do this on ONE engine, then your better off with a 25 HP backup proped for "pushing".

 

[JB]

Re: twin vs single performance

Good post and good explanation FBM.

 

[hydrasports]

Re: twin vs single performance

Thanks gentleman, great info. Im surprised to see so many boats 25 and under with twin 150's when a single would be sufficient.Im looking forward to single maintanance. thanks again

 

[sho305]

Re: twin vs single performance

Yes, I thought twins where for when you could not get on plane with one too, in addition to a backup. Also much more responsive such as when throttling over waves for hull position.

 

[Mumblerone]

Re: twin vs single performance

Keep in mind a lot of boats have twin motors on them because it's hard to buy a 500 HP outboard...right FlyBoyMark. Sooo...there's one more reason to have twins. I call it a matter of preference.

 

[FlyBoyMark]

Re: twin vs single performance

Mumblerone...that's exactly what I said:<br />1. The boat needs two engines because a single 250 is simply not big enough to plane out to a targeted speed.(a very large boat)

 

[Mumblerone]

Re: twin vs single performance

FBM...just ragging you a little. I have two 175 HP Evinrude Ocean Pros, I can get up on plane with one motor if I have to...I'd hate to come back 30 miles plus on a 25 HP kicker. It aint all Macho...but I must admit, I like the way they look! No offence meant! Have a great day. Seriously have you checked out the website I referred to above...quite interesting?

 

[steve forsythe]

Re: twin vs single performance

One other major benifit of twins is manuverability. I know you wouldnt buy them for that reason but you can troll slower, you can swing in and out of tight areas a little eaiser, and you look really good doing it!

 

[FlyBoyMark]

Re: twin vs single performance

Thats true too Mumblerone....If ya gonna have twins and can afford it make sure at least the boat can GO on one engine at full plane. Anotherwords, to put two engines on a boat just to have two engines and end up with the same performance as a single is futile if it won't go on one(then a 25 HP is the answer). If my boat was rated for 300 HP and 28' long I would by all means use a single 300 HP Offshore Merc(specialty motor..) with a 25 HP kicker rather than a pair of 150 HP. If I had a Mako 3100 series boat, a single 250 or 300 ain't gonna get it, ya need a pair of 225 HP or better to make this beast go.

 

[SeaMasterZ@aol.com]

Re: twin vs single performance

of course, there is the "I fish in lousy waters" argument where sometimes you have to get back to safe waters FAST ... and if that 275 HP whiz banger special sputtters its last gasp of the weekend, with a gale kicking up, that 25 is going to feel like you are paddling a glacier<br /><br />they DO look cool tho<br /><br />and you can steer with the throttles, coool!<br /><br />

 

[Dhadley]

Re: twin vs single performance

Dont forget that todays 2004 DI 250 Evinrude (not called Ficht anymore) is way more advanced than any 250 they ever had. We just replaced a 225 (carb) on a buddys flats boat with one. We had to go up 5" in pitch, gained almost 10 mph and gets unbelievable gas mileage. <br /><br />Check out Trailer Boat magazine - they have tested 250s head-to-head on several boats. They used 3 23' Tritons in one test and even the slowest Yamaha) was impressive in speed and range. All 3 got over 3 miles per gallon.<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[jprasisto]

Re: twin vs single performance

I think it also depends on where you use the boat. Calmer bay waters, closer to shore maybe the single. I regularly go offshore with my grady sailfish and would never consider a single. I like the feeling of the twins. Also with CR engines my manuverability in tight places is tremendous. I just re-powered with the Suzi Df140's and love them. I think a bigger question would be why people seem to go so huge with twins?? It seems more and more boats are "overpowered" to me. I could have put 200's on mine, but the added cost/weight/fuel consumption did not seem to warrant it but there are many doing it. Maybe the macho angle???

 

[coolblue1152]

Re: twin vs single performance

Twins give you more confidence when coming in a nasty inlet. A kicker doen't have much power to climb or surf a wave. It also is not there for you in a pinch. I have a nasty hard to predict inlet. I like having twins but I also liked having a single. I think a nice size kicker is fine. Range may be a factor. The kicker will likely go further. Everything is a trade off.