2-70's vs single 140

[jmsims3]

Im looking at 18' and 19' bay and offshore fishing boats. Most of the boats have single 115's up to 150's. I would feel beter with 2 motors. Just wondering if 2- 70 hp would be eq. to a 140 in speed and power.

 

[cmcpherson]

Re: 2-70's vs single 140

Horsepower is horsepower, doesn't matter how you slice and dice.

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: 2-70's vs single 140

The advantage is redundancy, if one motor takes a crap, you have the other to limp home on.

The disadvantage is drag; you have two lower-units in the water which will slow you down a bit.​

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 2-70's vs single 140

agree with Studly, you will not get the same speed out of 2 - 70's you will the 140, but you have the piece of mind of getting home. it's give and take. it also comes in handy when trolling.

 

[Wotam]

Re: 2-70's vs single 140

For 'offshore' use you really want 2 sources of power. This means either twin mains or a single main and a 'kicker'.

>"at 18' and 19' " [boat length]

IMHO: In that size range, a single main and kicker are more common than twins, mostly due to weight and transom width issues. If you go with a kicker, you'll be looking at an engine in the 8-15 hp range.

'XL' shaft length (23-25") is usually desirable for ocean use. Most mfg's make 'high torque' models for this sort of duty. A Garhauer or Garelick long-travel heavy duty motor mount is recommended... as there is quite a bit of shock loading on the mount when the boat is running through a chop with the kicker in the stored postition. Proper installation of the mount is critical too.. use bedding compound and backing plates to spread the load on the hull.

 

[05GlastronSX]

Re: 2-70's vs single 140

i would think you would have more torque with twin 70's then a single 140. This could help in bad weather with big waves. could be wrong but thats just my 2 cents. ..i agree with everyone else though.

 

[dingbat]

Re: 2-70's vs single 140

With a 18-19' boat your most likey not going to do much "offshore" so go with the 140 HP and install a kicker if you want the security. If the boat was larger I'd say duals without a doubt.