2 vs 1 outboard

[Port sider]

would I get about the same performance/speed from 2, 20HP outboards as 1, 40HP for a small runabout? Im thinking more get back home/spare tire insurane as one large outboard and a small kicker

 

[JB]

Re: 2 vs 1 outboard

Ahoy, Port sider.

Welcome to iboats.

No. Two legs in the water and two props double the drag of one. Two 20s weigh a lot more than one 40, too.

Twins or sisters would give you the security of get-home, provided the problem isn't shared, like fuel, for example, but a 40 and a kicker is IMO a better package. The kicker needs its own fuel supply, BTW.

 

[F_R]

Re: 2 vs 1 outboard

Agreed, the 40 probably will be faster. But the twins will have more load carrying capacity. So, they could win out if 40 horses are marginal for the boat and load.

Twins have twice the maintenance. Well not really, you have to take care of that kicker too. And maybe more noise. But that depends on what motors you pick. Some are much noisier than others.

Trouble with a kicker is you carry that thing all over creation, and when you finally need it, it won't run because it hasn't been used since who knows when. If you go that route, at least start it up every time you go out. And if it requires a different fuel mix or hose, keep fresh fuel in the tank---which, BTW, is another problem. Best keep them compatable so you can use the same tank. Then hope you aren't needing that spare motor because of a fuel problem.

Then there is that wonderful sound of twins running in sync. Gotta love it!!! Or, some may hate it.

Bottom line is there are arguements for both sides. You gotta make your own choice and then live with it.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: 2 vs 1 outboard

In the 50's and early sixties they put small twins on small boats, but back then, the big motors weren't common and they weighed a ton. You didn't get HP above 60 until the early 60's ( I remember when they came out with the 135 in the early 70's and it was the biggest motor they made). Also motors back then were quite unreliable, so the "spare" was more important.

Going from twins to singles is progress. Simpler, cheaper, lighter. Avoids dual steering and control set-up and related issues, too.

I am also not a fan of carrying a spare motor for break-downs in typical boating situations, but i don't carry a life raft, either, in case I have hull issues.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: 2 vs 1 outboard

Don't know if this fits, but it's surely close. Back in the '50's I was launching my boat and this guy ahead of me launched his boat (14-16 runabout) with vintage 15 and 25 hp Rudes. Gets em both purring, Idles out and using the throttle controls of each, which was a slide bar across the front of the cowling (vintage as I said) one hand on each throttle lever, he "put the pedal to the metal". Ha!

Obviously the 25 had the advantage and he was still in the hole when the 15 just politely tilted up and the prop was spinning in the air. So, in short, if getting duals, they have to match.

Mark

 

[saumon]

Re: 2 vs 1 outboard

Where i boat (St. Lawrence river) there's strong current, so a kicker is a no-brainer, for safety purpose.

Like JB said. Find a used small portable OB, something like a 4-6 hp. It's ligntweight, won't take up much space and you'll have the peace of mind. You'll even be able to use it on 12-14 ft tinny. If you don't like it, they're easy to sell.